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Global Chlorine Trade Totaled $160M

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Global Chlorine Trade Totaled $160M

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Chlorine – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Global Chlorine Exports 2014-2018

In 2018, the global exports of chlorine totaled 547K tonnes, going down by -9.6% against the previous year. Overall, chlorine exports continue to indicate a slight setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 5.7% against the previous year. The global exports peaked at 605K tonnes in 2017, and then declined slightly in the following year.

In value terms, chlorine exports stood at $160M (IndexBox estimates) in 2018.

Exports by Country

In 2018, Canada (157K tonnes), distantly followed by France (82K tonnes), the U.S. (51K tonnes) and Romania (32K tonnes) were the largest exporters of chlorine, together making up 59% of total exports. Mexico (24K tonnes), Germany (23K tonnes), Thailand (19K tonnes), Poland (19K tonnes), Japan (14K tonnes), South Korea (12K tonnes), Austria (11K tonnes) and Colombia (11K tonnes) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2014 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of exports, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Japan, while exports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest chlorine supplying countries worldwide were Canada ($31M), the U.S. ($20M) and France ($14M), together accounting for 41% of global exports.

The U.S. recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while exports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2018, the average chlorine export price amounted to $292 per tonne, growing by 12% against the previous year. Over the last four-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.7%. Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin; the country with the highest price was Japan ($898 per tonne), while Romania ($102 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2014 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports by Country

The U.S. represented the major importer of chlorine imported in the world, with the volume of imports reaching 189K tonnes, which was approx. 33% of total imports in 2018. Germany (63K tonnes) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 11% share, followed by Mexico (7.5%), Hungary (5.6%) and Switzerland (4.6%). The following importers – Malaysia (16K tonnes), Taiwan, Chinese (13K tonnes), Belgium (11K tonnes), China (11K tonnes), the Philippines (10K tonnes), Italy (10K tonnes) and Portugal (9.3K tonnes) – together made up 14% of total imports.

From 2014 to 2018, average annual rates of growth with regard to chlorine imports into the U.S. stood at -3.3%. At the same time, Mexico (+83.9%), Malaysia (+59.4%), China (+35.3%), Taiwan, Chinese (+24.7%), Germany (+16.6%), Portugal (+16.2%) and the Philippines (+2.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Mexico emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the world, with a CAGR of +83.9% from 2014-2018. By contrast, Hungary (-7.1%), Belgium (-8.5%), Switzerland (-9.4%) and Italy (-12.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Mexico (+6.9 p.p.), Germany (+5.1 p.p.) and Malaysia (+2.4 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2014-2018, the share of Hungary (-1.9 p.p.), Switzerland (-2.2 p.p.) and the U.S. (-4.9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the U.S. ($37M) constitutes the largest market for imported chlorine worldwide, comprising 21% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Germany ($13M), with a 7.4% share of global imports. It was followed by Mexico, with a 7.1% share.

From 2014 to 2018, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the U.S. stood at +1.3%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (+13.5% per year) and Mexico (+57.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average chlorine import price stood at $307 per tonne in 2018, growing by 4.3% against the previous year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2018, the country with the highest price was China ($981 per tonne), while Hungary ($83 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2014 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Philippines, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

Archives, Global Trade Daily, Imports/Exports

Global PVC Panel Market – U.S. Imports Hit a New Record of $3.6B

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Floor, Wall Or Ceiling Coverings Of Plastics – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Global PVC Panel Trade 2014-2018

In 2018, approx. 4.4B square meters of floor, wall or ceiling coverings of plastics were imported worldwide; surging by 9.1% against the previous year. Overall, the total imports indicated a strong increase from 2014 to 2018: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +12.4% over the last four-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2018 figures, plastic panel imports increased by +59.3% against 2014 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 17% year-to-year. The global imports peaked in 2018 and are expected to retain its growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, plastic panel imports amounted to $9.8B (IndexBox estimates) in 2018. Overall, the total imports indicated prominent growth from 2014 to 2018: its value increased at an average annual rate of +12.4% over the last four years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2018 figures, plastic panel imports increased by +53.3% against 2014 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 19% y-o-y. In that year, global plastic panel imports reached their peak and are likely to continue its growth in the immediate term.

PVC Panel Imports by Country

The U.S. was the key importer of floor, wall or ceiling coverings of plastics imported in the world, with the volume of imports reaching 1.2B square meters, which was approx. 27% of total imports in 2018. It was distantly followed by Germany (432M square meters), France (261M square meters), Canada (230M square meters), the UK (206M square meters) and the Netherlands (206M square meters), together achieving a 30% share of total imports. Belgium (130M square meters) and Australia (106M square meters) followed a long way behind the leaders.

