SADC: Market for Refined or Synthetic Glycerol 2025

Market Size for Refined or Synthetic Glycerol in SADC

The SADC refined or synthetic glycerol market amounted to $X in 2022, picking up by 2.9% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Production of Refined or Synthetic Glycerol in SADC

In value terms, refined or synthetic glycerol production reduced slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 32% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2020 to 2022, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Refined or Synthetic Glycerol

Exports in SADC

In 2022, overseas shipments of refined or synthetic glycerol decreased by -8.8% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a noticeable shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, refined or synthetic glycerol exports expanded remarkably to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, posted slight growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 73%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

South Africa was the major exporter of refined or synthetic glycerol in SADC, with the volume of exports reaching X tons, which was approx. 82% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Tanzania (X tons), achieving a 14% share of total exports.

Exports from South Africa decreased at an average annual rate of -3.2% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Tanzania (+4.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Tanzania emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in SADC, with a CAGR of +4.9% from 2012-2022. While the share of Tanzania (+7.1 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of South Africa (-8.7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest refined or synthetic glycerol supplier in SADC, comprising 87% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Tanzania ($X), with an 11% share of total exports.

In South Africa, refined or synthetic glycerol exports expanded at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the period from 2012-2022.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2022, jumping by 15% against the previous year. Export price indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, refined or synthetic glycerol export price increased by +67.7% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the export price increased by 46% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the peak figure in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Tanzania amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+4.7%).

Imports of Refined or Synthetic Glycerol

Imports in SADC

Refined or synthetic glycerol imports skyrocketed to X tons in 2022, jumping by 30% compared with the previous year. Overall, imports posted a resilient expansion. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, refined or synthetic glycerol imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a prominent increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 56%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

Tanzania (X tons) and South Africa (X tons) dominates imports structure, together committing 72% of total imports. Zambia (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 9.6% share, followed by Malawi (8.4%) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (6.6%).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Tanzania (with a CAGR of +19.6%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, South Africa ($X), Tanzania ($X) and Zambia ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together accounting for 83% of total imports.

Tanzania, with a CAGR of +18.8%, 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 2022, the import price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, growing by 8.2% against the previous year. Import price indicated a slight increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, refined or synthetic glycerol import price increased by +53.4% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 42% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Tanzania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+7.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform