Malaysia: Caustic Soda Market 2024

Caustic Soda Market Size in Malaysia

In 2021, the Malaysian caustic soda market decreased by -19.6% to $X, falling for the third year in a row after five years of growth. Over the period under review, consumption, however, continues to indicate a strong expansion. Caustic soda consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Caustic Soda Exports

Exports from Malaysia

In 2021, shipments abroad of caustic soda decreased by -3.5% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a mild expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 84% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, caustic soda exports rose notably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate measured growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 68%. The exports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Singapore (X tons) was the main destination for caustic soda exports from Malaysia, with a 77% share of total exports. Moreover, caustic soda exports to Singapore exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Australia (X tons), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Papua New Guinea (X tons), with a 3.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Singapore stood at +1.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Australia (-5.1% per year) and Papua New Guinea (-2.1% per year).

In value terms, Singapore ($X) remains the key foreign market for caustic soda exports from Malaysia, comprising 63% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Papua New Guinea ($X), with a 6.6% share of total exports. It was followed by Australia, with a 4.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Singapore stood at +2.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Papua New Guinea (+1.8% per year) and Australia (-7.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average caustic soda export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 21%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Papua New Guinea ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Brunei Darussalam ($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 Papua New Guinea (+4.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Caustic Soda Imports

Imports into Malaysia

In 2021, purchases abroad of caustic soda decreased by -22.3% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after six years of growth. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 70% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, caustic soda imports contracted rapidly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed mild growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 53%. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Japan (X tons), China (X tons) and Indonesia (X tons) were the main suppliers of caustic soda imports to Malaysia, with a combined 87% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Indonesia (with a CAGR of +22.6%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest caustic soda suppliers to Malaysia were Japan ($X), China ($X) and Indonesia ($X), together accounting for 83% of total imports. These countries were followed by South Korea and Thailand, which together accounted for a further 9%.

Among the main suppliers, South Korea, with a CAGR of +14.7%, saw 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

The average caustic soda import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 8.5% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 52%. 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.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Thailand ($X per ton), while the price for Indonesia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Thailand (+0.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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