Solid sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), a fundamental industrial chemical used in paper production, soap making, aluminium refining, and water treatment.
Caustic soda is produced by electrolysing brine — a process that is energy-intensive and therefore favours locations with cheap power. Iran and the UAE export solid caustic soda to paper mills, alumina refineries, soap factories, and water treatment plants across Asia. It is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals by volume.
Turkey is the largest buyer, importing $18 million from Hormuz suppliers.
Azerbaijan is the most dependent, sourcing 90% of its imports of this product from Hormuz suppliers.
Outside Hormuz, China leads with 27.2% of global exports.
Hormuz suppliers' share of global sodium hydroxide (caustic soda): solid exports has grown over the period covered.