Organic surfactants and washing preparations market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, production of organic surfactants and washing preparations in Croatia declined from 107.3 thousand tons to 81.2 thousand tons, despite the presence of major manufacturers like Saponia and Meteor grupa that dominated the market. Market volume in physical terms fluctuated, peaking at 129.1 thousand tons in 2020 but generally decreasing to 117.8 thousand tons by 2023.

In 2021, the trend toward environmentally acceptable and safe detergents intensified, with a focus on replacing aggressive chemicals with natural ingredients and developing energy-efficient products for low-temperature washing. This shift contributed to an increase in market value, which rose from USD 185.9 million in 2020 to USD 186.4 million in 2021, even as physical volumes fell.

The European Commission's 2023 proposal to revise the detergents regulation, simplifying rules and introducing digital labeling, laid the groundwork for market growth. In 2024, market volume expanded to 131.6 thousand tons in physical terms and USD 252.8 million in value, supported by the harmonization of Croatian legislation with European norms and measures to assist small and medium-sized enterprises.

Production organic surfactants and washing preparations in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Croatia's output of organic surfactants and washing preparations was valued at 118.3 million US dollars, marking an 11.3% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 106.3 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 134.8 million US dollars. The most significant decline took place in 2019, dropping by 21.1%, whereas the largest increase was observed in 2018, rising by 16.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Croatia's production of organic surfactants and washing preparations has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 97.0 thousand tonnes, showing a slight decrease of 2.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 12.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports organic surfactants and washing preparations from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Croatia's exports of organic surfactants and washing preparations have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 41 246 tonnes, representing a 9.7% drop year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 21.7%, equating to an annualized rate of -7.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia were the primary destinations for Croatia's exports of organic surfactants and washing preparations in kind. Serbia accounted for 32.5% of exports, Bosnia and Herzegovina for 27.6%, and North Macedonia for 10.4%. Together, these three countries absorbed 70.5% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of organic surfactants and washing preparations exported from Croatia reached 50.3 million US dollars, indicating a modest increase of 5.3% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 47.8 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 52.1 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, falling by 8.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia formed the core group of markets for Croatia's exports in value terms. Serbia represented 27.7% of exports, Bosnia and Herzegovina 25.1%, and Slovenia 12.3%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 65.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports organic surfactants and washing preparations to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Croatia's imports of organic surfactants and washing preparations amounted to 73 351 tonnes, showing negligible change compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 6.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 67 773 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 1.6%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, rising by 8.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Czechia, Austria, and Germany were the main sources for Croatia's imports of organic surfactants and washing preparations in kind. Czechia accounted for 17.9% of imports, Austria for 16.9%, and Germany for 16.5%. Together, these three countries supplied 51.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Croatia's imports of organic surfactants and washing preparations from abroad totaled 117.8 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate rise of 7.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 20.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, decreasing by 0.2%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018, rising by 12.1%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Czechia, Germany, and Austria remained the leading destinations in Croatia's import structure in value terms. Czechia represented 20.1% of imports, Germany 19.5%, and Austria 15.8%. Combined, these three countries held a 55.4% share of total import flows.

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

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