China: Market for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) 2025

Market Size for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) in China

In 2021, the Chinese market for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) decreased by -30% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. In general, consumption, however, saw a prominent expansion. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) in China

In value terms, production of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) amounted to less than $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a relatively flat trend pattern.

Exports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Exports from China

In 2021, shipments abroad of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) increased by 82% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. In general, exports, however, showed a pronounced decrease. Over the period under review, the exports of hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt curtailment. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Australia (X tons) was the main destination for exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) from China, with a 41% share of total exports. Moreover, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) to Australia exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), threefold. Indonesia (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Australia stood at -6.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (+13.1% per year) and Indonesia (+23.3% per year).

In value terms, Australia ($X) remains the key foreign market for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) exports from China, comprising 44% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by Indonesia, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Australia amounted to -10.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (+6.0% per year) and Indonesia (+16.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average export price for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 23% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a noticeable decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 75% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Korea ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the Philippines ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Papua New Guinea (+1.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Imports into China

In 2021, the amount of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) imported into China soared to X tons, surging by 22% compared with the previous year. In general, imports recorded significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 1,221% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports enjoyed a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 615%. Imports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Japan (X tons), Qatar (X tons) and Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) were the main suppliers of imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) to China, with a combined 68% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Saudi Arabia, the UK, the United States, Germany, South Korea and Indonesia, which together accounted for a further 30%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for the UK (with a CAGR of +194.4%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Qatar ($X), Saudi Arabia ($X) and Germany ($X) constituted the largest caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) suppliers to China, together accounting for 75% of total imports. These countries were followed by the United States, Japan, Taiwan (Chinese), the UK, South Korea and Indonesia, which together accounted for a further 23%.

The UK, with a CAGR of +71.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average import price for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) amounted to $X per ton, surging by 3.6% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a dramatic shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average import price increased by 52%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for Indonesia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Saudi Arabia (+73.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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