Toilet soap bars and impregnated materials market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Production of toilet soap in Spain increased from 173.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 249.2 thousand tons in 2023. The market volume dipped to 155.5 thousand tons in 2020 before recovering to 220.2 thousand tons in 2023. In value terms, the market contracted from $257 million in 2018 to $185.3 million in 2020, then expanded to $282.9 million by 2023.

Spanish exports of toilet soap rose sharply from 18.4 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 54.5 thousand tons in 2021, supporting domestic production growth. Imports surged to 22.7 thousand tons in 2019 but subsequently declined to 14.2 thousand tons in 2023.

By 2024, the market was influenced by growing demand for organic and natural soaps, driven by consumer preference for skin-friendly, chemical-free products. The launch of new ecological detergent and soap lines with fully biodegradable ingredients and plastic-free packaging, such as those from Unilever, promoted environmental sustainability. The COVID-19 pandemic sustained interest in medicated and antibacterial soap segments due to heightened hygiene awareness, while broader trends toward sustainable packaging and enhanced sensory experiences continued to shape consumer choices.

Production toilet soap bars and impregnated materials in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's production of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials declined in value terms for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 232.9 million US dollars, marking a 2.2% decrease compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 5.5%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 9.0%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 251.9 million US dollars.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Spain's production of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials increased in volume for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 180.9 thousand tonnes, representing a 1.4% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 5.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.9%.

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

Exports toilet soap bars and impregnated materials from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's exports of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials increased in volume for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 44 087 tonnes, showing a significant rise of 43.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 132.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 32.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 18 420 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 67.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the primary buyers of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials from Spain in volume terms. Portugal accounted for 27.9% of exports, the United Kingdom for 16.4%, and Germany for 9.8%. Together, these three countries represented 54.1% of total export volumes.

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, K $ US

Spain's exports of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 90 978 thousand US dollars, up by 37.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 157.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 37.1%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that Spain's exports of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials in value terms were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. Portugal accounted for 18.4% of export value, the United Kingdom for 15.2%, and Germany for 9.3%. Combined, these three countries represented 42.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports toilet soap bars and impregnated materials to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Spain's imports of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials showed volatility over the observed period. In 2020, imports totaled 18 729 tonnes, reflecting a sharp drop of 17.6% from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 8 108 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 22 742 tonnes. The largest increase was in 2019 at 180.5%, creating a 2.8-fold gap between the trough in 2018 and the peak in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom led Spain's imports of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials in volume terms. Germany accounted for 35.2% of imports, Italy for 8.3%, and the United Kingdom for 7.1%. Together, these three countries represented 50.7% of total import volumes.

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, K $ US

Spain's imports of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 43 376 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a moderate decrease of 6.8% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 47 258 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom remained the main sources for Spain's imports of toilet soap bars and impregnated materials in value terms. Germany accounted for 41.9% of import value, Italy for 9.6%, and the United Kingdom for 6.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 58.1% 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