Japan: Market for Caustic Soda in the Solid Form 2024

Market Size for Caustic Soda in the Solid Form in Japan

The Japanese market for caustic soda in the solid form fell notably to $X in 2021, shrinking by -37.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a sharp decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the market value decreased by -3.5%. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form in Japan

In value terms, production of caustic soda in the solid form stood at less than $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern.

Exports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Exports from Japan

In 2021, overseas shipments of caustic soda in the solid form increased by 28% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.6% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in the solid form surged to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 31% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

China (X tons) was the main destination for exports of caustic soda in the solid form from Japan, accounting for a 71% share of total exports. Moreover, exports of caustic soda in the solid form to China exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), ninefold. Vietnam (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 6.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to China stood at +7.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (+1.4% per year) and Vietnam (+47.0% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) remains the key foreign market for caustic soda in the solid form exports from Japan, comprising 69% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a 9% share of total exports. It was followed by Vietnam, with a 6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to China amounted to +6.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (+0.8% per year) and Vietnam (+43.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average export price for caustic soda in the solid form amounted to $X per ton, waning by -2.5% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a perceptible setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the average export price increased by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Thailand ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the Philippines ($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 Taiwan (Chinese) (-0.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Imports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Imports into Japan

Imports of caustic soda in the solid form into Japan surged to X tons in 2021, increasing by 23% compared with 2020 figures. Overall, imports, however, showed a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when imports increased by 23%. Over the period under review, imports of caustic soda in solid form hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in the solid form soared to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, showed a deep setback. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Thailand (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of caustic soda in the solid form to Japan, with a 71% share of total imports. Moreover, imports of caustic soda in the solid form from Thailand exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), threefold. Sweden (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 3.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Thailand amounted to -1.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (-12.9% per year) and Sweden (-0.2% per year).

In value terms, Thailand ($X) constituted the largest supplier of caustic soda in the solid form to Japan, comprising 62% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Sweden ($X), with a 17% share of total imports. It was followed by Taiwan (Chinese), with a 17% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Thailand stood at -4.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Sweden (-1.8% per year) and Taiwan (Chinese) (-15.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for caustic soda in the solid form stood at $X per ton in 2021, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a slight reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the average import price increased by 33%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Sweden (-1.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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