Soap and skin-washing preparations market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese soap and skin-washing preparations market demonstrated consistent growth from 2019 to 2023. This expansion was initially supported by the entry of new organic-focused brands like Unii and the strengthening of local natural cosmetics producers such as Claus Porto and Castebel. These developments enhanced domestic production and broadened the product range, contributing to a market volume increase from 64 003 t in 2019 to 79 290 t in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 acted as a primary catalyst, sharply elevating the importance of hand hygiene and boosting demand for effective yet moisturizing soaps. This shift in consumer behavior particularly benefited organic and natural product segments, driving market growth to 81 459 t in 2021. The trend towards products with functional ingredients, like charcoal and essential oils, further sustained consumer interest and market expansion.

In the following years, global influences such as the launch of innovative organic liquid soaps with aromatherapy benefits and a growing industry emphasis on sustainability and regenerative agriculture continued to shape the Portuguese market. These factors, alongside persistent consumer preference for ethical and natural products, supported the market's rise to 90 007 t in 2023, reflecting a solid and evolving demand base.

Production soap and skin-washing preparations in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Portugal, the output value of soap and skin-washing preparations reached 50 795 thousand US dollars in 2021, marking a significant 52.7% increase from 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 33 262 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 3.6%. From 2019 to 2021, production grew by 47.2%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 13.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Portugal's production of soap and skin-washing preparations rose for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 33 885 tonnes, up 31.5% from the previous year. Over the 2019-2021 period, production increased by 55.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports soap and skin-washing preparations from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Portugal's exports of soap and skin-washing preparations in volume terms fell for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 10 017 tonnes, a moderate decrease of 9.7% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports dropped by 42%, with a compound annual decline rate of 16.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Angola, and Sao Tome and Principe were the top destinations for Portugal's exports of soap and skin-washing preparations in volume terms. Spain accounted for 38.4% of exports, Angola for 12.9%, and Sao Tome and Principe for 9.5%, together making up 60.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Portugal's exports of soap and skin-washing preparations in value terms rebounded after two years of decline. In 2021, exports amounted to 36.0 million US dollars, a gradual increase of 5.0% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 34.3 million US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 20.2%. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 27.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 10.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom were the leading markets for Portugal's exports of soap and skin-washing preparations in value terms. Spain represented 32.8% of exports, the United States 16.7%, and the United Kingdom 9.2%, collectively accounting for 58.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports soap and skin-washing preparations to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's imports of soap and skin-washing preparations in volume terms amounted to 57 592 tonnes in 2021, showing a robust decrease of 10.9% from 2020. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 57 199 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 64 615 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 13.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and France were the primary sources for Portugal's imports of soap and skin-washing preparations in volume terms, together accounting for 83.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Portugal's imports of soap and skin-washing preparations in value terms increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 105.0 million US dollars, up 1.0% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 103.3 million US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 7.0%. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 5.4%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and France were the main contributors to Portugal's imports of soap and skin-washing preparations in value terms. Spain accounted for 54.1% of imports, Germany for 15.3%, and France for 13.9%, jointly making up 83.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021