SADC: Market for Caustic Soda in the Solid Form 2024

Exports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Exports in SADC

In 2021, shipments abroad of caustic soda in the solid form increased by 45% to X tons for the first time since 2016, thus ending a four-year declining trend. Overall, exports, however, recorded a slight downturn. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in the solid form skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded a slight descent. The level of export peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

South Africa dominates form structure, finishing at X tons, which was approx. 81% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Tanzania (X tons), mixing up a 5.5% share of total exports. The following exporters - Mozambique (X tons), Zambia (X tons), Namibia (X tons) and Zimbabwe (X tons) - together made up 10% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to caustic soda in the solid form exports from South Africa stood at +1.3%. At the same time, Zimbabwe (+26.3%) and Namibia (+12.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Zimbabwe emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in SADC, with a CAGR of +26.3% from 2012-2021. Zambia experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Mozambique (-4.8%) and Tanzania (-14.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of South Africa (+18 p.p.), Zimbabwe (+1.9 p.p.) and Namibia (+1.8 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Tanzania (-14.7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest caustic soda in the solid form supplier in SADC, comprising 83% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Tanzania ($X), with a 4% share of total exports. It was followed by Namibia, with a 3% share.

In South Africa, exports of caustic soda in the solid form expanded at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Tanzania (-15.6% per year) and Namibia (+13.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Zimbabwe ($X per ton), while Tanzania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Zambia (+5.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Imports in SADC

In 2021, overseas purchases of caustic soda in the solid form increased by 0.8% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 12%. Over the period under review, imports of caustic soda in solid form attained the peak figure at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in the solid form expanded modestly to $X in 2021. Overall, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 38% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of caustic soda in solid form reached the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Tanzania (X tons), Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons), South Africa (X tons) and Mozambique (X tons) represented the key importer of caustic soda in the solid form in SADC, achieving 73% of total import. It was distantly followed by Angola (X tons) and Zambia (X tons), together creating an 11% share of total imports. Zimbabwe (X tons) held a minor share 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 Zambia (with a CAGR of +21.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest caustic soda in the solid form importing markets in SADC were Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X), Tanzania ($X) and Mozambique ($X), together comprising 61% of total imports. South Africa, Zambia, Angola and Zimbabwe lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 26%.

Zambia, with a CAGR of +22.9%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of 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, growing by 2.2% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a mild curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Zambia ($X per ton), while South Africa ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Zambia (+1.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform