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

Market Size for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) in Ireland

The Irish market for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) expanded notably to $X in 2021, surging by 12% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, the total consumption indicated mild growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +26.1% against 2019 indices. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Exports from Ireland

After two years of decline, shipments abroad of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) increased by 160% to X tons in 2021. Overall, exports showed a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 1,977%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the exports of remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 1,826%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the exports of failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

The UK (X tons) was the main destination for exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) from Ireland, with a 65% share of total exports. Moreover, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) to the UK exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Germany (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the UK totaled +9.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Germany (+41.4% per year) and India (+43.2% per year).

In value terms, the UK ($X) remains the key foreign market for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) exports from Ireland, comprising 69% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by India ($X), with a 16% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to the UK amounted to +19.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: India (+44.6% per year) and Germany (+48.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average export price for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) amounted to $X per ton, standing approx. at the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 an increase of 184%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2020 to 2021, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the UK (+9.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Imports into Ireland

In 2021, approx. X tons of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) were imported into Ireland; with a decrease of -7.5% compared with the previous year's figure. Overall, total imports indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% 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 +20.4% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 30% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) surged to $X in 2021. In general, total imports indicated a slight expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% 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 +29.3% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 45% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) to Ireland, accounting for a 62% share of total imports. Moreover, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Germany (X tons), threefold. The UK (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the United States totaled +88.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (-5.6% per year) and the UK (-13.4% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) to Ireland, comprising 57% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Germany ($X), with a 23% share of total imports. It was followed by the UK, with a 9.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from the United States totaled +86.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (-4.5% per year) and the UK (-17.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average import price for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 36% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a noticeable downturn. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the highest price was recorded for prices from Germany ($X per ton) and the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for the UK ($X per ton) and the United States ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+1.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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