The U.S. was also the fastest-growing in terms of the floor, wall or ceiling coverings of plastics imports, with a CAGR of +29.4% from 2014 to 2018. At the same time, Canada (+18.7%), Australia (+18.0%), the Netherlands (+14.4%), Belgium (+13.9%), Germany (+11.7%), the UK (+9.3%) and France (+9.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of the U.S. (+17 p.p.), Germany (+3.5 p.p.), Canada (+2.6 p.p.), the Netherlands (+1.9 p.p.) and France (+1.7 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the U.S. ($3.6B) constitutes the largest market for imported floor, wall or ceiling coverings of plastics worldwide, comprising 37% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Germany ($747M), with a 7.6% share of global imports. It was followed by Canada, with a 5.6% share.

In the U.S., plastic panel imports expanded at an average annual rate of +31.7% over the period from 2014-2018. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Germany (+6.1% per year) and Canada (+12.9% per year).

PVC Panel Import Prices by Country

In 2018, the average plastic panel import price amounted to $2.2 per square meter, increasing by 9.4% against the previous year. Overall, the plastic panel import price, however, continues to indicate a mild decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 9.4% against the previous year. The global import price peaked at $2.3 per square meter in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2018, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination; the country with the highest price was the U.S. ($3.1 per square meter), while the Netherlands ($1.7 per square meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2014 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the U.S., while the other global leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

PVC Panel Exports by Country

China dominates plastic panel exports structure, finishing at 3.4B square meters, which was near 66% of total exports in 2018. It was distantly followed by South Korea (391M square meters) and Belgium (292M square meters), together comprising a 13% share of total exports. The following exporters – Germany (163M square meters), Luxembourg (105M square meters) and France (88M square meters) – together made up 6.8% of total exports.

China was also the fastest-growing in terms of the floor, wall or ceiling coverings of plastics exports, with a CAGR of +20.6% from 2014 to 2018. At the same time, Germany (+9.6%), Belgium (+8.7%), South Korea (+7.5%) and Luxembourg (+1.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, France (-2.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2014 to 2018, the share of China, South Korea and Belgium increased by +35%, +1.9% and +1.6% percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($4.3B) remains the largest plastic panel supplier worldwide, comprising 50% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Belgium ($749M), with a 8.6% share of global exports. It was followed by South Korea, with a 6.6% share.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

grain
Archives, Global Trade Daily, International Trade

Grain Consumption in Africa Continues Rising

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Africa – Grain – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The revenue of the grain market in Africa amounted to $109B in 2018, picking up by 9% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price).

The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the period from 2014 to 2018; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of grain consumption in 2018 were Egypt (44M tonnes), Nigeria (31M tonnes) and Ethiopia (26M tonnes), together comprising 37% of total consumption. These countries were followed by Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, Mali, Sudan, Kenya, Niger and Tunisia, which together accounted for a further 38%.

Market Forecast to 2030

Driven by increasing demand for grain in Africa, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +2.5% for the period from 2018 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 366M tonnes by the end of 2030.

Production in Africa

The grain production totaled 201M tonnes in 2018, increasing by 1.6% against the previous year. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% from 2014 to 2018; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 6.7% against the previous year. The volume of grain production peaked in 2018 and is expected to retain its growth in the near future. The general positive trend in terms of grain output was largely conditioned by a slight increase of the harvested area and a relatively flat trend pattern in yield figures.

Production by Country

The countries with the highest volumes of grain production in 2018 were Nigeria (26M tonnes), Ethiopia (25M tonnes) and Egypt (22M tonnes), together accounting for 37% of total production. South Africa, Morocco, Tanzania, Mali, Sudan, Niger, Algeria, Burkina Faso and Kenya lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 37%.

Harvested Area and Yield in Africa

In 2018, the grain harvested area in Africa amounted to 125M ha, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. The average yield of grain in Africa stood at 1.6 tonne per ha, flattening at the previous year.

Exports in Africa

In 2018, the grain exports in Africa stood at 2.3M tonnes, growing by 14% against the previous year. In value terms, grain exports stood at $720M (IndexBox estimates).

Exports by Country

South Africa represented the largest exporter of grain exported in Africa, with the volume of exports accounting for 1.2M tonnes, which was near 52% of total exports in 2018. Uganda (471K tonnes) took the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Tanzania (212K tonnes) and Zambia (144K tonnes). All these countries together occupied near 36% share of total exports. Kenya (70K tonnes), Sudan (46K tonnes) and Burkina Faso (44K tonnes) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from South Africa decreased at an average annual rate of -17.0% from 2014 to 2018. At the same time, Kenya (+64.3%), Uganda (+37.8%), Tanzania (+32.4%), Zambia (+10.8%) and Sudan (+3.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Kenya emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +64.3% from 2014-2018. By contrast, Burkina Faso (-10.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Uganda (+15 p.p.), Tanzania (+6.2 p.p.), Kenya (+2.6 p.p.) and Zambia (+2.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while South Africa saw its share reduced by -57.6% from 2014 to 2018, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($407M) remains the largest grain supplier in Africa, comprising 56% of total grain exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Uganda ($94M), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by Tanzania, with a 10% share.

