Southern Asia: Soap Market 2025

Soap Market Size in Southern Asia

In 2021, the South Asian soap market decreased by -0.5% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

Soap Production in Southern Asia

In value terms, soap production contracted slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the production volume increased by 18% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then declined in the following year.

Soap Exports

Exports in Southern Asia

In 2021, shipments abroad of soap decreased by -11.2% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Total exports indicated a tangible expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +41.2% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 40%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons, and then contracted in the following year.

In value terms, soap exports contracted to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 31%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X, and then declined in the following year.

Exports by Country

India represented the main exporter of soap in Southern Asia, with the volume of exports amounting to X tons, which was approx. 85% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Pakistan (X tons), committing a 14% share of total exports.

India was also the fastest-growing in terms of the soap exports, with a CAGR of +4.8% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Pakistan (+3.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of India (+9.5 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, India ($X) remains the largest soap supplier in Southern Asia, comprising 87% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Pakistan ($X), with a 12% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in India totaled +5.6%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Southern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, standing approx. at the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 16%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while Pakistan stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+0.8%).

Soap Imports

Imports in Southern Asia

In 2021, the amount of soap imported in Southern Asia expanded remarkably to X tons, surging by 5.1% on the previous year's figure. Overall, imports enjoyed a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 37% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

In value terms, soap imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed buoyant growth. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

India represented the largest importing country with an import of about X tons, which accounted for 61% of total imports. Bangladesh (X tons) took the second position in the ranking, followed by Sri Lanka (X tons), Nepal (X tons) and Afghanistan (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 34% share of total imports. Pakistan (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to soap imports into India stood at +15.8%. At the same time, Nepal (+20.9%), Sri Lanka (+18.7%) and Bangladesh (+15.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Nepal emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Southern Asia, with a CAGR of +20.9% from 2012-2021. Pakistan experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Afghanistan (-7.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. India (+19 p.p.), Bangladesh (+4.1 p.p.), Nepal (+3.7 p.p.) and Sri Lanka (+3.4 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Pakistan and Afghanistan saw its share reduced by -5.2% and -22.5% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, India ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported soap in Southern Asia, comprising 69% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Bangladesh ($X), with a 9.6% share of total imports. It was followed by Afghanistan, with a 6.1% share.

In India, soap imports increased at an average annual rate of +20.5% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Bangladesh (+10.2% per year) and Afghanistan (-6.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Southern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 32% against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Afghanistan ($X per ton), while Sri Lanka ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+4.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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