Republic of Korea: Market for Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) 2024

Market Size for Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) in Republic of Korea

The South Korean market for cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) dropped to $X in 2023, declining by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2023, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap) in Republic of Korea

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) production reduced to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a modest expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2023, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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Exports of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Exports from Republic of Korea

After three years of decline, shipments abroad of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) increased by X% to X tons in 2023. In general, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2023, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports surged to $X in 2023. Overall, exports enjoyed moderate growth. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2023, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons), Turkey (X tons) and China (X tons) were the main destinations of cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) exports from South Korea, with a combined X% share of total exports. Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Guatemala, the Netherlands, Chile, Russia, Egypt and Vietnam lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X%.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) exports from South Korea, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by China ($X), with a X% share of total exports. It was followed by Japan, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United States amounted to X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: China (X% per year) and Japan (X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the average export price for cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) amounted to $X per ton, which is down by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2023: its price increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) export price increased by X% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 when the average export price increased by X% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then fell dramatically in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to China (X%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Cationic Surface-Active Agents (Excluding Soap)

Imports into Republic of Korea

In 2023, purchases abroad of cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) was finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a three-year declining trend. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012 to 2023; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2023, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports expanded rapidly to $X in 2023. In general, imports, however, saw a noticeable reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2023, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2023, China (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) to South Korea, accounting for a X% share of total imports. Moreover, cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United States (X tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Indonesia (X tons), with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of volume from China stood at X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (X% per year) and Indonesia (X% per year).

In value terms, the largest cationic surface-active agents (excl. soap) suppliers to South Korea were China ($X), Germany ($X) and the United States ($X), together comprising X% of total imports.

Germany, with a CAGR of X%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of 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 import price for cationic surface-active agents (excluding soap) stood at $X per ton in 2023, leveling off at the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, recorded a noticeable curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average import price increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (X%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform