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

Exports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Exports in Eastern Asia

In 2021, shipments abroad of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) increased by 12% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of export peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The shipments of the three major exporters of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye), namely Japan, Taiwan (Chinese) and China, represented more than two-thirds of total export. It was distantly followed by South Korea (X tons), generating a 9.5% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for South Korea (with a CAGR of +12.2%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Japan ($X), China ($X) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, together comprising 84% of total exports. These countries were followed by South Korea, which accounted for a further 16%.

In terms of the main exporting countries, South Korea, with a CAGR of +12.8%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 41% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a perceptible contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 52% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Korea ($X per ton), while Taiwan (Chinese) ($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 (+0.5%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Imports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Imports in Eastern Asia

In 2021, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) in Eastern Asia soared to X tons, rising by 16% on the previous year. Total imports indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +106.6% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 40% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of reached the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) soared to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a slight expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -11.1% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 41% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Taiwan (Chinese) represented the key importer of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) in Eastern Asia, with the volume of imports recording X tons, which was near 72% of total imports in 2021. China (X tons) held a 19% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by South Korea (5.8%). The following importers - Hong Kong SAR (X tons) and Japan (X tons) - each reached a 3.6% share of total imports.

Imports into Taiwan (Chinese) increased at an average annual rate of +8.0% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, China (+59.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, China emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Eastern Asia, with a CAGR of +59.8% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Hong Kong SAR (-1.8%), Japan (-14.7%) and South Korea (-14.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Taiwan (Chinese) and China increased by +21 and +18 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Taiwan (Chinese) ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) in Eastern Asia, comprising 63% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by China ($X), with a 21% share of total imports. It was followed by South Korea, with an 11% share.

In Taiwan (Chinese), imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) expanded at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: China (+17.2% per year) and South Korea (-7.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 5.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a noticeable setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 30% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was South Korea ($X per ton), while Taiwan (Chinese) ($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 (+8.6%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :