South Africa: Unsaturated Acyclic Hydrocarbons Market 2025

Unsaturated Acyclic Hydrocarbons Market Size in South Africa

The South African unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons market was finally on the rise to reach $X in 2021, after eight years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a tangible increase. As a result, consumption attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Unsaturated Acyclic Hydrocarbons Production in South Africa

In value terms, unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons production rose slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, recorded a perceptible reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 11%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Unsaturated Acyclic Hydrocarbons Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, the amount of unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons exported from South Africa dropped remarkably to X tons, with a decrease of -19.9% compared with the previous year's figure. In general, exports showed a mild contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 20% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons exports dropped to $X in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a perceptible decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 11%. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons), Singapore (X tons) and Belgium (X tons) were the main destinations of unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons exports from South Africa, together comprising 73% of total exports. Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 23%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the United Arab Emirates (with a CAGR of +33.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X), Singapore ($X) and Belgium ($X) constituted the largest markets for unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons exported from South Africa worldwide, with a combined 70% share of total exports. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Brazil and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 24%.

The United Arab Emirates, with a CAGR of +33.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of 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 unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons export price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced slump. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the countries with the highest prices were the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) and Brazil ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Japan ($X per ton) and the United States ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Saudi Arabia (+0.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Unsaturated Acyclic Hydrocarbons Imports

Imports into South Africa

For the fourth consecutive year, South Africa recorded growth in supplies from abroad of unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons, which increased by 164% to X tons in 2021. In general, imports posted a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 354%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

In value terms, unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports recorded a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 242%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Israel (X tons) constituted the largest unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons supplier to South Africa, accounting for a 71% share of total imports. Moreover, unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons imports from Israel exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the Netherlands (X tons), threefold. The United States (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 2.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Israel amounted to +527.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Netherlands (+140.7% per year) and the United States (+1.6% per year).

In value terms, Israel ($X) constituted the largest supplier of unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons to South Africa, comprising 59% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($X), with a 22% share of total imports. It was followed by the United States, with a 6.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Israel amounted to +153.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Netherlands (+118.8% per year) and the United States (+5.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 143%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat 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 the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Israel ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Portugal (+45.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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