Surfactants, a key component in various industries, have long played a significant role in the Argentine market. Despite reaching a mature stage, the market continues to thrive due to the country’s impressive economic performance and the rapid growth of end-user sectors. Projections indicate that the total surfactants market will not only maintain positive results but also outpace the country’s GDP growth. Over the period from 2023 to 2028, the surfactants market is expected to experience a substantial 27% increase in revenue.
The report offers an in-depth examination of various segments within the surfactants market in Argentina. The analysis focuses on two key aspects: the product categories and the end-user applications.
In terms of product categories, the report delves into four main types of surfactants: amphoteric surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. Each category is thoroughly explored, providing insights into their properties, and applications. The report highlights the unique characteristics and advantages of each surfactant type, enabling businesses to make informed decisions based on their specific requirements.
Moving on to the end-user applications, the report covers a wide range of industries that utilize surfactants in Argentina. These industries include shampoo, soap, conditioners, dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents, I&I (Industrial and Institutional) cleaners, water softeners, polymerization processes, and various other applications. The report provides valuable insights into the market size, growth rate, and competitive landscape of the surfactants market in Argentina. It analyzes key market players, their strategies, and their market shares, enabling businesses to identify potential partnerships, collaborations, or investment opportunities.
Segment Insights
Among the different types of surfactants, the anionic surfactant segment has consistently held the largest market share. In 2022, this segment accounted for nearly half of the market’s total revenue. The dominance of the anionic surfactant segment can be attributed to its wide range of applications across various industries, including personal care, household cleaning, and industrial processes. Anionic surfactants are known for their excellent cleaning and foaming properties, making them highly sought after by consumers and manufacturers alike.
In the personal care sector, anionic surfactants are extensively used in products such as shampoos, shower gels, and toothpaste, where they provide effective cleansing and lathering capabilities. The growing focus on personal hygiene and grooming, coupled with the rising disposable income of the Argentine population, has fueled the demand for these products, thereby driving the growth of the anionic surfactant segment.
Furthermore, the household cleaning industry heavily relies on anionic surfactants for their superior grease and stain removal abilities. With an increasing emphasis on cleanliness and sanitation, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for household cleaning products has surged, further bolstering the market for anionic surfactants.
In the industrial sector, anionic surfactants find applications in various processes, including emulsification, wetting, and dispersing. Industries such as textiles, paints and coatings, and oil and gas rely on these surfactants to enhance the performance and efficiency of their products and processes. The steady growth of these industries, driven by both domestic and international demand, has contributed to the sustained dominance of the anionic surfactant segment in the Argentine market.
On the other hand, the cationic surfactant segment has demonstrated a higher value proposition within the market compared to other surfactant types. This segment represented approximately 14% of the market’s revenue. Notably, the cationic surfactant segment is projected to exhibit the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2023 to 2028, along with the most substantial revenue growth during the same period.
Competitive Landscape
The Argentina surfactants market is a highly competitive industry, with several top players vying for market share. Among the prominent companies operating in this market are BASF SE, BYK-Chemie GmbH, Clariant AG, Croda International plc, Enzur S.A., Evonik Industries AG, Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., Kao Corporation, MERANOL S.A.C.I., Nalco Water (Ecolab Inc.), Nouryon Holding B.V., Oxiteno S.A., Solvay S.A., Stepan Company, SulfaTrade S.A., The Dow Chemical Company, YPF S.A., and Zschimmer & Schwarz Inc.
In the year 2022, the top five participants in the Argentina surfactants market collectively accounted for 39% of the total market revenue. Leading the competition was BASF SE, a company known for its extensive involvement in the production of nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants. BASF’s commitment to delivering high-quality products, locally manufactured in Argentina, and offered at competitive prices, propelled the company to secure a significant market share in 2022. BASF’s market leadership was evident as it captured 14.7% of the total market, solidifying its position as a key player in the Argentina surfactants industry.
Surfactants Industry Developments
▸ On April 4, 2022, Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL) completed its acquisition of 100% of Brazil-based Oxiteno S.A. Indústria e Comércio, thereby becoming a leading global supplier in high-value surfactant markets. The acquisition of Oxiteno, formerly a subsidiary of Ultrapar Participações S.A., had been announced in August 2021 and became effective from April 1, 2022, after receiving approval from Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE). With this acquisition, IVL expanded its growth profile into highly attractive markets in Latin America and the U.S., positioning itself as the leading surfactants producer in the Americas, with potential for further expansion in Europe and Asia.
▸ On January 20, 2023, Shell Chemical replaced 200,000 metric tons (t) of petroleum with renewable feedstocks for the surfactants it manufactured for the cleaning product maker Henkel over the next 5 years. It estimated that the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions was equivalent to 120,000 t of carbon dioxide. The switch started that year at two of Shell’s plants in Louisiana, where the renewable carbon was mixed in with conventional fossil starting materials. The firms used mass balance to credit a corresponding proportion of the plants’ output as renewable, and all that volume went to Henkel.
▸ On September 4, 2022, Stepan Company and Nalco Holding Company announced the formation of a joint venture to globally market custom engineered chemical solutions for increased production of crude oil and gas from existing fields. The dramatic increase in the price of crude oil had created renewed interest in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies.
Key Questions Answered
What is the projected market size of surfactants in Argentina by 2028?
Which product segment demonstrates the most significant dominance?
In terms of market dominance, which end user segment prevails in the surfactants market?
Who are the key players with the largest market share in the surfactants market?
What is the estimated global market size for the surfactants market in 2023?
What are the main factors driving the growth of the surfactants market?
What is the expected incremental growth of the surfactants market during the forecast period?
Table of Contents
1. Scope and Methodology
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Report Scope
1.3 Research Methodology
2. Executive Summary
3. Market Overview
4. Argentina Surfactants Market – Product Analysis
4.1 Amphoteric surfactants
4.2 Anionic surfactants
4.3 Cationic surfactants
4.4 Nonionic surfactants
5. Argentina Surfactants Market – End User Analysis
5.1 Shampoo
5.2 Soap
5.3 Conditioners
5.4 Dishwashing detergents
5.5 Laundry detergents
5.6 I&I cleaners
5.7 Water softeners
5.8 Polymerization
5.9 Others
6. Patents Analysis
7. Competitive Landscape
7.1 Competitive Scenario
7.2 Market Positioning/Share Analysis
7.3 Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements
8. Company Profiles
8.1 BASF SE
8.2 BYK-Chemie GmbH
8.3 Clariant AG
8.4 Croda International plc
8.5 Enzur S.A.
8.6 Evonik Industries AG
8.7 Galaxy Surfactants Ltd.
8.8 Kao Corporation
8.9 MERANOL S.A.C.I.
8.10 Nalco Water (Ecolab Inc.)
8.11 Nouryon Holding B.V.
8.12 Oxiteno S.A.
8.13 Solvay S.A.
8.14 Stepan Company
8.15 SulfaTrade S.A.
8.16 The Dow Chemical Company
8.17 YPF S.A.
8.18 Zschimmer & Schwarz, Inc.
APPENDIX
DISCLAIMER
Companies Mentioned
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes:
BASF SE
BYK-Chemie GmbH
Clariant AG
Croda International plc
Enzur S.A.
Evonik Industries AG
Galaxy Surfactants Ltd.
Kao Corporation
MERANOL S.A.C.I.
Nalco Water (Ecolab Inc.)
Nouryon Holding B.V.
Oxiteno S.A.
Solvay S.A.
Stepan Company
SulfaTrade S.A.
The Dow Chemical Company
YPF S.A.
Zschimmer & Schwarz, Inc.