Uruguay: Methanol Market 2022

Methanol Market Size in Uruguay

After three years of decline, the Uruguayan methanol market increased by X% to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +X% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -X% against 2015 indices. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Methanol Exports

Exports from Uruguay

In 2021, shipments abroad of methanol (methyl alcohol) decreased by -X% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Overall, exports, however, posted significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by X%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2020, and then declined in the following year.

In value terms, methanol exports declined to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a significant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by X%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

Exports by Country

Free Zones (X tons) was the main destination for methanol exports from Uruguay, with a approx. X% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Free Zones totaled +X%.

In value terms, Free Zones ($X) also remains the key foreign market for methanol exports from Uruguay.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Free Zones stood at +X%.

Export Prices by Country

The average methanol export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of X% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, showed a mild curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of X%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Free Zones.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Free Zones amounted to -X% per year.

Methanol Imports

Imports into Uruguay

In 2021, supplies from abroad of methanol (methyl alcohol) was finally on the rise to reach X tons after five years of decline. In general, total imports indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +X% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -X% against 2015 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, methanol imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, total imports indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +X% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -X% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Argentina (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of methanol to Uruguay, with a X% share of total imports. Moreover, methanol imports from Argentina exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Chile (X tons), threefold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Argentina stood at +X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Chile (+X% per year) and Brazil (+X% per year).

In value terms, Argentina ($X) constituted the largest supplier of methanol to Uruguay, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Chile ($X), with a X% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Argentina totaled +X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Chile (+X% per year) and Brazil (+X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average methanol import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of X% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a perceptible downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average import price increased by X%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin: the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while the price for Brazil ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (-X%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform