Organic Surface Active Agent Market

The article discusses the trends and forecasts for the global organic surface active agents market from 2022 to 2030. It provides insights into the consumption, production, import, and export patterns of organic surface active agents. Key findings include the top consuming and producing countries, types of surface active agents, price trends, and growth rates. The analysis indicates an upward trend in demand for organic surface active agents with expected market growth in volume and value.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for organic surface active agents worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to accelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.6% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 22M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.2% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $46.4B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Organic Surface Active Agents

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was decline in consumption of organic surface active agents, when its volume decreased by -3.1% to 20M tons. In general, consumption, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 5.2% against the previous year. As a result, consumption reached the peak volume of 20M tons, and then fell modestly in the following year.

The global organic surface active agent market size shrank to $36B in 2022, waning by -5.2% 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). Over the period under review, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Global consumption peaked at $39.1B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Consumption By Country

The country with the largest volume of organic surface active agent consumption was China (4.8M tons), comprising approx. 24% of total volume. Moreover, organic surface active agent consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, the United States (2M tons), twofold. India (1.7M tons) ranked third in terms of total consumption with an 8.6% share.

In China, organic surface active agent consumption increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of consumption growth: the United States (-2.4% per year) and India (+4.7% per year).

In value terms, China ($7.6B), Japan ($4.1B) and the United States ($3.9B) were the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2022, together comprising 43% of the global market. India, Germany, Brazil, Pakistan, Italy, Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, France and the UK lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 29%.

Germany, with a CAGR of +5.6%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to market size in terms of the main consuming countries over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of organic surface active agent per capita consumption in 2022 were Germany (12 kg per person), Italy (9.2 kg per person) and France (7 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Germany (with a CAGR of +4.0%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Organic Surface Active Agents

In 2022, production of organic surface active agents decreased by -7.1% to 19M tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, production recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 5.2% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak volume of 21M tons, and then declined in the following year.

In value terms, organic surface active agent production fell to $34.7B in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a mild descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 15%. Over the period under review, global production hit record highs at $39.6B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Production By Country

The country with the largest volume of organic surface active agent production was China (4.8M tons), accounting for 25% of total volume. Moreover, organic surface active agent production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, the United States (2M tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by India (1.8M tons), with a 9.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in China amounted to +1.8%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United States (-3.5% per year) and India (+4.2% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Organic Surface Active Agents

After five years of growth, overseas purchases of organic surface active agents decreased by -78.2% to 1.2M tons in 2022. In general, imports faced a deep slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 6.5% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of 5.3M tons, and then reduced sharply in the following year.

In value terms, organic surface active agent imports reduced sharply to $2.3B in 2022. Overall, imports saw a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 21%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $11.6B, and then fell significantly in the following year.

Imports By Country

In 2022, Japan (112K tons), followed by Argentina (64K tons) and the Philippines (61K tons) represented the major importers of organic surface active agents, together generating 21% of total imports. The following importers - Pakistan (52K tons), South Korea (45K tons), India (44K tons), Algeria (36K tons), Taiwan (Chinese) (34K tons), Iraq (32K tons), the United Arab Emirates (30K tons), Colombia (29K tons), Ghana (28K tons) and Singapore (28K tons) - together made up 31% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Ghana (with a CAGR of +27.7%), while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest organic surface active agent importing markets worldwide were Japan ($223M), Argentina ($206M) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($155M), together accounting for 25% of global imports. The Philippines, Pakistan, India, South Korea, Colombia, Singapore, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Ghana lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 30%.

Ghana, with a CAGR of +18.1%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

In 2022, anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) (660K tons) represented the largest type of organic surface active agents, achieving 57% of total imports. It was distantly followed by non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) (220K tons), organic surface-active agents (excluding soap, anionic, cationic, non-ionic) (199K tons) and cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) (74K tons), together mixing up a 43% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) imports of stood at -9.0%. organic surface-active agents (excluding soap, anionic, cationic, non-ionic) (-8.6%), cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) (-10.9%) and non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) (-18.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) (+16 p.p.) and organic surface-active agents (excluding soap, anionic, cationic, non-ionic) (+5.5 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2012-2022, the share of non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) (-22.2 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other products remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest types of imported organic surface active agents were anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) ($1.1B), non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) ($647M) and organic surface-active agents (excluding soap, anionic, cationic, non-ionic) ($341M), with a combined 92% share of global imports.

