Europe: Market for Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) 2024

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

In 2021, the Europe market for cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) decreased by -13.6% to $X, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. Overall, consumption recorded a pronounced descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the market value increased by 7.2%. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

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

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) production shrank to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a perceptible downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 7.2% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Exports in Europe

In 2021, after four years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas shipments of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap), when their volume increased by 5.1% to X tons. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a pronounced setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 11%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, recorded a pronounced decrease. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Germany (X tons) and Spain (X tons) were the major exporters of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) in 2021, amounting to near 32% and 25% of total exports, respectively. Italy (X tons) took the next position in the ranking, followed by Sweden (X tons), France (X tons) and the UK (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 26% share of total exports. Belgium (X tons) held a minor share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by Belgium (with a CAGR of +5.9%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, Germany ($X) remains the largest cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) supplier in Europe, comprising 34% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Spain ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by Italy, with an 8.6% share.

In Germany, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports plunged by an average annual rate of -3.8% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Spain (+5.8% per year) and Italy (+1.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Europe stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 15% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the export price increased by 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+7.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Imports in Europe

In 2021, supplies from abroad of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) increased by 1.8% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after four years of decline. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a noticeable downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 5% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports rose significantly to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, showed a noticeable reduction. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Italy (X tons), Portugal (X tons), Hungary (X tons), France (X tons), the UK (X tons), Germany (X tons), Belgium (X tons), Russia (X tons), Poland (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons), Bulgaria (X tons) and the Czech Republic (X tons) represented the key importer of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) in Europe, generating 80% of total import. Spain (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Bulgaria (with a CAGR of +13.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) importing markets in Europe were Italy ($X), the UK ($X) and Germany ($X), with a combined 29% share of total imports. These countries were followed by France, Belgium, Russia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, which together accounted for a further 53%.

Among the main importing countries, Bulgaria, with a CAGR of +16.6%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Europe amounted to $X per ton, rising by 12% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 15%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the maximum in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Hungary (+4.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform