The U.S. Ranks First Globally in Caustic Soda Exports, with $814M in 2014
Basic Chemicals July 22, 2015
Despite a relatively severe drop in exports in 2014, the U.S. continued its dominance in the global caustic soda trade. In 2014, the U.S. exported 2.5 million tonnes of caustic soda totaling 814 million USD, 16% under the previous year. Its primary trading partner was Brazil, where it supplied 36.5% of its total caustic soda exports in value terms, accounting for the majority (91.3%) of Brazil's total imports.
From 2007 to 2014, the U.S. was a net exporter of caustic soda. Over the period under review, exports consistently exceeded imports in value terms. The difference in physical terms was even more pronounced.
China and Belgium were among the other main global suppliers of caustic soda in 2014. China was the fastest growing exporter from 2007 to 2014 (+9.5% per year), allowing it to significantly strengthen its position in the global export structure.
In 2014, the U.S.'s top 5 trading partners were Brazil, Canada, Chile, Australia and Mexico, with a combined 74.3% share of U.S. exports. The share of Brazil increased significantly (+10.8 percentage points), while the share of Jamaica fell sharply. (-11.8 percentage points).
Source: World: Caustic Soda - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2020
