United Kingdom: Market for Organic Surface Active Agents 2025

Market Size for Organic Surface Active Agents in the UK

In 2021, the UK organic surface active agent market increased by 2.6% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. In general, the total consumption indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value 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, consumption decreased by -11.5% against 2016 indices. Organic surface active agent consumption peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Organic Surface Active Agents in the UK

In value terms, organic surface active agent production amounted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, continues to indicate a noticeable descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 7.2%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Organic Surface Active Agents

Exports from the UK

In 2021, shipments abroad of organic surface active agents decreased by -4.9% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after three years of growth. Over the period under review, exports recorded a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, organic surface active agent exports stood at $X in 2021. In general, exports saw a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

France (X tons) was the main destination for organic surface active agent exports from the UK, accounting for a 29% share of total exports. Moreover, organic surface active agent exports to France exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Germany (X tons), fourfold. The United States (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 6.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to France stood at +12.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Germany (-7.2% per year) and the United States (+7.8% per year).

In value terms, France ($X) remains the key foreign market for organic surface active agents exports from the UK, comprising 19% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($X), with a 7.8% share of total exports. It was followed by the United States, with a 7.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to France amounted to +6.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Germany (-7.5% per year) and the United States (+2.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average organic surface active agent export price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 12% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.9%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the average export price increased by 19% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to France ($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 Japan (+14.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Organic Surface Active Agents

Imports into the UK

Organic surface active agent imports into the UK declined to X tons in 2021, with a decrease of -13.9% on 2020 figures. Overall, imports continue to indicate a mild downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 7.5%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, organic surface active agent imports reduced slightly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports recorded a perceptible setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Germany (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of organic surface active agent to the UK, with a 27% share of total imports. Moreover, organic surface active agent imports from Germany exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Belgium (X tons), twofold. The Netherlands (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 9.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Germany totaled -4.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (+0.7% per year) and the Netherlands (-12.0% per year).

In value terms, Germany ($X) constituted the largest supplier of organic surface active agents to the UK, comprising 22% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($X), with a 9.7% share of total imports. It was followed by the United States, with a 7.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Germany stood at -6.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Netherlands (-12.0% per year) and the United States (-4.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average organic surface active agent import price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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 ($X per ton), while the price for Belgium ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ireland (+5.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :