Caustic Soda World Trade

A new report on global trade in aqueous caustic soda projects 20.7 million tons of trade in 2019, up 3% from the prior year, based on latest available statistics from 60 countries. Statistics in the new Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution World Trade Report project higher exports from all regions, except from the Middle East.

Exports from North America to other regions are projected up 4% at year end, the gain mainly reflecting increased volumes to Latin America plus a gain to Africa.

The US is the world’s largest exporter of aqueous caustic soda, shipping 6 million tons in 2018, down 7% from 2017. Brazil, Australia, Jamaica, Canada, Mexico and Chile were the top US destinations last year and continue as such in the latest US export statistics. These totaled 4.9 million tons through September 2019, up 8%.

Asia-Pacific exports to other regions are projected at 1.2 million tons for 2019, up 16% on higher shipments to North America, Western Europe and the Middle East. Japan and Taiwan are the largest exporters in the region.

Middle East exports are projected to equal 650,000 tons at year end, down 6% on lower shipments to Western Europe, Africa and North America. Qatar and Oman are the largest exporters in the region.

By Jean J. Sudol. Data from the new Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution World Trade Report, a continuously updated online Report tracking global trade in this product.