Uruguay: Market for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) 2025

Market Size for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) in Uruguay

The Uruguayan market for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) fell dramatically to $X in 2021, dropping by -27% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption showed a deep downturn. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Exports from Uruguay

In 2021, the amount of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) exported from Uruguay declined modestly to X tons, dropping by -2.4% on the previous year. In general, total exports indicated temperate growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -13.5% against 2015 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 105%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the exports of remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) rose markedly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when exports increased by 49% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports of reached the maximum in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Free Zones (X tons) was the main destination for exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) from Uruguay, with a 79% share of total exports. Moreover, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) to Free Zones exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Brazil (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Free Zones amounted to +9.5%.

In value terms, Free Zones ($X) remains the key foreign market for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) exports from Uruguay, comprising 80% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Brazil ($X), with a 19% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Free Zones amounted to +14.7%.

Export Prices by Country

The average export price for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 15% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the average export price increased by 46% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Free Zones ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Brazil stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Brazil (+14.0%).

Imports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Imports into Uruguay

For the third year in a row, Uruguay recorded decline in purchases abroad of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye), which decreased by -7.6% to X tons in 2021. In general, imports faced a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 47%. Over the period under review, imports of hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) contracted remarkably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports recorded a deep setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 102%. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) was the main caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) supplier to Uruguay, with a 91% share of total imports. Moreover, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Belgium (X tons), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Argentina (X tons), with a 0.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the United States totaled -7.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (-29.9% per year) and Argentina (-18.3% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) to Uruguay, comprising 94% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Belgium ($X), with a 5% share of total imports. It was followed by Argentina, with a 0.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the United States stood at -3.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (-35.7% per year) and Argentina (-15.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) stood at $X per ton in 2021, declining by -26% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average import price increased by 37% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while the price for Belgium ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+3.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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