South Africa: Market for Polyethylene Glycols and Polyethers in Primary Forms 2024

Market Size for Polyethylene Glycols and Polyethers in Primary Forms in South Africa

In 2021, the South African polyethylene glycol and polyether market was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. Overall, the total consumption indicated notable growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports of Polyethylene Glycols and Polyethers in Primary Forms

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of polyethylene glycols and polyethers in primary forms decreased by -16.8% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. In general, exports continue to indicate a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 131% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, polyethylene glycol and polyether exports declined to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a abrupt descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 115%. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Zambia (X tons), Zimbabwe (X tons) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons) were the main destinations of polyethylene glycol and polyether exports from South Africa, with a combined 57% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Nigeria, Ghana, Namibia, Angola, Malawi, Tanzania, Swaziland, Benin, Botswana and Mozambique, which together accounted for a further 35%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Benin (with a CAGR of +20.2%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Zambia ($X), Zimbabwe ($X) and Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X) constituted the largest markets for polyethylene glycol and polyether exported from South Africa worldwide, with a combined 60% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Nigeria, Ghana, Namibia, Malawi, Angola, Benin, Tanzania, Botswana, Swaziland and Mozambique, which together accounted for a further 33%.

Benin, with a CAGR of +33.1%, recorded 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 polyethylene glycol and polyether export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 13% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a slight reduction. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Malawi ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Nigeria ($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 Benin (+10.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Polyethylene Glycols and Polyethers in Primary Forms

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, purchases abroad of polyethylene glycols and polyethers in primary forms increased by 35% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, polyethylene glycol and polyether imports surged to $X in 2021. In general, total imports indicated a notable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), China (X tons) and the United States (X tons) were the main suppliers of polyethylene glycol and polyether imports to South Africa, together accounting for 60% of total imports. Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Germany, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Italy, France and the UK lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 37%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by the United Arab Emirates (with a CAGR of +120.5%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X), China ($X) and the United States ($X) were the largest polyethylene glycol and polyether suppliers to South Africa, together accounting for 58% of total imports. These countries were followed by Saudi Arabia, Germany, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Italy, Belgium, the UK and France, which together accounted for a further 38%.

Saudi Arabia, with a CAGR of +91.1%, 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 polyethylene glycol and polyether import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 37% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Saudi Arabia (+4.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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