Caustic Soda Market Outlook - 2026
The global caustic soda market size was valued was valued at $36.0 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $55.8 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.50% from 2019 to 2026. Caustic soda is an inorganic compound consisting sodium cations Na+ and hydroxide anions OH−.
It is prepared by using three processes, which include Castner-Kellner process, Nelson Diaphragm cell, and Loewig’s process. The Castner-Kellner method is one of the most used processes for manufacturing caustic soda. In the Castner-Kellner method, electrolysis of brine solution is carried out to obtain sodium hydroxide. The caustic soda obtained after this process is used as a cleansing agent and in the manufacturing of washing soda.
Caustic soda is used in several applications such as in the manufacturing process of alumina, soap & detergents, pulp & paper, petroleum products, and chemical production. Its increasing use in these applications is expected to fuel the growth to the global caustic soda market. However, high corrosive and reactive nature of caustic soda restrains the growth of the global market.
Moreover, increase in innovation and development in manufacturing processes of caustic soda is anticipated to provide growth opportunities for the market growth. In an instance, AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals had implemented “e-flex” technology, which routinely adjusts production with electricity supplies. This technology is used for caustic soda manufacturing. Such initiatives are expected to offer growth opportunities to the global caustic soda market.
By Production Process
Diaphragm cell segment is projected as the fastest growing segment.
Due to strong corrosive properties of caustic soda, exposure to it in its solid or solution form is considered to be hazardous and can cause skin and eye irritation. These hazards are possessing threat to the growth of the caustic soda market as they are limiting caustic soda use. However, workers involved in production process of caustic soda are expected to follow product safety instructions to prevent hazards.
In facilities where sodium hydroxide is manufactured or used, the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has established certain guidelines to limits its exposure. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health offers general safety information for using and transporting sodium hydroxide, including guidelines on packaging and storage, spillage, and disposal of sodium hydroxide. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sodium hydroxide as a food additive if it is present with a concentration of lower than 1%.
By Application
Other segment is projected as the fastest growing segment.
According to International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), in 2017, the chemical industry added $5.7 trillion contribution to world Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports 120 million jobs across the globe. Key players such as BASF SE, Dow Chemical among others spent around $3 trillion in 2017, buying goods and services used in the manufacture of their products. Further, in 2017 around $51 billion was invested in Research and Development (R&D). With growing chemical sector, it is expected that the demand for caustic soda in manufacturing of organic and inorganic chemicals will increase significantly. This factor is expected to contribute towards the caustic soda market opportunity.
By Region
Asia-Pacific would exhibit an CAGR of 6.0% during 2019-2026.
The global caustic soda market is segmented on the basis of production process, application, and region. Based on production process, the market is divided into membrane cell, diaphragm cell, and others. The membrane cell segment holds a dominant position in the market and diaphragm cell segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Based on application, the global caustic soda market forecast is divided into organic chemical, inorganic chemicals, alumina, pulp & paper, soap & detergent, water treatment, and others. The pulp & paper segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Geographically, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. The Asia-Pacific region holds a dominant position in the market and is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific and North America collectively accounted for around 70.4% share in 2018, with the former constituting around 51.4% share. Asia-Pacific and Europe are expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The cumulative share of these two segments was 67.5% in 2018, and is anticipated to reach 69.8% by 2026.
The key players involved in the caustic soda industry include Dow Chemical Company, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, AkzoNobel, Solvay SA, BASF, FMC Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Arkema Group, BAYER AG, and Tata Chemicals Limited. In order to stay competitive in the market, these players are adopting strategies such as product launch, partnership, merger, and acquisition. In an instance, AkzoNobel announced to expand high-purity salt production for manufacturing caustic soda in the Netherlands.
Key Benefits for Caustic Soda Market:
- Porter’s five forces analysis helps analyze the potential of buyers & suppliers and their caustic soda market share for building strategies.
- It outlines the current trends and future scenario of the caustic soda market size from 2018 to 2026 to understand the prevailing opportunities and potential investment pockets.
- Major countries in four major regions, namely, North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and LAMEA have been mapped according to their individual revenue contribution in the caustic soda market analysis at regional and country level.
- The key drivers, restraints, and opportunities and their detailed impact analyses are elucidated in the study.
- The profiles of key players along with their contribution in caustic soda market growth are enlisted in the report.
Caustic Soda Market, by Production Process Report Highlights
| Aspects | Details |
 By Production Process |
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 By Application |
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 By Region |
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 Key Market Players | GUJARAT ALKALIES AND CHEMICAL LIMITED, The Dow Chemical Company, DCW LIMITED (DCW), Arkema Group, Solvay, BASF SE, ADITYA BIRLA CHEMICAL (INDIA) LTD., Tata Chemical Limited, GHCL LTD, AKZO NOBEL N.V. |
Analyst Review
Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, is utilized in several industries for manufacturing pulp & paper, soaps & detergents, textiles, drinking water, and as a drain cleaner. Growth in demand for caustic soda from end-use industries such as pulp & paper, textile, and chemical industries drives the growth of the global market. According to Alkali Manufacturer Association of India, the total export of caustic soda during 2017-2018 was 1,61,077 million tons. Out of this, physical export was around 1,43,550 million tons and deemed export was 17,527 million tons.
As per the association, an increase of 21% in export was observed during 2017 as compared to previous year. Furthermore, promising growth in chemical industry is further expected to offer growth opportunities for the growth of the global caustic soda market. In addition, increase in research and development in chlorine industry is anticipated to provide lucrative growth opportunities for the global market. Companies such as BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, and PPG industries are making significant contribution in accelerating the growth of the global caustic soda market.
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