MERCOSUR: Market for Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) 2025

Market Size for Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR 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, saw a mild shrinkage. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) in MERCOSUR

In value terms, anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) production rose significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded a perceptible downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 9.6%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Exports in MERCOSUR

Anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports declined to X tons in 2021, waning by -2.9% on the year before. Overall, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when exports increased by 16% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a noticeable contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 18%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Uruguay (X tons) was the main exporter of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap), comprising 57% of total exports. Argentina (X tons) held an 18% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Colombia (11%) and Brazil (11%). Peru (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from Uruguay increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Peru (+23.9%), Argentina (+9.7%) and Colombia (+3.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Peru emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +23.9% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Brazil (-11.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Argentina (+10 p.p.), Uruguay (+5.5 p.p.), Colombia (+3.1 p.p.) and Peru (+1.8 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Brazil saw its share reduced by -22.1% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Uruguay ($X) remains the largest anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 56% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Argentina ($X), with an 18% share of total exports. It was followed by Colombia, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Uruguay was relatively modest. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Argentina (+7.2% per year) and Colombia (+1.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, growing by 19% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a perceptible downturn. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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 ($X per ton) and Argentina ($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 a decline in the export price figures.

Imports of Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, purchases abroad of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) decreased by -11.5% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 12%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons, and then declined in the following year.

In value terms, anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports rose markedly to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Brazil (X tons) represented the largest importer of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap), constituting 38% of total imports. Argentina (X tons) took the second position in the ranking, followed by Chile (X tons), Colombia (X tons), Ecuador (X tons) and Venezuela (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 52% share of total imports. Peru (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Imports into Brazil increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Colombia (+6.7%), Ecuador (+6.0%), Peru (+5.8%), Venezuela (+5.4%) and Chile (+2.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Colombia emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +6.7% from 2012-2021. Argentina experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. Colombia (+2.7 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Brazil and Argentina saw its share reduced by -1.6% and -5.3% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) in MERCOSUR, comprising 38% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Argentina ($X), with a 17% share of total imports. It was followed by Chile, with a 16% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil amounted to +1.2%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Argentina (-3.2% per year) and Chile (+0.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, growing by 29% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a slight setback. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably 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 Venezuela ($X per ton) and Ecuador ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (-0.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform