United Kingdom: Market for Polyethylene Glycols and Polyethers in Primary Forms 2024

Market Size for Polyethylene Glycols and Polyethers in Primary Forms in the UK

After two years of decline, the UK polyethylene glycol and polyether market increased by 11% to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Polyethylene Glycols and Polyethers in Primary Forms in the UK

In value terms, polyethylene glycol and polyether production dropped to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 6.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2020, and then fell modestly in the following year.

Exports of Polyethylene Glycols and Polyethers in Primary Forms

Exports from the UK

Polyethylene glycol and polyether exports from the UK soared to X tons in 2021, jumping by 16% on the year before. Overall, total exports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +7.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 54% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, polyethylene glycol and polyether exports surged to $X in 2021. In general, total exports indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +9.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Germany (X tons) was the main destination for polyethylene glycol and polyether exports from the UK, accounting for a 23% share of total exports. Moreover, polyethylene glycol and polyether exports to Germany exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the Netherlands (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by the United States (X tons), with a 7.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Germany was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (+4.0% per year) and the United States (+10.2% per year).

In value terms, Germany ($X) remains the key foreign market for polyethylene glycols and polyethers in primary forms exports from the UK, comprising 39% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($X), with a 16% share of total exports. It was followed by Japan, with a 9.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Germany stood at +4.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United States (+18.0% per year) and Japan (+74.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average polyethylene glycol and polyether export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 27% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.7%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Italy ($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 (+16.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Polyethylene Glycols and Polyethers in Primary Forms

Imports into the UK

After three years of decline, overseas purchases of polyethylene glycols and polyethers in primary forms increased by 1.1% to X tons in 2021. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 11% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, polyethylene glycol and polyether imports soared to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), Germany (X tons) and Belgium (X tons) were the main suppliers of polyethylene glycol and polyether imports to the UK, with a combined 70% share of total imports. Spain, Japan, France and the United States lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 23%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Japan (with a CAGR of +34.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X), Germany ($X) and Belgium ($X) appeared to be the largest polyethylene glycol and polyether suppliers to the UK, with a combined 68% share of total imports. Japan, Spain, France and the United States lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 23%.

Japan, with a CAGR of +18.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average polyethylene glycol and polyether import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 50% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.5%. 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 supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Spain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by France (+3.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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