Sodium hydroxide market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Spanish sodium hydroxide market contracted significantly, with its size falling from 281.6 million US dollars to 175.3 million US dollars. This decline was primarily driven by a sharp drop in imports, which more than halved over the period. Initial market strength in 2018 was supported by growing demand from key industrial sectors like pulp and paper, textiles, and water treatment. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted supply chains and industrial activity, exacerbating the import decline. During these years, the industry also saw increased environmental regulations and a continued adoption of cleaner production technologies, such as membrane cell processes.

After 2020, import values fluctuated markedly, peaking at 216.2 million US dollars in 2022 before receding to 96.7 million US dollars by 2024. The 2022 surge coincided with global supply-chain pressures and international price movements, which affected material costs and availability in Spain. Throughout this later period, regulatory updates on labeling and safe handling aligned with European standards, and the market saw a growing emphasis on sustainable production, including pilot projects for 'green caustic' made with renewable energy.

Exports also varied, reaching a high of 85.6 million US dollars in 2022, reflecting both global demand and the industry's competitive position. Underlying demand from traditional sectors remained stable, while technological investments and stricter environmental policies continued to shape production and trade patterns through 2024.

Production sodium hydroxide in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Spain's sodium hydroxide production increased. In 2020, output was valued at 102.9 million US dollars, marking a moderate rise of 3.3% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 99.7 million US dollars. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 41.5%, which equates to an annualized rate of 16.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 36.2%.

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

Exports sodium hydroxide from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 78.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 74.4%. In 2019, exports saw the largest increase of 42.5%. By 2020, Spain's sodium hydroxide export volume was 109.9 thousand tonnes, which is 2.2% lower than the previous year. From the peak in 2017 to the trough in 2018, exports changed by a factor of 3.9.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Portugal were the main destinations for Spain's sodium hydroxide exports in kind. France accounted for 41.6% of exports, Italy for 26.1%, and Portugal for 19.8%. Together, these three countries absorbed 87.5% of total exports in kind.

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, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's cross-border shipments of sodium hydroxide were valued at 31.3 million US dollars, which is 13.0% lower year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 57.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 2.1%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 62%, equating to an annualized rate of 27.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Portugal were the largest buyers of sodium hydroxide from Spain in value terms. France represented 38.3% of exports, Italy 23.2%, and Portugal 14.4%. Together, these three countries formed 75.9% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports sodium hydroxide to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, foreign sodium hydroxide supplies to Spain stood at 567.4 thousand tonnes, indicating a solid rise of 11.4% from 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 20.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.5%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, France, the United Kingdom, and Belgium were the primary suppliers of sodium hydroxide to Spain in kind. France accounted for 41.7% of imports, the United Kingdom for 10.8%, and Belgium for 10.1%. Jointly, these three countries represented 62.5% of total imports in kind.

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, M $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes hit a low in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 2 times. In 2020, Spain imported 103.7 million US dollars worth of sodium hydroxide, representing a significant loss of 22.1% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 204.6 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 35.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 78.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom remained the leading destinations in Spain's import structure in value terms. The United States accounted for 35.1% of imports, France for 17.4%, and the United Kingdom for 9.3%. Together, these three countries had a combined share of 61.7% 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