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

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

The South Korean market for non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) declined to $X in 2021, falling by -7.7% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

In value terms, non-ionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) production fell to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 21%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Non-Ionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Exports from Republic of Korea

In 2021, approx. X tons of non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) were exported from South Korea; increasing by 4.8% compared with the year before. In general, exports continue to indicate a resilient expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 22%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, non-ionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, total exports indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +108.5% against 2012 indices. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons), China (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main destinations of non-ionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports from South Korea, together comprising 44% of total exports. These countries were followed by Australia, Turkey, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Russia, Taiwan (Chinese), Canada, the Netherlands and Thailand, which together accounted for a further 41%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Russia (with a CAGR of +20.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for non-ionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exported from South Korea were China ($X), the United States ($X) and Australia ($X), together accounting for 44% of total exports. Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, Turkey, Taiwan (Chinese), Russia, Canada, the Netherlands and Thailand lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 41%.

Among the main countries of destination, Russia, with a CAGR of +21.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, 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 non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 13% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed a slight slump. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained 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 for the major overseas markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Germany ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the Netherlands (+1.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Non-Ionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Imports into Republic of Korea

In 2021, approx. X tons of non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) were imported into South Korea; with an increase of 24% on the year before. In general, total imports indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% 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 +76.3% against 2013 indices. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, non-ionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, total imports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% 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 +76.0% against 2013 indices. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) constituted the largest non-ionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) supplier to South Korea, accounting for a 46% share of total imports. Moreover, non-ionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Japan (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Malaysia (X tons), with a 7.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from China amounted to +25.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Japan (-1.7% per year) and Malaysia (+1.7% per year).

In value terms, the largest non-ionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) suppliers to South Korea were China ($X), Japan ($X) and the United States ($X), together comprising 76% of total imports. Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan (Chinese) and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 19%.

In terms of the main suppliers, Taiwan (Chinese), with a CAGR of +35.4%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 9.8% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+10.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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