South Korea Caustic Soda Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The South Korea caustic soda market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.30% between 2025 and 2034.The major drivers of the market include presence of strict environmental regulations, growth of the aluminium manufacturing industries in South Korea, and increasing demand for wastewater treatment.

Key Trends in the Market

Caustic soda, also known as lye, is a chemical compound that is corrosive in nature and is used for various applications such as manufacturing of soap or cleaning drains. The chemical name of this inorganic compound is sodium hydroxide and it is highly soluble in water and absorbs carbon dioxide and moisture from air.

• Various innovations such as increased emphasis on handling and delivery of caustic soda, recycling and reuse of caustic soda, and replacement of mercury cells with environmentally friendly technologies such as diaphragm and membrane cells is boosting the South Korea caustic soda market demand.
• The demand for caustic soda in South Korea from end use industries is rising. This increase can be attributed to the growing applications of caustic soda in various petrochemical processes, including the production of vinyl chloride and ethylene dichloride monomers. The demand for caustic soda is also increasing from the textile industry as it aids in the mercerisation of rayon and cotton.
• Integration of digital technologies such as data analytics and advanced monitoring systems in the caustic soda production plants has helped improve the manufacturing process control and efficiency. These advancements enable real time optimisation which result in enhanced streamlined operations.

South Korea Caustic Soda Market Segmentation

The report titled “South Korea Caustic Soda Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Production Process

• Membrane Cell
• Diaphragm Cell
• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Battery (ESS)
• Pulp and Paper
• Organic Chemical
• Inorganic Chemical
• Soap and Detergent
• Alumina
• Water Treatment
• Textile
• Others

Market Share by Production Process

Membrane cell is expected to account for a significant South Korea caustic soda market share owing to its growing popularity in various biomedical applications. The improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact of the membrane cell process compared to the diaphragm cell process is yet another major factor driving the segment growth. Use of membrane cell also eliminates the requirement for mercury, making membrane cell technology more environment friendly.

Market Share by End Use

Pulp and paper hold a significant share of the market owing to the rising applications of caustic soda in the pulping processes. Caustic soda is widely used in the pulp and paper industry to break down the lignin and separate the cellulose fibres from wood. The efficient production of high-quality pulp for papermaking while minimising both the environmental impacts and the production of waste is further boosting the South Korea caustic soda market growth.

Competitive Landscape

The comprehensive report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the South Korea caustic soda market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans.

Hanwha Solutions Co., Ltd.

Hanwha Solutions Co., Ltd. was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The renewable energy semiconductor manufacturing company specialises in petrochemical, solar energy, advanced material, and hydrogen, among others.

LG Chem Ltd.

LG Chem Ltd. is a chemicals company that was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company is known for manufacturing and marketing IT and electronic materials, petrochemicals, and energy solutions.

Dow Chemical Korea Ltd

Dow Chemical Korea Ltd was established in 1975 and has its headquarters located in Seoul, South Korea. The company is indulged in the manufacturing of chemical products such as epoxy resins, caustic soda, and chlorine.

Other South Korea caustic soda market key players include LOTTE Fine Chemical, and Tokuyama Corporation, among others.