Latin America and the Caribbean: Market for Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) 2024

Market Size for Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2021, the Latin American market for anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, consumption, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) in Latin America and the Caribbean

In value terms, anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) production stood at $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, showed a pronounced contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2021, approx. X tons of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) were exported in Latin America and the Caribbean; reducing by -6.3% against the year before. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 12% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports expanded sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, exports showed a noticeable decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 19%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Uruguay represented the main exporting country with an export of around X tons, which resulted at 47% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Argentina (X tons), Mexico (X tons), Colombia (X tons) and Brazil (X tons), together creating a 45% share of total exports. Guatemala (X tons) and Peru (X tons) took a relatively small share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports from Uruguay stood at +1.1%. At the same time, Guatemala (+38.6%), Peru (+23.9%), Argentina (+9.7%) and Colombia (+3.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Guatemala emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a CAGR of +38.6% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Mexico (-6.2%) and Brazil (-11.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Argentina (+8.9 p.p.), Uruguay (+7.1 p.p.), Guatemala (+3.3 p.p.), Colombia (+3 p.p.) and Peru (+1.5 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Mexico and Brazil saw its share reduced by -8.5% and -16.7% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Uruguay ($X) remains the largest anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) supplier in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising 46% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Argentina ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by Mexico, with a 13% share.

In Uruguay, anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Argentina (+7.2% per year) and Mexico (-6.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 18% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a noticeable setback. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in Colombia ($X per ton) and Brazil ($X per ton), while Uruguay ($X per ton) and Guatemala ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Peru (+0.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Imports of Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Imports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2021, approx. X tons of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) were imported in Latin America and the Caribbean; picking up by 3% compared with the previous year. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.0% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 15% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Mexico (X tons) and Brazil (X tons) were the largest importers of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) in Latin America and the Caribbean, together amounting to approx. 46% of total imports. Argentina (X tons) held the next position in the ranking, followed by Chile (X tons), the Dominican Republic (X tons) and Colombia (X tons). All these countries together held near 27% share of total imports. El Salvador (X tons), Guatemala (X tons), Ecuador (X tons), Venezuela (X tons), Panama (X tons), Peru (X tons) and Paraguay (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for El Salvador (with a CAGR of +35.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) importing markets in Latin America and the Caribbean were Mexico ($X), Brazil ($X) and Argentina ($X), together accounting for 55% of total imports. These countries were followed by Chile, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Paraguay and Panama, which together accounted for a further 38%.

El Salvador, with a CAGR of +31.6%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of 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 Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 24% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a slight shrinkage. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Chile ($X per ton) and Colombia ($X per ton), while Panama ($X per ton) and Venezuela ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Dominican Republic (+1.5%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :