Ireland: Lactam Market 2025

Lactam Market Size in Ireland

After two years of growth, the Irish lactam market decreased by -6% to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, consumption, however, posted a significant increase. Lactam consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped in the following year.

Lactam Production in Ireland

In value terms, lactam production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production continues to indicate a tangible expansion. As a result, production attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Lactam Exports

Exports from Ireland

Lactam exports from Ireland expanded rapidly to X tons in 2021, with an increase of 7.5% on 2020 figures. Over the period under review, exports recorded strong growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 242%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, lactam exports expanded modestly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports continue to indicate significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 352% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons), the UK (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main destinations of lactam exports from Ireland, with a combined 98% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Germany (with a CAGR of +355.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X), the UK ($X) and the United States ($X) were the largest markets for lactam exported from Ireland worldwide, with a combined 96% share of total exports.

Germany, with a CAGR of +544.6%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lactam export price amounted to $X per kg, dropping by -3.2% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a buoyant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the average export price increased by 156% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per kg in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per kg), while the average price for exports to the United States ($X per kg) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to India (+1,831.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lactam Imports

Imports into Ireland

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas purchases of lactams from heterocyclic compounds, when their volume decreased by -15.6% to X tons. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when imports increased by 2,921%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2020, and then reduced remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, lactam imports surged to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, recorded a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 1,071%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the UK (X tons) constituted the largest lactam supplier to Ireland, with a 69% share of total imports. Moreover, lactam imports from the UK exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X tons), fourfold. Switzerland (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the UK stood at +48.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+133.0% per year) and Switzerland (+36.9% per year).

In value terms, Switzerland ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lactams from heterocyclic compounds to Ireland, comprising 72% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the UK ($X), with an 8.8% share of total imports. It was followed by China, with a 2.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Switzerland stood at +87.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the UK (+95.9% per year) and China (+127.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lactam import price amounted to $X per kg, picking up by 60% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 461% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per kg in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Switzerland ($X per kg), while the price for the UK ($X per kg) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+39.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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