Latin America and the Caribbean: Polycarboxylic Acid Market 2024

Polycarboxylic Acid Market Size in Latin America and the Caribbean

After four years of growth, the Latin American polycarboxylic acid market decreased by -3.9% to $X in 2022. Overall, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 8.5% against the previous year. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

Polycarboxylic Acid Production in Latin America and the Caribbean

In value terms, polycarboxylic acid production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, recorded a slight setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 5.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Polycarboxylic Acid Exports

Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2022, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas shipments of polycarboxylic acids, when their volume increased by 103% to X tons. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, polycarboxylic acid exports rose rapidly to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 24%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Mexico prevails in exports structure, accounting for X tons, which was approx. 91% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Brazil (X tons), comprising a 5.3% share of total exports. Chile (X tons) held a little share of total exports.

Mexico experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of polycarboxylic acids. Chile (-1.2%) and Brazil (-3.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Mexico (+3.7 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Mexico ($X) remains the largest polycarboxylic acid supplier in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising 76% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Brazil ($X), with a 13% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Mexico totaled -8.0%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Brazil (-2.8% per year) and Chile (-0.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -44.3% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a deep slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 13% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while Mexico ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+0.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Polycarboxylic Acid Imports

Imports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2022, purchases abroad of polycarboxylic acids increased by 31% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after three years of decline. In general, imports, however, showed a perceptible slump. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, polycarboxylic acid imports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 53%. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Brazil (X tons) represented the major importer of polycarboxylic acids, constituting 42% of total imports. Argentina (X tons) took a 26% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Mexico (17%) and Peru (4.8%). Colombia (X tons) and Ecuador (X tons) took a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Peru (with a CAGR of +5.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Brazil ($X), Mexico ($X) and Argentina ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together accounting for 83% of total imports.

Mexico, with a CAGR of +4.5%, saw 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

The import price in Latin America and the Caribbean stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 3.4% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the import price increased by 36%. Over the period under review, import prices reached the peak figure in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Mexico ($X per ton), while Argentina ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico (+1.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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