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

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

The SADC market for cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) dropped modestly to $X in 2021, falling by -1.9% against the previous year. In general, consumption saw a pronounced descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the market value increased by 6.9%. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

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

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) production declined modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production showed a deep contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 10% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Exports in SADC

In 2021, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports in SADC soared to X tons, picking up by 26% against the year before. Over the period under review, exports showed a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by 288%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, exports saw strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 265% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

South Africa was the key exporting country with an export of about X tons, which reached 85% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Zimbabwe (X tons), committing a 12% share of total exports. Zambia (X tons) took a little share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports from South Africa stood at +20.3%. At the same time, Zambia (+26.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Zambia emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in SADC, with a CAGR of +26.1% from 2012-2021. Zimbabwe experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. While the share of Zimbabwe (+12 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of South Africa (-10.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) supplier in SADC, comprising 91% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Zimbabwe ($X), with a 7.2% share of total exports.

In South Africa, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports expanded at an average annual rate of +14.7% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Zimbabwe (0.0% per year) and Zambia (+1.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2021, with a decrease of -3.7% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the export price increased by 13%. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Zambia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (-4.6%).

Imports of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Imports in SADC

Cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports contracted slightly to X tons in 2021, waning by -3.3% on the previous year's figure. In general, imports showed a mild downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 43% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports recorded a pronounced decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 22%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

South Africa (X tons) and Zambia (X tons) were the main importers of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) in 2021, recording approx. 32% and 25% of total imports, respectively. Zimbabwe (X tons) took the next position in the ranking, followed by Namibia (X tons) and Swaziland (X tons). All these countries together took near 22% share of total imports. Mozambique (X tons), Tanzania (X tons), Mauritius (X tons), Botswana (X tons) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Zimbabwe (with a CAGR of +53.9%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) in SADC, comprising 42% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Zambia ($X), with a 17% share of total imports. It was followed by Zimbabwe, with a 7.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in South Africa stood at -10.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Zambia (+23.8% per year) and Zimbabwe (+41.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 20% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a perceptible slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 24%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2021, the import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X per ton), while Tanzania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Democratic Republic of the Congo (+8.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform