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

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

The GCC market for cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) was finally on the rise to reach $X in 2021, after two years of decline. Overall, consumption posted a buoyant expansion. The level of consumption peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

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

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production enjoyed buoyant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 54% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Exports in GCC

In 2021, shipments abroad of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) increased by 174% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after four years of decline. Overall, exports showed temperate growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when exports increased by 414% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a mild increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 180%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates dominates exports structure, resulting at X tons, which was approx. 92% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Saudi Arabia (X tons), constituting a 6.5% share of total exports.

The United Arab Emirates was also the fastest-growing in terms of the cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) exports, with a CAGR of +12.9% from 2012 to 2021. Saudi Arabia (-18.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. The United Arab Emirates (+49 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Saudi Arabia saw its share reduced by -48.9% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) remains the largest cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) supplier in GCC, comprising 90% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Saudi Arabia ($X), with an 8% share of total exports.

In the United Arab Emirates, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports increased at an average annual rate of +6.7% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -25.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a noticeable downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 54%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while the United Arab Emirates totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Saudi Arabia (+2.7%).

Imports of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Imports in GCC

In 2021, the amount of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) imported in GCC soared to X tons, picking up by 64% on 2020. Total imports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.6% 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 +93.4% against 2019 indices. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports surged to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +85.2% against 2019 indices. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Saudi Arabia (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) represented roughly 68% of total imports in 2021. Kuwait (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 14% share, followed by Qatar (11%) and Bahrain (4.8%). Oman (X tons) held a little share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Qatar (with a CAGR of +33.2%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) importing markets in GCC were Saudi Arabia ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Kuwait ($X), together accounting for 82% of total imports. These countries were followed by Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, which together accounted for a further 18%.

Qatar, with a CAGR of +19.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main importing countries 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 GCC amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -10.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 62% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2021, the import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Kuwait ($X per ton) and Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while Oman ($X per ton) and the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kuwait (+2.4%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform