MERCOSUR: Soap Market 2024

Soap Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR soap market decreased by -1.4% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Overall, consumption, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X, and then reduced slightly in the following year.

Soap Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, soap production declined modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 10%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X, and then declined in the following year.

Soap Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, approx. X tons of soap were exported in MERCOSUR; shrinking by -23.8% on the previous year. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 46%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons, and then fell notably in the following year.

In value terms, soap exports dropped significantly to $X in 2021. In general, exports saw a mild shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 36% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Brazil was the key exporter of soap in MERCOSUR, with the volume of exports amounting to X tons, which was approx. 51% of total exports in 2021. Colombia (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Argentina (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 35% share of total exports. Paraguay (X tons), Peru (X tons), Ecuador (X tons) and Chile (X tons) held a minor share of total exports.

Exports from Brazil increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Chile (+7.6%) and Paraguay (+3.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Chile emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +7.6% from 2012-2021. Colombia experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Peru (-1.1%), Ecuador (-7.5%) and Argentina (-7.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Brazil (+9.8 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Ecuador (-3 p.p.) and Argentina (-9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest soap supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 55% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Colombia ($X), with a 27% share of total exports. It was followed by Argentina, with an 8.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil was relatively modest. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Colombia (-2.3% per year) and Argentina (-9.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 6.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a mild setback. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Ecuador ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Paraguay (+5.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Soap Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

For the third consecutive year, MERCOSUR recorded growth in purchases abroad of soap, which increased by 4.6% to X tons in 2021. Total imports indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.3% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +70.9% against 2016 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 21% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

In value terms, soap imports expanded rapidly to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

The countries with the highest levels of soap imports in 2021 were Chile (X tons), Peru (X tons), Venezuela (X tons), Colombia (X tons), Argentina (X tons), Ecuador (X tons), Uruguay (X tons) and Paraguay (X tons), together reaching 95% of total import.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Chile (with a CAGR of +14.1%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest soap importing markets in MERCOSUR were Chile ($X), Peru ($X) and Venezuela ($X), with a combined 55% share of total imports.

Chile, with a CAGR of +9.1%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among 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 MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 5.5% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a noticeable curtailment. The level of import peaked 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 importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Ecuador ($X per ton), while Venezuela ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ecuador (+0.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform