South Africa: Market for Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) 2025

Market Size for Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) in South Africa

The South African market for anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) shrank significantly to $X in 2021, with a decrease of -34.9% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption showed a abrupt shrinkage. Anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, shipments abroad of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) increased by 124% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, exports enjoyed a remarkable increase. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports posted buoyant growth. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Swaziland (X tons), Zimbabwe (X tons) and Namibia (X tons) were the main destinations of anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports from South Africa, with a combined 60% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Botswana, Zambia, Lesotho, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Spain, Romania and Mozambique, which together accounted for a further 28%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Romania (with a CAGR of +77.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exported from South Africa were Zimbabwe ($X), Swaziland ($X) and Zambia ($X), with a combined 50% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Spain, Lesotho and Romania, which together accounted for a further 28%.

Romania, with a CAGR of +70.8%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination 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 anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -9.4% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average export price increased by 15%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Mozambique ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Swaziland ($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 Mozambique (+3.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Imports of Anionic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) were imported into South Africa; almost unchanged from the previous year. Overall, imports showed a mild downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 60%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 38%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

China (X tons), Germany (X tons) and India (X tons) were the main suppliers of anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports to South Africa, together accounting for 64% of total imports. These countries were followed by Italy, Qatar, the United States, Belgium, the UK, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Poland, Egypt and Norway, which together accounted for a further 28%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Qatar (with a CAGR of +1,873.4%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X), China ($X) and Italy ($X) appeared to be the largest anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) suppliers to South Africa, together comprising 49% of total imports. These countries were followed by India, the UK, Belgium, the United States, Norway, Brazil, Qatar, Egypt, Poland and the United Arab Emirates, which together accounted for a further 40%.

Qatar, with a CAGR of +1,544.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers 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 anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 24% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the price for China ($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 UK (+6.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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