South-Eastern Asia: Market for Caustic Soda in the Solid Form 2024

Exports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Exports in South-Eastern Asia

In 2021, shipments abroad of caustic soda in the solid form was finally on the rise to reach X tons after three years of decline. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a mild descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 49%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the exports of failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in the solid form amounted to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded a noticeable curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 79%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Thailand prevails in form structure, resulting at X tons, which was near 86% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Singapore (X tons), making up a 7.9% share of total exports. Indonesia (X tons) and Malaysia (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Thailand experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of caustic soda in the solid form. At the same time, Singapore (+22.0%) and Malaysia (+4.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Singapore emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in South-Eastern Asia, with a CAGR of +22.0% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Indonesia (-13.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Singapore (+6.7 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Indonesia (-9.2 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Thailand ($X) remains the largest caustic soda in the solid form supplier in South-Eastern Asia, comprising 88% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Singapore ($X), with a 6.7% share of total exports. It was followed by Indonesia, with a 3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Thailand stood at -3.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Singapore (+7.1% per year) and Indonesia (-16.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in South-Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 3.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a perceptible decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 20% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in Thailand ($X per ton) and Singapore ($X per ton), while Malaysia ($X per ton) and Indonesia ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Thailand (-2.4%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Imports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Imports in South-Eastern Asia

Imports of caustic soda in the solid form totaled X tons in 2021, remaining relatively unchanged against 2020 figures. Total imports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +10.0% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 32% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in the solid form expanded rapidly to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% 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 -33.1% against 2018 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 58%. Over the period under review, imports of caustic soda in solid form hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Vietnam (X tons) and Indonesia (X tons) represented roughly 61% of total imports in 2021. Thailand (X tons) took a 10% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by the Philippines (9.9%), Malaysia (7.8%) and Myanmar (6.7%).

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Myanmar (with a CAGR of +19.6%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Vietnam ($X), Indonesia ($X) and Thailand ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 72% share of total imports. The Philippines, Malaysia and Myanmar lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 23%.

Among the main importing countries, Myanmar, with a CAGR of +13.3%, saw the highest growth rate of 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 import price in South-Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 3.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed a noticeable contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the import price increased by 20%. Over the period under review, import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Thailand ($X per ton) and Indonesia ($X per ton), while Myanmar ($X per ton) and Malaysia ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Philippines (+0.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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