In South Africa, grain exports plunged by an average annual rate of -13.9% over the period from 2014-2018. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Uganda (+27.8% per year) and Tanzania (+32.0% per year).

Imports in Africa

In 2018, approx. 73M tonnes of grain were imported in Africa; increasing by 4.5% against the previous year. In value terms, grain imports amounted to $15B (IndexBox estimates).

Imports by Country

In 2018, Egypt (22M tonnes), distantly followed by Algeria (14M tonnes), Morocco (6.8M tonnes), Nigeria (5M tonnes) and Tunisia (3.5M tonnes) were the key importers of grain, together achieving 70% of total imports. The following importers – Libya (3M tonnes), Sudan (2.9M tonnes), Kenya (2.4M tonnes), South Africa (2.2M tonnes) and Zimbabwe (1.2M tonnes) – together made up 16% of total imports.

From 2014 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of imports, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Zimbabwe, while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest grain importing markets in Africa were Egypt ($4.1B), Algeria ($2.6B) and Morocco ($1.4B), with a combined 54% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Nigeria, Tunisia, Sudan, Libya, Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe, which together accounted for a further 30%.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

corporate
Archives, Global Trade Daily, In The News

How COVID-19 is Reshaping Corporate Culture

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The outbreak of COVID-19 is radically changing how many U.S. companies operate.
Public safety measures have closed physical offices and made remote working the norm. Travel restrictions have heightened the importance of efficient technology, communication, and collaboration. Executives have had to pivot quickly, reorganizing and rallying their workforce to push forward in an unprecedented time.
Some business leaders think COVID-19 marks a permanent turning point. And at the center of the seismic change is the reshaping of corporate culture – the beliefs and behaviors that influence how a company’s employees and management interact, says Chuck Crumpton (www.chuckcrumpton.com), author of The Jagged Journey: A Raw & Real Memoir about the Non-Perfect Path of Life & Business.
“The pandemic unquestionably will have lasting effects on corporate cultures,” Crumpton says. “There’s a growing sense it’s a fundamental shift, a new normal.
“It starts with empathy. Company leaders are seeing they need to listen more to their employees’ concerns, which are really everybody’s concerns right now. Many people have fear and uncertainty. It’s an opportunity to be more understanding and build relationships with the people you work with, and from there as a company, being better able to work in new and more collaborative ways.”
Crumpton explains the ways corporate culture will be reshaped in the wake of COVID-19 and how leaders can influence those positive changes:
Providing emotional support along with technical support. While technology is the key to keeping a remote workforce functioning at a high level, Crumpton says how leaders create a culture of mutual support will be a big factor in company culture and the employee experience. “You want to get people helping and looking out for each other,” Crumpton says. “Not every Google Chat, call or email has to be business-related.”
More, and better, communication. Working remotely, with managers and employees at different locations, places an emphasis on focused and more precise communication – even over-communication if necessary – to keep operations flowing, Crumpton says. “The use of video conferencing is very effective, keeping everyone connected and agendas targeted,” he says. “It increases responsiveness, attention span, and strengthens collaboration.”
More of a family feeling. “Working from home personalizes the workplace, partly because you are working from your personal space, and the imaginary line between family and work is basically gone,” Crumpton says. “People are out of their shell now, more relatable. Colleagues and clients are happy to share a screen with their kids or pets in the background. There’s a blending of the personal and professional, and it’s liberating.”
Better collaboration. “Your relationship with your teammates will improve,” Crumpton says. “Fighting a common enemy, the coronavirus, creates bonds in relationships. Everyone being in this together brings new levels of connection with colleagues and clients. You’re happy to see each other onscreen during this period of physical isolation, and that feeling can be brought forward when things settle down. The bond strengthens with teammates also by having worked together to solve problems and be proactive during difficult times. That means better collaboration and more enthusiasm for teamwork and shared success.”
“This crisis has challenged us in seemingly every way,” Crumpton says. “It’s been sudden, profound, and life-changing. Companies have been forced to make major changes, and in the process, they’re seeing the workplace and the world differently. It’s a great opportunity for growth and positive, permanent change.”
_____________________________________________________________
Chuck Crumpton (www.chuckcrumpton.com) is the founder and CEO of Medpoint, LLC, a global consulting firm serving medical device and pharmaceutical companies in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America. He is the author of The Jagged Journey: A Raw & Real Memoir about the Non-Perfect Path of Life & Business. He’s a featured keynote and session speaker at multi-industry events in the U.S., Europe and Asia for global organizations.
ethanol
Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

Global Ethanol Market – the U.S. Emerged as the World’s Largest and Fastest-growing Supplier

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Ethyl Alcohol – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Global Ethyl Alcohol Trade 2007-2018

In 2018, the amount of ethyl alcohol exported worldwide amounted to 17B litres, going up by 24% against the previous year. In general, the total exports indicated prominent growth from 2007 to 2018: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +7.9% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2018 figures, ethanol exports increased by +79.8% against 2014 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2011 with an increase of 47% against the previous year. The global exports peaked in 2018 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

In value terms, ethanol exports stood at $8.7B (IndexBox estimates) in 2018. In general, the total exports indicated a buoyant expansion from 2007 to 2018: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.9% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2018 figures, ethanol exports increased by +21.6% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2011 with an increase of 60% year-to-year. In that year, global ethanol exports reached their peak of $9.7B. From 2012 to 2018, the growth of global ethanol exports failed to regain its momentum.

Exports by Country

The U.S. was the largest exporter of ethyl alcohol exported in the world, with the volume of exports finishing at 7.8B litres, which was approx. 45% of total exports in 2018. It was distantly followed by Brazil (1.6B litres), the Netherlands (1.2B litres), France (0.9B litres) and Pakistan (0.8B litres), together generating a 27% share of total exports. Hungary (550M litres), Belgium (535M litres), the UK (449M litres), Germany (432M litres) and South Africa (278M litres) held a relatively small share of total exports.

The U.S. was also the fastest-growing in terms of the ethyl alcohol exports, with a CAGR of +25.6% from 2007 to 2018. At the same time, Hungary (+22.6%), the Netherlands (+10.9%), Pakistan (+10.6%), Germany (+9.4%), Belgium (+7.6%), the UK (+7.4%), France (+6.7%) and South Africa (+3.9%) displayed positive paces of growth.

By contrast, Brazil (-4.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. The U.S. (+42 p.p.), the Netherlands (+4.9 p.p.), Pakistan (+3 p.p.), Hungary (+2.8 p.p.), France (+2.8 p.p.), Belgium (+1.7 p.p.) and Germany (+1.6 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global exports, while Brazil saw its share reduced by -5.3% from 2007 to 2018, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the U.S. ($2.8B) remains the largest ethanol supplier worldwide, comprising 32% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Brazil ($892M), with a 10% share of global exports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 9.4% share.

Imports by Country

In 2018, Brazil (2,270M litres), Canada (1,626M litres), Germany (1,321M litres), the U.S. (1,318M litres), the Netherlands (1,056M litres), Japan (875M litres), the UK (683M litres), India (571M litres), South Korea (422M litres), the Philippines (415M litres), the United Arab Emirates (383M litres) and France (271M litres) was the largest importer of ethyl alcohol imported in the world, committing 74% of total import.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of imports, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Brazil, while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($832M), Brazil ($777M) and the U.S. ($705M) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2018, with a combined 28% share of global imports. The Netherlands, Canada, Japan, the UK, India, the Philippines, South Korea, France and the United Arab Emirates lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 40%.

The Philippines recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average ethanol import price stood at $0.5 per litre in 2018, waning by -13.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the ethanol import price continues to indicate a mild contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2011 when the average import price increased by 19% y-o-y. The global import price peaked at $0.8 per litre in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2018, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination; the country with the highest price was France ($0.7 per litre), while Brazil ($0.3 per litre) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Philippines, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

vodka
Archives, EU Trade, Global Trade Daily

France is the Major Market for Premium Vodka from Poland, Purchasing $99M or 62% of Its Total Exports

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Poland – Vodka – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The revenue of the vodka market in Poland amounted to $403M in 2018, lowering by -2.2% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price).

Production in Poland

In 2018, approx. 98M litres of vodka were produced in Poland; therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. In general, vodka production, however, continues to indicate a moderate decrease. Vodka production peaked at 109M litres in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2018, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports from Poland

Vodka exports from Poland amounted to 47M litres in 2018, an increase of 4.9% against the previous year. In value terms, exports amounted to $160M (IndexBox estimates).

Exports by Country

France (15M litres), the U.S. (13M litres) and Canada (2M litres) were the main destinations of vodka exports from Poland, with a combined 62% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Hungary, Germany, Bulgaria, Ukraine, the UK, Italy, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Slovakia, which together accounted for a further 24%.

From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of exports, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Bulgaria, while exports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, France ($99M) remains the key foreign market for vodka exports from Poland, comprising 62% of total vodka exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by the U.S. ($21M), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by Canada, with a 2.8% share.

From 2013 to 2018, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to France amounted to +3.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the U.S. (-9.2% per year) and Canada (-2.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average vodka export price stood at $3.4 per litre in 2018, approximately mirroring the previous year. Over the last five-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.5%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the average export price increased by 23% against the previous year. In that year, the average export prices for vodka reached their peak level of $3.8 per litre. From 2015 to 2018, the growth in terms of the average export prices for vodka remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2018, the country with the highest price was France ($6.8 per litre), while the average price for exports to Ukraine ($0.8 per litre) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to France, while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports into Poland

Vodka imports into Poland amounted to 17M litres in 2018, surging by 2.7% against the previous year. In value terms,  imports stood at $46M (IndexBox estimates) in 2018.

Imports by Country

Finland (7.2M litres), Lithuania (3.6M litres) and Sweden (2.6M litres) were the main suppliers of vodka imports to Poland, with a combined 78% share of total imports. Ukraine, the UK, Russia and Austria lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 16%.

From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of imports, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Austria, while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Finland ($22M) constituted the largest supplier of vodka to Poland, comprising 47% of total vodka imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Lithuania ($8.1M), with a 18% share of total imports. It was followed by Sweden, with a 16% share.

Import Prices by Country

The average vodka import price stood at $2.7 per litre in 2018, surging by 4.1% against the previous year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2018, the country with the highest price was Austria ($4.4 per litre), while the price for Russia ($1.7 per litre) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ukraine, while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

papaya
Archives, Global Trade Daily, Imports/Exports

Papaya Market in Latin America and the Caribbean – Guatemala Emerges as the Fastest Growing Exporter

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Latin America and the Caribbean – Papayas – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The revenue of the papaya market in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $4.1B in 2018, going up by 5.3% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price).

Overall, papaya consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the market value increased by 10% y-o-y. The level of papaya consumption peaked at $4.3B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2018, consumption failed to regain its momentum.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of papaya consumption in 2018 were the Dominican Republic (1M tonnes), Brazil (1M tonnes) and Mexico (885K tonnes), together comprising 74% of total consumption.

From 2009 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of papaya consumption, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by the Dominican Republic, while papaya consumption for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest papaya markets in Latin America and the Caribbean were Brazil ($1.2B), the Dominican Republic ($898M) and Mexico ($511M), together accounting for 64% of the total market. Cuba, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 28%.

Production in Latin America and the Caribbean

The papaya production totaled 4.2M tonnes in 2018, growing by 7.2% against the previous year. In general, papaya production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 7.2% year-to-year. The volume of papaya production peaked at 4.2M tonnes in 2016; afterwards, it flattened through to 2018. The general positive trend in terms of papaya output was largely conditioned by a relatively flat trend pattern of the harvested area and a relatively flat trend pattern in yield figures.

In 2018, approx. 97K ha of papayas were harvested in Latin America and the Caribbean; surging by 2.3% against the previous year. The average papaya yield totaled 43 tonne per ha in 2018, an increase of 4.8% y-oy.

Production By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of papaya production in 2018 were Brazil (1.1M tonnes), Mexico (1M tonnes) and the Dominican Republic (1M tonnes), with a combined 75% share of total production.

Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean

The exports amounted to 265K tonnes in 2018, shrinking by -2.9% against the previous year.  In value terms, papaya exports totaled $187M (IndexBox estimates) in 2018. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the period from 2009 to 2018; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 13% year-to-year. The level of exports peaked in 2018 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Mexico was the key exporter of papayas exported in Latin America and the Caribbean, with the volume of exports recording 155K tonnes, which was near 59% of total exports in 2018. It was distantly followed by Guatemala (59K tonnes) and Brazil (43K tonnes), together constituting a 38% share of total exports.

From 2009 to 2018, average annual rates of growth with regard to papaya exports from Mexico stood at +1.6%. At the same time, Guatemala (+53.8%) and Brazil (+5.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Guatemala emerged as the fastest-growing exporter in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a CAGR of +53.8% from 2009-2018.

Guatemala (+22 p.p.), Mexico (+7.6 p.p.) and Brazil (+5.7 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Mexico ($90M), Brazil ($50M) and Guatemala ($37M) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2018, with a combined 95% share of total exports.

Guatemala experienced the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while exports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The papaya export price in Latin America and the Caribbean stood at $706 per tonne in 2018, picking up by 14% against the previous year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2018, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($1,175 per tonne), while Mexico ($579 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2009 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico, while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

industry
Archives, Global Trade Daily, In The News

Coronavirus: Five Severe Hits to the Automotive Industry

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As the coronavirus pandemic is engulfing the world, it is adversely affecting the very structure of our society across the globe in a hitherto unprecedented way. The countries and international organizations around the world are trying hard to halt the progress of this pandemic. The people with infection need urgent medical care, and the people who do not have infection yet are isolating in their own homes.

The risk of infection is making it mandatory to stop all the activities of every industry and economic activity in our society to minimize the transmission of the virus. However, with no vaccine or cure in sight, it can be a long battle before normalcy is restorable.

 According to experts, more people are likely to stay at home in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will reduce the demand for cars. Automakers have yet to see the impact of the pandemic and the real impact may only come out in the coming months. Here are the five most severe impacts of the coronavirus on the car industry.

1. Lockdowns and Curfews

Several governments across the world are imposing lockdowns and curfews in the respective countries to try and limit the spread of the virus among the population. The mode of transmission of the coronavirus is from one person to another. Since the coronavirus is highly infectious, there is a need for people to keep their distance from each other.

The places that people tend to crowd are extremely susceptible to be hotspots of transmission of the disease to many other people. Hence the doctors around the world are advising the population to follow the norms of social distancing. Cleaning your hands regularly with sanitizers or soaps to prevent the transmission of the virus is a crucial prevention method.

People do not want to go out shopping and in the U.S., the places with the maximum reports of coronavirus are already witnessing a drop in demand. Since the lockdowns are affecting the general way of life of people and there is no need for people to purchase a car in these times, it is leading to a natural decline in demand for cars and bikes such as the Yamaha wr250r.

2. Economic Slowdown

The countries across the world are facing a crisis, and the panic is causing an economic slowdown across the world. The slowdown is also causing the stock markets around the world to take a hit. Economic slowdowns always adversely affect the car industry as people tend to find a decrease in wealth for making such purchases. Even if the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, the economic impact is bound to cause ripples for months to come.

Although the long term effects of the pandemic are still unclear, car manufacturers are expecting only a delay in the purchases against people refraining from making the purchase. The reason for this expectation is that the people buy cars only due to their need for a car and not on a whim and hence can not postpone their purchase indefinitely.

3. Closing Down of Factories

In order to stop the spread of the virus and curb the transmission, the various countries are shutting down the factories operating in their state. Since there is a need for workers to be present and working in factories for ensuring smooth and continuous production of cars, manufacturing is not going on. China is a major hub of car manufacturing, and as the disease originates from the country, many plants are shut down.

Many workers come in close contact in manufacturing plants, and hence they can act as hubs of disease transmission. Only the essential services are operational for limiting close human interaction and slowing down transmission. This is slowing down the manufacturing of cars around the world.

4. Need for Medical Equipment

Due to the sudden onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic, there is a sudden surge in demand for emergency medical equipment and protective gear. Many factories are also now producing face masks and ventilators as they are in acute shortage and are currently in high demand. Since the repurposing of factories is taking place, car manufacturing is coming to a standstill.

The manufacturers are not able to use their production line for the manufacture of cars. Hence, they can easily repurpose their plants to make the medical necessities by making slight modifications to the production line. They will need an expert to monitor and guide the production as the ventilators are complex machines. Manufacturers are working closely with government officials and health authorities for the production of ventilators.

5. Slow Down of International Trade

Due to the effect of globalization, every industry sources their raw materials and individual parts in different countries throughout the world for keeping the manufacturing cost low. Since some countries are stopping the production of materials due to the coronavirus, manufacturing plants all over the world are facing acute shortages.

The manufacturing plants of cars in other countries are also facing a shortage of parts and raw materials due to international trade restrictions in light of the current situation. This leads to the slow down or temporary stopping of the manufacturing process of cars around the world.

Conclusion

The virus is already present in every inhabitable continent throughout the world and almost every country is seeing a rapid spread of the disease amongst its population. As so, every country is imposing restrictions on the people venturing outside their homes for work and other needs to limit the spread of the pandemic.

The automobile industry is responding to the calls from the government to aid in manufacturing the face masks and ventilators in these trying times. The global economy is suffering and approaching a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic and the automobile industry is also undergoing a crisis. As a responsible citizen, you must adhere to the regulations for curbing the spread of the disease and get back to normalcy in the fastest possible time.

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Reference Links –

https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/03/15525971/coronavirus-another-severe-hit-to-the-automotive-industry

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/coronavirus-another-severe-hit-automotive-135056364.html

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/auto/auto-news/auto-industry-stares-at-2-bn-loss-as-factories-and-dealers-shut-shop-to-stem-covid-19-contagion/articleshow/74782274.cms?from=mdr

https://www.sme.org/technologies/articles/2020/march/coronavirus-impact-on-auto-industry-may-accelerate/

https://www.acea.be/press-releases/article/coronavirus-eu-auto-industry-faces-unprecedented-crisis

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51956880

https://www.autocarindia.com/industry/how-coronavirus-has-hit-the-global-auto-industry-a-timeline-416615

https://www.just-auto.com/news/updated-daily-automotive-coronavirus-briefing-free-to-read_id194210.aspx

https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-threatens-auto-industrys-record-run-of-robust-sales-11584532801

High Authority Links –

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/drive/mobility/article-how-will-coronavirus-affect-the-auto-industry-in-the-coming-months/

https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/auto-industry-still-awaits-full-force-of-coronavirus-outbreak-57494206
ireland
Archives, EU Trade, Global Trade Daily

NORTHERN IRELAND ISN’T WAITING ON POST-BREXIT TRADE DEAL TO COURT U.S. INVESTORS

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A Trade Agreement for the “Whole of the U.K.”

On March 2, 2020 the United Kingdom (U.K.) released its public negotiating objectives for a free trade agreement with the United States, its largest bilateral trading partner. In pursuing increased trade in goods and services and greater cross-border investment, the U.K government seeks an “agreement that works for the whole of the U.K.,” including “all four constituent nations,” and that takes account of the Northern Ireland Protocol that aims to avoid the introduction of a hard border on the island of Ireland. The United States released its objectives for talks with the U.K. in February of 2019.

Trade agreements are a valuable tool governments use to generate broad economic benefits, but negotiations can take time and outcomes are uncertain. Many governments simultaneously deploy export and investment promotion agencies to promote access to new markets for its companies or attract investments that will create jobs at home.

Usually affiliated with government, these agencies may promote the image and offerings of the home market, provide export training, offer support in identifying partners or specific business opportunities, organize trade fairs or trade missions, and conduct research and market analysis. They may be based domestically and maintain offices abroad.

The U.K. has enjoyed longstanding success in attracting inbound investment, but with uncertainties surrounding the implementation and impact of Brexit, U.K. trade and investment promotion agencies have a key role to play in promoting a thriving post-Brexit economic future. Although the U.K.’s Department for International Trade is on the front lines in providing trade and investment services, another agency — Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) — is specifically focused on making sure benefits accrue to Northern Ireland.

Banking on Belfast

Formed in Belfast in 2002 through a consolidation of the departments of trade, investment, and research and development, Invest NI helps new and existing Northern Irish businesses to compete internationally and works to attract new investment to Northern Ireland. The organization has over 600 professionals in its network, with business advisors across Northern Ireland, and throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East. With U.S.-U.K. commercial relations in the headlines, we spoke with Peta Conn, the Boston-based Executive Vice President and Head of Americas for Invest NI about the narrative she shares.

“Northern Ireland’s strength is its talent – a growing youth population, excellent universities and people who want to stay. We offer a strong ecosystem that brings together government, academia and business. There is a real focus on ensuring we can cater to future demand for skills. I’d add that Northern Ireland offers a great lifestyle and one that is affordable. Many come for the business and stay for the life.”

Look at Belfast

Key industries in Northern Ireland include financial services, legal services and cyber security. According to FT fDi Markets, Belfast has been ranked as the world’s number one destination for financial technology development projects, the top city in Europe for new software development projects, and the number one international location for U.S. cyber security development projects.

Conn highlighted the importance of testimonials, including the vote of confidence from Boston-based security analytics software and services firm Rapid7, which announced in October 2014 it would set up a software innovation center in Boston’s sister city of Belfast, creating high-paying jobs. Speaking of the investment at that time, Rapid7 CEO Corey Thomas pointed to the work that Northern Ireland’s universities were doing in IT security and the availability of high-quality technical staff.

The Hunt for Talent

Despite the uncertainties of Brexit, Conn noted that the last few years have seen some of the strongest foreign direct investment flows out of the United States into Northern Ireland. “It’s really about the need for talent and an immediate need for developers.”

That talent flows from Northern Ireland’s two major universities – Queens University Belfast and Ulster University. Both are leaders in innovative research, and Queens is home to the Centre for Secure Information Technologies, the U.K.’s national innovation and knowledge center for cyber security.

“If you want development operations or software, you can do this at Belfast salaries that are 20 percent lower than Dublin and 30 percent lower than London, and also have lower workforce attrition.”

NI's human talent

The Tools

Conn leads the Americas team, which includes a dozen people in Boston and 28 people in total across the region, in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, Toronto, Santiago, and, as of very recently, Los Angeles. In addition to promoting foreign direct investment, the team also helps Northern Ireland companies export to the United States.

Their performance indicators are based on employment and economic growth. Sales teams work to identify prospective investors and explain how Northern Ireland could fit within their growth strategies. Business development teams then offer customized solutions of how the market can specifically support business plans.

Once a company has committed to set up in Northern Ireland, one of the programs on offer is a pre-employment program called Assured Skills, which is unique to the region. Companies can co-design an academy-style course with a local training institution and then recruit a cohort of potential employees to take the course. At its conclusion, all participants are offered a job interview, thus de-risking the recruitment process and leading to a conversion rate of about 90 percent.

Crushing It

As U.S.-U.K. trade talks get underway, politics in both countries and the U.K.’s parallel negotiations with the EU, make the timing of any deal uncertain. The issue of Northern Ireland, which under the U.K.’s Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union (EU), remains part of the UK customs territory but subject to EU regulations, will be a focus of attention among U.S. lawmakers insistent on avoiding a hard border in Ireland and protecting the 1998 peace agreement that helped bring an end to conflict in the region.

A U.K. trade deal with the United States may bring modest benefits for Northern Ireland as government analysis suggests, but the Rt. Hon. Brandon Lewis, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, has emphasized: “The United Kingdom is going to be one area and all will be able to benefit from our future global trade deals.”

While the talks proceed, Invest NI will continue to offer a compelling narrative of innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunities to invest in Northern Ireland. Their stories will include everything from sophisticated software development to Northern Ireland’s dominance in producing 40 percent of the world’s mobile crushing machines and manufacturing a third of the world’s airline seats.

Like free trade agreement talks, investment promotion involves understanding long-term strategy direction and the areas of an economy’s competitive advantage. Invest NI will remain an important complement to U.K. government trade negotiation efforts, serving as the messenger of an economy that is open for business.

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Leslie Griffin is Principal of Boston-based Allinea LLC. She was previously Senior Vice President for International Public Policy for UPS and is a past president of the Association of Women in International Trade in Washington, D.C.

This article originally appeared on TradeVistas.org. Republished with permission.

salt
Archives, Global Trade Daily, International Trade

Asia’s Salt Market – India is the Largest and Fastest Growing Exporter in the Region

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Asia – Salt – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The revenue of the salt market in Asia amounted to $8.3B in 2018, approximately equating the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded over the period under review.

Consumption By Country

China (74M tonnes) remains the largest salt consuming country in Asia, comprising approx. 57% of total consumption. Moreover, salt consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the region’s second-largest consumer, India (16M tonnes), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was occupied by Japan (5.7M tonnes), with a 4.4% share.

From 2007 to 2018, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in China stood at +1.5%. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of consumption growth: India (+0.8% per year) and Japan (-0.9% per year).

In value terms, China ($5.3B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Pakistan ($435M). It was followed by Japan.

In 2018, the highest levels of salt per capita consumption was registered in Taiwan, Chinese (134 kg per person), followed by Turkey (63 kg per person), Saudi Arabia (61 kg per person) and South Korea (53 kg per person), while the world average per capita consumption of salt was estimated at 28 kg per person.

In Taiwan, Chinese, salt per capita consumption remained relatively stable over the period from 2007-2018. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of per capita consumption growth: Turkey (+5.3% per year) and Saudi Arabia (+0.7% per year).

Production in Asia

In 2018, approx. 124M tonnes of salt and pure sodium chloride were produced in Asia; growing by 2.1% against the previous year. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when production volume increased by 14% y-o-y. In that year, salt production reached its peak volume of 124M tonnes. From 2014 to 2018, salt production growth failed to regain its momentum.

In value terms, salt production totaled $8.2B in 2018 estimated in export prices. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the period from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years.

Exports in Asia

In 2018, approx. 16M tonnes of salt and pure sodium chloride were exported in Asia; going up by 21% against the previous year. In general, salt exports continue to indicate buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2011 with an increase of 44% year-to-year. The volume of exports peaked in 2018 and are likely to continue its growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, salt exports amounted to $528M (IndexBox estimates) in 2018. In general, salt exports continue to indicate prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2008 when exports increased by 49% y-o-y. Over the period under review, salt exports reached their maximum in 2018 and are expected to retain its growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

India prevails in salt exports structure, reaching 13M tonnes, which was approx. 79% of total exports in 2018. It was distantly followed by China (1,448K tonnes), committing a 9% share of total exports. The following exporters – Kazakhstan (377K tonnes), Turkey (375K tonnes) and Pakistan (301K tonnes) – each finished at a 6.5% share of total exports.

From 2007 to 2018, average annual rates of growth with regard to salt exports from India stood at +25.1%. At the same time, Kazakhstan (+53.6%), Turkey (+26.7%), Pakistan (+18.1%) and China (+5.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Kazakhstan emerged as the fastest-growing exporter in Asia, with a CAGR of +53.6% from 2007-2018. While the share of India (+73 p.p.), China (+4.2 p.p.), Kazakhstan (+2.3 p.p.), Turkey (+2.2 p.p.) and Pakistan (+1.6 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, India ($227M) remains the largest salt supplier in Asia, comprising 43% of total salt exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by China ($93M), with a 18% share of total exports. It was followed by Pakistan, with a 9.8% share.

In India, salt exports increased at an average annual rate of +22.2% over the period from 2007-2018. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: China (+9.1% per year) and Pakistan (+28.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2018, the salt export price in Asia amounted to $33 per tonne, dropping by -2.5% against the previous year. Overall, the salt export price continues to indicate a noticeable downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2008 when the export price increased by 26% year-to-year. In that year, the export prices for salt and pure sodium chloride reached their peak level of $63 per tonne. From 2009 to 2018, the growth in terms of the export prices for salt and pure sodium chloride failed to regain its momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin; the country with the highest price was Pakistan ($171 per tonne), while India ($18 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Pakistan, while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform