Non-vegetable waxes market in India

Earlier Report Observations

The Indian non-vegetable wax market saw its physical volume decrease from 27 491 t in 2018 to 26 056 t in 2020, followed by a modest recovery to 26 511 t in 2021. For the remainder of the period, volume stabilized near 26 400 t, marking an end to the earlier decline.

A shift in consumer preferences toward natural and eco-friendly waxes like beeswax, driven by health and environmental concerns, began influencing the market. This trend supported demand in key sectors such as candles and cosmetics, while the emergence of new product segments like plastic-free packaging and natural lip balms reflected a broader move toward sustainability.

In value terms, the market experienced greater fluctuation, dropping to $105.2 million in 2019 before rising sharply to $127.6 million in 2020. After a slight dip, the market value reached $125.2 million in 2023, a growth supported by the consumer shift toward higher-value natural waxes and ongoing technological development in the sector.

Production non-vegetable waxes in India

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India held the top position globally in the production of non-vegetable waxes.

Top producers of non-vegetable waxes, 2017-2020

World map of production of non-vegetable waxes, 2017-2020

India's production of non-vegetable waxes grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 24 006 tonnes, which remained largely unchanged from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 23 937 tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2018, with a drop of 0.2%, while the biggest increase was seen in 2019, rising by 0.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, India's non-vegetable waxes production value rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 127.0 million US dollars, marking a significant increase of 22.0% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 104.1 million US dollars. The largest decline took place in 2018, falling by 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports non-vegetable waxes from India

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, India's exports of non-vegetable waxes decreased. In 2020, the country exported 364 tonnes, down by 9.1% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 16.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.3%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 400 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred that same year, surging by 18.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Egypt, and Nepal were the three main markets, collectively representing 62.2% of India's total non-vegetable waxes exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

India's non-vegetable waxes export value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 924 thousand US dollars, up by 10.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 19.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 549 thousand US dollars. The largest decline happened in 2018, dropping by 4.1%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, rising by 12.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Australia, and Egypt remained the leading destinations for India's non-vegetable waxes exports by value. The United States accounted for 40.6% of export value, Australia for 14.9%, and Egypt for 13.1%, together making up 68.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports non-vegetable waxes to India

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 1.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, India's non-vegetable waxes imports totaled 2 413 tonnes, reflecting a sharp decrease of 25.7% from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 893 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred that year, jumping by 72.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Indonesia and Malaysia dominated India's non-vegetable waxes imports by volume. Indonesia contributed 56.1% of total flows, while Malaysia accounted for 36.2%, together representing 92.3% of imports, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

India's non-vegetable waxes import value declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 2 556 thousand US dollars, which is 9.2% lower than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 13.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 3 572 thousand US dollars. The largest decrease happened in 2019, falling by 21.2%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 59.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the United States consistently led in India's non-vegetable waxes import structure by value. Indonesia accounted for 47.5% of import value, Malaysia for 31.6%, and the United States for 4.8%, collectively representing 84.0% of total import flows.

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

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