South Africa: Market for Benzol (Benzene), Toluol (Toluene) And Xylol (Xylenes) 2024

Market Size for Benzol (Benzene), Toluol (Toluene) And Xylol (Xylenes) in South Africa

For the sixth year in a row, the South African benzol, toluol and xylol market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 2.2% to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a resilient increase. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports of Benzol (Benzene), Toluol (Toluene) And Xylol (Xylenes)

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of benzol (benzene), toluol (toluene) and xylol (xylenes) were finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt slump. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, benzol, toluol and xylol exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, saw a pronounced reduction. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Pakistan (X tons) was the main destination for benzol, toluol and xylol exports from South Africa, accounting for a 67% share of total exports. Moreover, benzol, toluol and xylol exports to Pakistan exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Zimbabwe (X tons), fivefold. Nigeria (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 5.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Pakistan amounted to +247.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Zimbabwe (-25.4% per year) and Nigeria (+14.3% per year).

In value terms, Pakistan ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for benzol (benzene), toluol (toluene) and xylol (xylenes) exports from South Africa, comprising 46% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Zimbabwe ($X), with a 19% share of total exports. It was followed by Nigeria, with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Pakistan amounted to +207.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Zimbabwe (-7.7% per year) and Nigeria (+15.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average benzol, toluol and xylol export price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the average export price increased by 100% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Nigeria ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Pakistan ($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 Zimbabwe (+23.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Benzol (Benzene), Toluol (Toluene) And Xylol (Xylenes)

Imports into South Africa

For the sixth year in a row, South Africa recorded growth in purchases abroad of benzol (benzene), toluol (toluene) and xylol (xylenes), which increased by 6.8% to X tons in 2021. Overall, imports recorded a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 692%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, benzol, toluol and xylol imports rose significantly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate notable growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 649% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the Netherlands (X tons) constituted the largest benzol, toluol and xylol supplier to South Africa, accounting for a 43% share of total imports. Moreover, benzol, toluol and xylol imports from the Netherlands exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), threefold. Spain (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 5.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the Netherlands amounted to +9.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (+5.3% per year) and Spain (-3.9% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constituted the largest supplier of benzol (benzene), toluol (toluene) and xylol (xylenes) to South Africa, comprising 42% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by Spain, with a 3.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from the Netherlands amounted to +2.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (+7.2% per year) and Spain (-14.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average benzol, toluol and xylol import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, flattening at the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a pronounced descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average import price increased by 6.3%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Taiwan (Chinese) (+1.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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