Italy: Market for Caustic Soda in the Solid Form 2024

Market Size for Caustic Soda in the Solid Form in Italy

In 2021, the Italian market for caustic soda in the solid form was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. In general, consumption, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Exports from Italy

After two years of decline, shipments abroad of caustic soda in the solid form increased by 26% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports recorded resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 101% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in the solid form skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports recorded strong growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 137%. Over the period under review, the exports of caustic soda in solid form attained the maximum at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Germany (X tons), Norway (X tons) and Switzerland (X tons) were the main destinations of exports of caustic soda in the solid form from Italy, together comprising 38% 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 +103.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Norway ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for caustic soda in the solid form exports from Italy, comprising 27% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Germany ($X), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by Spain, with a 9.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Norway was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Germany (+90.7% per year) and Spain (+30.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average export price for caustic soda in the solid form stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 63% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated a notable increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, export price for caustic soda in the solid form increased by +144.2% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Switzerland ($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 (+24.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Imports into Italy

In 2021, overseas purchases of caustic soda in the solid form increased by 7.2% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 13% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in the solid form soared to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 39%. Over the period under review, imports of caustic soda in solid form reached the maximum at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, France (X tons) constituted the largest caustic soda in the solid form supplier to Italy, with a 44% share of total imports. Moreover, imports of caustic soda in the solid form from France exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Austria (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Romania (X tons), with a 7.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from France stood at +3.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Austria (-1.3% per year) and Romania (+5.7% per year).

In value terms, the largest caustic soda in the solid form suppliers to Italy were France ($X), Austria ($X) and Germany ($X), with a combined 69% share of total imports. Romania, Russia, Poland, Spain and India lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 22%.

In terms of the main suppliers, India, with a CAGR of +198.1%, 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 average import price for caustic soda in the solid form amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 16% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 31% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (+2.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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