Soap bars and rganic surface-active products market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The market for soap bars and organic surface-active products in Portugal experienced considerable volume fluctuations from 2018 to 2023. Consumption started at 20 863 t in 2018, grew to 23 108 t in 2019, and then jumped to 30 185 t in 2020. After this peak, market volume declined to 27 810 t in 2021 and 24 657 t in 2022, before recovering to 27 150 t in 2023.

The 2019 increase was accompanied by a rise in the artisanal soap segment, with local Portuguese brands gaining popularity by emphasizing natural Mediterranean ingredients and sustainable packaging. This shift in consumer preferences toward eco-friendly and handmade products helped drive market value up by 31% to $39.9 million that year. Later, the market continued to be shaped by the global trend toward natural and organic soap lines, such as the launch of 100% natural certified products from international brands, which influenced Portuguese demand. Innovations in recyclable packaging and a growing focus on skin health further aligned the market with environmental and wellness trends.

By 2023, the market's value reached $52.2 million, underscoring a strong move toward premiumization despite volume volatility. The increased use of bar soap in commercial settings for public hygiene standards and the sustained appeal of artisanal and natural products provided ongoing support to the market's evolution throughout the period.

Production soap bars and rganic surface-active products in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's production of soap bars and organic surface-active products was valued at 32 480 K $ US, marking a dramatic 60.0% increase from the previous year. Production grew by 51.2% between 2018 and 2021, translating to an annualized growth rate of 14.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 20 301 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 23.9%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Following a two-year decrease, Portugal's production volume of soap bars and organic surface-active products rebounded. In 2021, the country produced 13 236 t, representing a significant 66.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 13.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 7 944 t, which also experienced the largest decline of 27.6%.

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

Exports soap bars and rganic surface-active products from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Portugal's exports of soap bars and organic surface-active products increased. In 2021, exports reached 5 148 t, showing a gradual 7.6% rise from the previous year. However, between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 50.4%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 20.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 785 t, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 36.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Angola, and Sao Tome and Principe remained the top buyers of Portugal's soap bars and organic surface-active products in terms of volume. Spain accounted for 20.4% of exports, Angola for 18.6%, and Sao Tome and Principe for 18.2%, collectively representing 57.2% of total export volume.

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, K $ US

Following a two-year downturn, Portugal's exports of soap bars and organic surface-active products in value terms increased. In 2021, exports amounted to 22 079 K $ US, reflecting a strong 18.2% year-over-year rise. Despite this, exports decreased by 20.3% between 2018 and 2021, with an annualized decline of 7.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 18 679 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 23.3%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, the United States, Spain, and the United Kingdom were the leading destinations for Portugal's exports of soap bars and organic surface-active products in value terms. The United States accounted for 28.8% of exports, Spain for 20.6%, and the United Kingdom for 9.6%, together making up 59.0% of total export value.

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 bars and rganic surface-active products to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal's import volume of soap bars and organic surface-active products stood at 19 722 t, representing a 27.0% decrease compared to 2020. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 18 675 t, while the highest was in 2020 at 27 026 t. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 44.7% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the key partners for Portugal's imports of soap bars and organic surface-active products in volume terms. Spain accounted for 63.4% of imports, Germany for 15.5%, and the United Kingdom for 6.9%, collectively representing 85.8% of total import volume.

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, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal imported 32 637 K $ US worth of soap bars and organic surface-active products, which was 9.2% lower than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 10.8%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 3.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 4.2%.

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

During 2018-2021, Spain, Germany, and France consistently remained the main sources for Portugal's imports of soap bars and organic surface-active products in value terms. Spain accounted for 62.1% of imports, Germany for 16.0%, and France for 8.4%, together representing 86.4% of total import value.

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

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