South Africa: Market for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) 2024

Market Size for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) in South Africa

In 2021, the South African market for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. Overall, consumption enjoyed a mild increase. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Exports from South Africa

For the fifth year in a row, South Africa recorded decline in shipments abroad of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye), which decreased by -6.4% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a pronounced descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 36% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports of failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) soared to $X in 2021. Overall, exports saw a noticeable decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 27% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports of failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Namibia (X tons), Botswana (X tons) and Swaziland (X tons) were the main destinations of exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) from South Africa, with a combined 63% share of total exports. Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Democratic Republic of the Congo lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 21%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Zambia (with a CAGR of +19.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Botswana ($X), Namibia ($X) and Swaziland ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) exported from South Africa worldwide, together accounting for 59% of total exports. Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Democratic Republic of the Congo lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 27%.

Mozambique, with a CAGR of +14.0%, saw the highest growth rate of 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

In 2021, the average export price for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 28% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Lesotho ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Swaziland ($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 Botswana (+5.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Imports into South Africa

Imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) into South Africa soared to X tons in 2021, with an increase of 44% on the previous year. In general, total imports indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -3.4% against 2017 indices. Imports peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports of attained the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) constituted the largest caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) supplier to South Africa, with a 38% share of total imports. Moreover, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Qatar (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by China (X tons), with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the United States stood at +27.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Qatar (-12.7% per year) and China (+73.6% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X), India ($X) and China ($X) were the largest caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) suppliers to South Africa, together comprising 79% of total imports. These countries were followed by Qatar, Belgium, Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands, which together accounted for a further 16%.

In terms of the main suppliers, Belgium, with a CAGR of +280.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, 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 caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 49% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average import price increased by 51%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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 India ($X per ton), while the price for Saudi Arabia ($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 United States (-1.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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