SADC: Soap Market 2025

Soap Market Size in SADC

In 2021, the SADC soap market increased by 4% to $X, rising for the fourth year in a row after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of consumption peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Soap Production in SADC

In value terms, soap production declined to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a abrupt shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 23% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Soap Exports

Exports in SADC

In 2021, overseas shipments of soap decreased by -23.8% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 7.5%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, soap exports amounted to $X in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a noticeable reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by 9.1%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

South Africa represented the largest exporter of soap in SADC, with the volume of exports recording X tons, which was near 73% of total exports in 2021. Zambia (X tons) took the second position in the ranking, followed by Tanzania (X tons). All these countries together took near 22% share of total exports. The following exporters - Mauritius (X tons) and Namibia (X tons) - each recorded a 4% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to soap exports from South Africa stood at -20.2%. At the same time, Tanzania (+25.6%) and Mauritius (+1.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Tanzania emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in SADC, with a CAGR of +25.6% from 2012-2021. Zambia experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Namibia (-6.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Tanzania (+10 p.p.), Zambia (+9 p.p.) and Mauritius (+2 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while South Africa saw its share reduced by -23.7% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest soap supplier in SADC, comprising 84% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Zambia ($X), with a 7.2% share of total exports. It was followed by Tanzania, with a 5.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in South Africa totaled -2.6%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Zambia (-4.8% per year) and Tanzania (+20.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, growing by 33% against the previous year. Overall, the export price posted prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 325% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Namibia ($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 (+22.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Soap Imports

Imports in SADC

In 2021, after four years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas purchases of soap, when their volume decreased by -7.6% to X tons. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% 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 2019 with an increase of 16% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2020, and then dropped in the following year.

In value terms, soap imports rose sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 20%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Tanzania (X tons), distantly followed by Angola (X tons), South Africa (X tons), Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons), Malawi (X tons), Mozambique (X tons), Madagascar (X tons) and Botswana (X tons) represented the major importers of soap, together achieving 86% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Tanzania (with a CAGR of +17.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest soap importing markets in SADC were South Africa ($X), Tanzania ($X) and Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X), together comprising 47% of total imports.

Tanzania, with a CAGR of +14.9%, 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 2021, the import price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 17% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a mild setback. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Botswana ($X per ton), while Angola ($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 (+0.5%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform