Hypochlorites, chlorates and perchlorates market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, imports of hypochlorites, chlorates and perchlorates into Spain fell sharply from 123.5 тыс. т to 38.2 тыс. т. This decline coincided with the European Commission's revision of the drinking water directive in 2018, setting a maximum chlorate content of 0.25 mg/l, and the entry into force in July 2020 of EU regulations establishing maximum residue levels for chlorates and perchlorates in a wide range of foodstuffs. Over the same period, exports grew from 65.9 тыс. т to 94.9 тыс. т, indicating robust external demand for these chemicals.

From 2022 to 2024, the domestic market volume contracted from 280.7 тыс. т to 256.7 тыс. т. Production levels saw some fluctuation, reaching 295.1 тыс. т in 2024. The market reduction occurred alongside the adoption of innovative disinfection technologies, such as Aquactiva by Spanish agri-food companies, which significantly reduce perchlorate formation, and the 2022 update by EFSA of the tolerable daily intake for perchlorate to 1.4 µg/kg of body weight, reinforcing industry efforts to minimize reliance on products that generate these residues.

Exports hypochlorites, chlorates and perchlorates from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Spain's exports of hypochlorites, chlorates, and perchlorates have rebounded. In 2019, the export volume was 63.0 K t, which then increased significantly by 24.2% to reach 78.3 K t in 2020. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 10.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 24.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Italy were the main destinations for Spain's exports of hypochlorites, chlorates, and perchlorates in volume terms. France accounted for 58.7% of exports, Portugal for 17.7%, and Italy for 7.6%. Together, these three countries represented 84.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Spain's exports of hypochlorites, chlorates, and perchlorates in value terms amounted to 35 446 K $ US, showing a substantial increase of 13.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 15.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 3.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Italy led the structure of Spain's exports in value terms. France held 34.3% of exports, Portugal 16.6%, and Italy 14.2%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 65.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020

Imports hypochlorites, chlorates and perchlorates to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's imports of hypochlorites, chlorates, and perchlorates have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, imports were higher, but in 2020, they dropped to 40.9 K t, representing a sharp decline of 57.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 43.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.5%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 123.5 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 69.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017-2020, Portugal was the dominant supplier of hypochlorites, chlorates, and perchlorates to Spain in volume terms, accounting for 75.6% of total imports. Other countries held significantly smaller shares in comparison.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market for hypochlorites, chlorates, and perchlorates in Spain showed volatility during the observed period. Imports peaked in 2018 at 26 942 K $ US and then dropped to a minimum in 2020 at 14 791 K $ US, marking a 1.8-fold decrease. In 2020, imports declined dramatically by 39.3% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 73.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, France, and China were the primary suppliers of hypochlorites, chlorates, and perchlorates to Spain in value terms. Portugal accounted for 43.9% of imports, France for 20.8%, and China for 9.9%. Together, these three countries represented 74.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020