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

Exports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Exports in Western Africa

In 2021, the amount of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) exported in Western Africa fell slightly to X tons, standing approx. at the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by 106% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) reduced to $X in 2021. In general, exports showed a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 32%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports of remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Burkina Faso (X tons) and Ghana (X tons) represented the largest exporters of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) in 2021, amounting to near 33% and 30% of total exports, respectively. Nigeria (X tons) held a 15% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Mauritania (8.5%) and Sierra Leone (6.2%). Niger (X tons) and Cote d'Ivoire (X tons) held a little share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Nigeria (with a CAGR of +11.1%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, Burkina Faso ($X) remains the largest caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) supplier in Western Africa, comprising 49% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mauritania ($X), with a 16% share of total exports. It was followed by Ghana, with a 13% share.

In Burkina Faso, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) shrank by an average annual rate of -3.2% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Mauritania (-4.1% per year) and Ghana (-14.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, falling by -8% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when the export price increased by 47% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mauritania ($X per ton), while Ghana ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Cote d'Ivoire (+10.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Imports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Imports in Western Africa

In 2021, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) in Western Africa soared to X tons, with an increase of 15% on the previous year. In general, imports enjoyed strong growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 48%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of imports of remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) reached $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports posted a noticeable increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 42%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of imports of remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Guinea represented the major importing country with an import of around X tons, which accounted for 67% of total imports. Nigeria (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with an 11% share, followed by Cote d'Ivoire (10%) and Ghana (7.8%). Senegal (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Guinea was also the fastest-growing in terms of the caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) imports, with a CAGR of +12.8% from 2012 to 2021. Nigeria (-1.7%), Senegal (-2.1%), Cote d'Ivoire (-2.3%) and Ghana (-3.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Guinea (+31 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire saw its share reduced by -2.4%, -8.4%, -9.1% and -9.7% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Guinea ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) in Western Africa, comprising 52% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Cote d'Ivoire ($X), with a 24% share of total imports. It was followed by Nigeria, with an 11% share.

In Guinea, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) expanded at an average annual rate of +11.4% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Cote d'Ivoire (-1.5% per year) and Nigeria (+1.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Western Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -4.5% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a perceptible decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the import price increased by 20% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2021, the import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Cote d'Ivoire ($X per ton), while Guinea ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Nigeria (+2.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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