Philippines: Market for Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) 2025

Market Size for Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) in the Philippines

The Philippine market for cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) reduced modestly to $X in 2021, with a decrease of -2.1% against the previous year. In general, consumption showed a mild curtailment. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) in the Philippines

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) production contracted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a pronounced descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the production volume increased by 22%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Exports from the Philippines

In 2021, shipments abroad of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) increased by 1.4% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after four years of decline. In general, exports, however, recorded a noticeable decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 75% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports expanded remarkably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a deep downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 79%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Malaysia (X tons), Indonesia (X tons) and India (X tons) were the main destinations of cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports from the Philippines, with a combined 74% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Malaysia (with a CAGR of +52.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exported from the Philippines were Malaysia ($X), Indonesia ($X) and India ($X), with a combined 72% share of total exports.

Malaysia, with a CAGR of +50.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average export price for cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 6.4% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a slight descent. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major export markets. In 2021, the highest price was recorded for prices to India ($X per ton) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Indonesia ($X per ton) and Malaysia ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Malaysia (-1.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Imports of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Imports into the Philippines

In 2021, imports of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) into the Philippines soared to X tons, jumping by 16% against the year before. Over the period under review, imports posted a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 124% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, imports saw a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 100% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) to the Philippines, with a 67% share of total imports. Moreover, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, South Korea (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Vietnam (X tons), with a 5.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from China totaled +19.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Korea (+23.2% per year) and Vietnam (+63.1% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) to the Philippines, comprising 68% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Korea ($X), with a 17% share of total imports. It was followed by Thailand, with a 3.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from China stood at +18.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Korea (+14.9% per year) and Thailand (+15.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, recorded a perceptible slump. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Thailand ($X per ton), while the price for Vietnam ($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 (+9.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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