Eastern Asia: Market for Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) 2025

Market Size for Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) in Eastern Asia

After two years of decline, the East Asian market for cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) increased by 2.6% to $X in 2021. In general, consumption, however, showed a pronounced contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 8.8%. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) in Eastern Asia

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) production rose modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, recorded a noticeable slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 11% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Exports in Eastern Asia

In 2021, exports of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) in Eastern Asia expanded modestly to X tons, rising by 3.3% on 2020. In general, exports showed prominent growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when exports increased by 124% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports expanded rapidly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded a tangible expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 69% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

China represented the key exporting country with an export of around X tons, which resulted at 84% of total exports. It was distantly followed by South Korea (X tons), generating a 13% share of total exports. Japan (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports from China stood at +6.5%. At the same time, South Korea (+8.0%) and Japan (+5.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, South Korea emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Eastern Asia, with a CAGR of +8.0% from 2012-2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of South Korea increased by +1.5 percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($X) remains the largest cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) supplier in Eastern Asia, comprising 72% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Korea ($X), with a 19% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in China stood at +2.7%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Korea (+12.4% per year) and Japan (+1.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, surging by 11% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a noticeable decrease. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+4.0%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Imports of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Imports in Eastern Asia

For the third consecutive year, Eastern Asia recorded growth in overseas purchases of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap), which increased by 11% to X tons in 2021. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 15%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports surged to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

China was the largest importing country with an import of around X tons, which accounted for 49% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Japan (X tons), South Korea (X tons) and Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), together comprising a 50% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Japan (with a CAGR of +17.4%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, China ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) in Eastern Asia, comprising 56% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Japan ($X), with a 17% share of total imports. It was followed by South Korea, with a 16% share.

In China, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Japan (+16.3% per year) and South Korea (+0.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 13% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while Japan ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+1.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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