Republic of Korea: Market for Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) 2025

Market Size for Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) in Republic of Korea

In 2021, the South Korean market for anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) increased by 14% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, consumption, however, saw a pronounced shrinkage. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

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

In value terms, anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) production stood at $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw a mild contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 32% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Exports from Republic of Korea

After two years of growth, overseas shipments of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) decreased by -9.9% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports, however, posted a measured expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when exports increased by 98%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

In value terms, anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports expanded significantly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw a measured increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when exports increased by 59%. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Japan (X tons), China (X tons) and Malaysia (X tons) were the main destinations of anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports from South Korea, with a combined 26% share of total exports. Mozambique, the Philippines, Chile, Vietnam, Bangladesh, the United States, Colombia, Panama, Australia and Taiwan (Chinese) lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 38%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Vietnam (with a CAGR of +28.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($X), Japan ($X) and Malaysia ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exported from South Korea worldwide, together comprising 27% of total exports. Mozambique, the Philippines, Vietnam, Chile, Bangladesh, the United States, Colombia, Panama, Taiwan (Chinese) and Australia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 37%.

Vietnam, with a CAGR of +24.3%, recorded 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 anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 26% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major export markets. In 2021, the highest price was recorded for prices to China ($X per ton) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Chile ($X per ton) and Australia ($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 Australia (+2.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Imports of Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Imports into Republic of Korea

For the fourth consecutive year, South Korea recorded growth in overseas purchases of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap), which increased by 17% to X tons in 2021. Overall, total imports indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +7.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +92.9% against 2012 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 31% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, total imports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +99.1% against 2015 indices. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), Thailand (X tons) and China (X tons) were the main suppliers of anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports to South Korea, together accounting for 68% of total imports. These countries were followed by Japan, Indonesia, India, Germany, Malaysia and the Philippines, which together accounted for a further 27%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by India (with a CAGR of +57.3%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) to South Korea, comprising 35% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Japan ($X), with a 17% share of total imports. It was followed by China, with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from the United States stood at +9.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Japan (-1.5% per year) and China (+9.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average import price for anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 10% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 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 Germany ($X per ton), while the price for Thailand ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+8.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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