South Africa: Market for Caustic Soda in the Solid Form 2024

Market Size for Caustic Soda in the Solid Form in South Africa

The South African market for caustic soda in the solid form fell to $X in 2021, shrinking by -3.8% 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). Over the period under review, consumption enjoyed resilient growth. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, shipments abroad of caustic soda in the solid form increased by 95% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, total exports indicated a mild expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the exports of caustic soda in solid form hit record highs at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in the solid form skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a slight expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the exports of caustic soda in solid form attained the maximum at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Zimbabwe (X tons), Zambia (X tons) and Namibia (X tons) were the main destinations of exports of caustic soda in the solid form from South Africa, together comprising 55% of total exports. These countries were followed by Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Malawi and Angola, which together accounted for a further 44%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Democratic Republic of the Congo (with a CAGR of +24.8%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Zimbabwe ($X), Zambia ($X) and Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X) were the largest markets for caustic soda in the solid form exported from South Africa worldwide, with a combined 62% share of total exports.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a CAGR of +21.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average export price for caustic soda in the solid form amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Zimbabwe ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Swaziland ($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 Namibia (+1.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Imports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, imports of caustic soda in the solid form into South Africa surged to X tons, picking up by 17% against 2020 figures. Overall, imports enjoyed a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 92%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of imports of remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in the solid form amounted to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports showed a slight increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 102%. Imports peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

India (X tons), China (X tons) and France (X tons) were the main suppliers of imports of caustic soda in the solid form to South Africa, with a combined 93% share of total imports. The United Arab Emirates and Pakistan lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 6%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for the United Arab Emirates (with a CAGR of +125.6%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($X), India ($X) and the United Arab Emirates ($X) were the largest caustic soda in the solid form suppliers to South Africa, with a combined 88% share of total imports.

The United Arab Emirates, with a CAGR of +115.4%, saw 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

In 2021, the average import price for caustic soda in the solid form amounted to $X per ton, declining by -13.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price continues to indicate a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 39%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while the price for India ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (-3.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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