South-Eastern Asia: Market for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) 2025

Exports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Exports in South-Eastern Asia

In 2021, shipments abroad of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) decreased by -30.3% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after four years of growth. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw noticeable growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 61% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) contracted remarkably to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded a tangible increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 70% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Indonesia was the largest exporting country with an export of around X tons, which reached 62% of total exports. Thailand (X tons) took the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Malaysia (X tons). All these countries together took near 36% share of total exports. Singapore (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Indonesia was also the fastest-growing in terms of the caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) exports, with a CAGR of +8.4% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Malaysia (+1.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Thailand and Singapore experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. While the share of Indonesia (+16 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Malaysia (-3.2 p.p.) and Thailand (-11.6 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) supplying countries in South-Eastern Asia were Indonesia ($X), Thailand ($X) and Malaysia ($X), with a combined 94% share of total exports.

In terms of the main exporting countries, Indonesia, with a CAGR of +3.4%, 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 export price in South-Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, growing by 18% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a slight reduction. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Singapore ($X per ton), while Indonesia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Thailand (+1.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Imports in South-Eastern Asia

In 2021, purchases abroad of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) decreased by -13.2% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, imports, however, posted buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 77% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of attained the maximum at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) fell modestly to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 38% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of attained the maximum at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Indonesia (X tons), Malaysia (X tons), Vietnam (X tons), the Philippines (X tons), Thailand (X tons) and Singapore (X tons) represented the major importer of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) in South-Eastern Asia, constituting 99% of total import.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Vietnam (with a CAGR of +25.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) importing markets in South-Eastern Asia were Malaysia ($X), Vietnam ($X) and Indonesia ($X), with a combined 67% share of total imports.

Vietnam, with a CAGR of +23.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries 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, rising by 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a perceptible contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the import price increased by 38% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while Indonesia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Vietnam (-1.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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