MERCOSUR: Ethylene Oxide Market 2025

Ethylene Oxide Market Size in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR ethylene oxide market fell rapidly to $X in 2022, which is down by -16.1% against the previous year. In general, consumption, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X, and then shrank notably in the following year.

Ethylene Oxide Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, ethylene oxide production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 20%. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Ethylene Oxide Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, overseas shipments of oxirane (ethylene oxide) decreased by -19.3% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a four-year rising trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 182%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2021, and then fell dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, ethylene oxide exports reduced to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, recorded a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 96%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2021, and then contracted slightly in the following year.

Exports by Country

Argentina represented the largest exporting country with an export of about X tons, which accounted for 79% of total exports. Peru (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 13% share, followed by Chile (6.7%).

Argentina was also the fastest-growing in terms of the oxirane (ethylene oxide) exports, with a CAGR of +25.6% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Chile (+18.5%) and Peru (+8.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of Argentina (+49 p.p.) and Chile (+2.2 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of Peru (-7.9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Argentina ($X) remains the largest ethylene oxide supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 66% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Peru ($X), with a 30% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Argentina totaled +13.7%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Peru (+13.7% per year) and Chile (+6.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2022, jumping by 22% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a noticeable descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 57%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Peru ($X per ton), while Chile ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Peru (+4.6%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Ethylene Oxide Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

Ethylene oxide imports dropped to X tons in 2022, waning by -12.3% against 2021. Overall, imports, however, saw a noticeable expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 36%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, ethylene oxide imports reduced to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 23% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Brazil (X tons), Colombia (X tons) and Argentina (X tons) represented the main importer of oxirane (ethylene oxide) in MERCOSUR, committing 79% of total import. Chile (X tons) held a 9% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Venezuela (7.3%). Peru (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Brazil (with a CAGR of +46.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest ethylene oxide importing markets in MERCOSUR were Colombia ($X), Brazil ($X) and Chile ($X), with a combined 66% share of total imports.

Brazil, with a CAGR of +62.8%, 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

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2022, increasing by 3.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, recorded a pronounced shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 26% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while Venezuela ($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 (+10.9%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform