Feb 16, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Soap In Different Forms – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the UK market for soap in different forms. It details that consumption in 2024 was 69K tons, with a market value of $201M, and forecasts growth to 94K tons and $324M by 2035, driven by rising demand. Domestic production slightly contracted to 64K tons in 2024, while imports stabilized at 16K tons, led by Poland, and exports fell to 11K tons, primarily to the Netherlands and the US. The analysis highlights shifting trade dynamics, with Poland becoming the dominant import source and the US being the highest-value export destination.
Key Findings
UK soap market forecast to grow to 94K tons and $324M by 2035, with CAGRs of +2.9% in volume and +4.4% in valueDomestic production slightly declined in 2024 after years of growth, while consumption remained relatively flatPoland is the leading import source by volume, while the United States commands the highest import priceExports have declined significantly since 2013, with the Netherlands, US, and France as top destinationsAverage import and export prices show steady long-term growth, indicating a potential shift towards higher-value productsMarket Forecast
Driven by rising demand for soap in different forms in the UK, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +2.9% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 94K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.4% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $324M (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Soap In Different Forms
Soap in different forms consumption in the UK contracted slightly to 69K tons in 2024, stabilizing at 2023 figures. Overall, consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption attained the peak volume of 94K tons. From 2016 to 2024, the growth of the consumption remained at a lower figure.
The revenue of the soap in different forms market in the UK rose modestly to $201M in 2024, increasing by 1.8% 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 +2.2% from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level in 2024 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Soap In Different Forms
In 2024, after six years of growth, there was decline in production of soap in different forms, when its volume decreased by -1% to 64K tons. In general, production, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 32%. Soap in different forms production peaked at 64K tons in 2023, and then contracted in the following year.
In value terms, soap in different forms production totaled $197M in 2024 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated modest growth from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, production increased by +71.0% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 45%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs in 2024 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Soap In Different Forms
In 2024, approx. 16K tons of soap in different forms were imported into the UK; stabilizing at 2023. Over the period under review, imports showed a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 59% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of 67K tons. From 2016 to 2024, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, soap in different forms imports reached $39M in 2024. In general, imports showed a abrupt contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when imports increased by 30%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $110M in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.
Imports By Country
In 2024, Poland (4.8K tons) constituted the largest supplier of soap in different forms to the UK, accounting for a 30% share of total imports. Moreover, soap in different forms imports from Poland exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (1.3K tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by the Netherlands (1.2K tons), with a 7.4% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of volume from Poland amounted to +9.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (-11.6% per year) and the Netherlands (+2.5% per year).
In value terms, the largest soap in different forms suppliers to the UK were Poland ($5.5M), China ($3.9M) and Thailand ($3.8M), together accounting for 34% of total imports.
Thailand, with a CAGR of +47.5%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the average soap in different forms import price amounted to $2,388 per ton, picking up by 5.1% against the previous year. Over the last eleven-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.6%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 14%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $2,545 per ton in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2024, import prices remained at a lower figure.
Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($10,466 per ton), while the price for Poland ($1,130 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+10.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Soap In Different Forms
In 2024, exports of soap in different forms from the UK fell to 11K tons, with a decrease of -5.6% on the previous year. Over the period under review, exports showed a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 23% against the previous year. The exports peaked at 34K tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, soap in different forms exports fell slightly to $35M in 2024. Overall, exports saw a abrupt slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 18%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $91M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports remained at a lower figure.
Exports By Country
The Netherlands (2.6K tons), the United States (1.8K tons) and France (916 tons) were the main destinations of soap in different forms exports from the UK, with a combined 49% share of total exports.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +19.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the United States ($4.9M), France ($4.4M) and the Netherlands ($4.1M) were the largest markets for soap in different forms exported from the UK worldwide, together accounting for 38% of total exports.
The Netherlands, with a CAGR of +13.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the average soap in different forms export price amounted to $3,187 per ton, approximately mirroring the previous year. Over the period from 2013 to 2024, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.7%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 20% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $3,280 per ton. From 2022 to 2024, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.
Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Austria ($5,392 per ton), while the average price for exports to the Netherlands ($1,580 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Spain (+7.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the soap in different forms industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the soap in different forms landscape in the United Kingdom.
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Key findings
Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
Market size and growth in value and volume terms
Consumption structure by end-use segments
Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverageProdcom 20413150 – Soap in the form of flakes, wafers, granules or powdersProdcom 20413180 – Soap in forms excluding bars, cakes or moulded shapes, p aper, wadding, felt and non-wovens impregnated or coated with soap/detergent, flakes, granules or powdersCountry coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
National production and consumption statistics
Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
Price series and unit value benchmarks
Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links soap in different forms demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
Historical baseline: 2012-2025
Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
Export and import unit value trends
Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
Business focus and production capabilities
Geographic reach and distribution networks
Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
Track price dynamics and protect margins
Benchmark performance against leading competitors
Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of soap in different forms dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the soap in different forms market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.