South Africa: P-Xylene Market 2024

P-Xylene Market Size in South Africa

In 2021, the South African p-xylene market decreased by -13% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. In general, consumption, however, recorded resilient growth. P-xylene consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then declined in the following year.

P-Xylene Production in South Africa

In value terms, p-xylene production declined to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the production volume increased by 131% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

P-Xylene Exports

Exports from South Africa

For the ninth consecutive year, South Africa recorded decline in overseas shipments of p-xylene, which decreased by -49.4% to X tons in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a dramatic decline. The smallest decline of -12.9% was in 2020. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, p-xylene exports reduced remarkably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a precipitous slump. The smallest decline of -25.1% was in 2013. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Malawi (X kg), Zimbabwe (X kg) and Zambia (X kg) were the main destinations of p-xylene exports from South Africa, together comprising 84% of total exports. These countries were followed by Mauritius and Namibia, which together accounted for a further 16%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Namibia (with a CAGR of +5.2%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, Malawi ($X) remains the key foreign market for p-xylene exports from South Africa, comprising 43% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Zimbabwe ($X), with a 19% share of total exports. It was followed by Zambia, with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Malawi amounted to +6.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Zimbabwe (-45.5% per year) and Zambia (-25.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average p-xylene export price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 42% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the 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 Namibia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Zambia ($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 Namibia (+5.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

P-Xylene Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, imports of p-xylene into South Africa surged to X kg, with an increase of 318% on the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a perceptible decline. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X kg in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, p-xylene imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when imports increased by 181% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, India (X kg) constituted the largest p-xylene supplier to South Africa, accounting for a 67% share of total imports. Moreover, p-xylene imports from India exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United States (X kg), threefold. Belgium (X kg) ranked third in terms of total imports with an 8.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from India totaled +46.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (-18.9% per year) and Belgium (0.0% per year).

In value terms, India ($X), the United States ($X) and Germany ($X) constituted the largest p-xylene suppliers to South Africa, with a combined 83% share of total imports.

India, with a CAGR of +62.8%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among 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 p-xylene import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, falling by -65.8% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a tangible expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the average import price increased by 501% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for India ($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 Netherlands (+549.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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