Among the main imported products, anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap), with a CAGR of -9.2%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices By Type

The average organic surface active agent import price stood at $1,991 per ton in 2022, shrinking by -8.7% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a mild descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average import price increased by 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $2,273 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) ($2,946 per ton), while the price for anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) ($1,706 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by non-ionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) (+0.4%), while the other products experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average organic surface active agent import price amounted to $1,991 per ton, falling by -8.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a mild reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 14%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $2,273 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Taiwan (Chinese) ($4,518 per ton), while Ghana ($933 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Taiwan (Chinese) (+4.2%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Organic Surface Active Agents

In 2022, shipments abroad of organic surface active agents decreased by -87.8% to 694K tons for the first time since 2016, thus ending a five-year rising trend. Overall, exports continue to indicate a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 7.1% against the previous year. The global exports peaked at 5.7M tons in 2021, and then contracted remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, organic surface active agent exports shrank significantly to $1.3B in 2022. Over the period under review, exports showed a deep downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 24%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $12.1B, and then shrank rapidly in the following year.

Exports By Country

In 2022, South Korea (254K tons) represented the largest exporter of organic surface active agents, achieving 37% of total exports. India (111K tons) took the second position in the ranking, followed by Indonesia (94K tons), Taiwan (Chinese) (61K tons) and Norway (36K tons). All these countries together held near 43% share of total exports. The following exporters - the Philippines (27K tons) and Argentina (21K tons) - together made up 7% of total exports.

Exports from South Korea increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Argentina (+9.8%), Indonesia (+6.0%) and Norway (+1.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Argentina emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +9.8% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Taiwan (Chinese) (-1.3%), the Philippines (-1.7%) and India (-1.9%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of South Korea (+33 p.p.), India (+13 p.p.), Indonesia (+12 p.p.), Taiwan (Chinese) (+7.2 p.p.), Norway (+4.5 p.p.), the Philippines (+3.2 p.p.) and Argentina (+2.9 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest organic surface active agent supplying countries worldwide were South Korea ($417M), India ($214M) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($146M), together comprising 62% of global exports. Indonesia, Norway, the Philippines and Argentina lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 25%.

Among the main exporting countries, Argentina, with a CAGR of +7.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports By Type

Anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) was the largest type of organic surface active agents in the world, with the volume of exports finishing at 406K tons, which was approx. 59% of total exports in 2022. Non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) (176K tons) held a 25% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by organic surface-active agents (excluding soap, anionic, cationic, non-ionic) (13%). Cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) (18K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) was also the fastest-growing in terms of exports, with a CAGR of -13.8% from 2012 to 2022. organic surface-active agents (excluding soap, anionic, cationic, non-ionic) (-15.6%), non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) (-20.8%) and cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) (-23.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) and organic surface-active agents (excluding soap, anionic, cationic, non-ionic) increased by +17 and +1.8 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) ($684M), non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) ($419M) and organic surface-active agents (excluding soap, anionic, cationic, non-ionic) ($133M) were the products with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 98% share of global exports.

Anionic surface-active agents (excluding soap), with a CAGR of -14.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main exported products over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced a decline in the exports figures.

Export Prices By Type

The average organic surface active agent export price stood at $1,818 per ton in 2022, reducing by -14.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a pronounced slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $2,294 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was non-ionic surface-active agents (excluding soap) ($2,374 per ton), while the average price for exports of organic surface-active agents (excluding soap, anionic, cationic, non-ionic) ($1,435 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by anionic surface-active agents (excl. soap) (-0.7%), while the other products experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average organic surface active agent export price amounted to $1,818 per ton, with a decrease of -14.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a noticeable slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $2,294 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Taiwan (Chinese) ($2,391 per ton), while Indonesia ($1,465 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Taiwan (Chinese) (+1.8%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform