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Exploring the Growing Industry of Soap Export from India

Exploring the Growing Industry of Soap Export from India

Key Highlights

  • Over 750 thousand metric tons of toilet soap are produced annually in India. 
  • Based on soap export data, India exported soap valued at 166 million in 2023, a 21% increase over the amount of soap exported from India in 2022.
  • The major soap HS codes are 34012000 and 3401194.
  • As per soap exporter data. the biggest soap exporter is Germany, with an export value of US$ 1.3 billion.
  • Hindustan Unilever, Products, Wipro Consumer Care Private Limited, Baldha Industries, and Godrej Consumer are among the leading soap exporters in India.

The rising demand for conventional and natural soaps worldwide has pushed India's soap sector to impressive heights in recent years. India has established itself as a significant player in the global soap export industry by fusing its long history of soap production with contemporary innovation. 

In addition, some well-known businesses, such as HUL and ITC, have emerged as the leading soap exporters. However, the best market research platform can provide you with trends and growth potential when you start a soap export business from India. In this blog, we'll look at the main export destinations for Indian soap, insights on soap export from India, a list of soaps exported from India, the most prominent soap HS Codes, and much more. 

What Exactly is Soap?

Made from fats or oils and an alkali, such as lye, soap is a cleansing agent. By bridging the gap between water and oil, soap eliminates dirt. Pathogens are removed when you wash your hands with soap and water. 

In the home, soap is used for bathing, washing, and other activities. In the industrial sector, soap is employed as a catalyst, thickener, emulsifier, and ingredient in certain lubricants.

Production Volume of Soap in India

In India, more than 750 thousand metric tons of toilet soap are produced every year. 

With over 50% of the consumer goods sector coming from soap production, it is one of the oldest industries in India's FMCG sector.

With a combined yearly revenue of over Rs 1,700 crore, over 700 registered companies currently produce a variety of bar/cake and liquid soaps. 

Contribution of India to Soap Industry

At a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2023 to 2032, the global soap market is expected to reach a size of USD 66.5 billion, up from USD 38.4 billion in 2022.

In 2023, the size of the Indian soap market was US$3.9 billion. According to IMARC Group's forecast, the market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36% from 2024 to 2032, reaching US$ 5.2 billion.

There are several reasons why the Indian soap industry is expanding, including:

  • growing concern for cleanliness
  • rising prevalence of several infectious diseases
  • increasing use of environmentally friendly soap packaging
  • Increasing disposable income
  • Urbanization 
  • The availability of different product variations
  • More publicity in the media

Soap Export From India: Insights

The demand for Indian bath soaps has increased as a result of a shift in consumer preferences toward natural and organic products.

The countries with the fastest rates of growth for the export of soap from India between 2021 and 2022 were Tanzania, Chinese Taipei, and Somalia.

India exports a variety of soaps, such as:

  • Toilet soap
  • Laundry soap
  • Medicated soap
  • Herbal soap
  • Organic soap
  • Handmade soap

In order to export soap from India, you need to get certificates and invoices ready, get the soap through customs, and then ship it to its final destination.

India’s Soap Export Data: 2023-24

Soap Export from India

Total Value (USD Million)

Year-over-Year Change (%)

2022

109

N/A

2023

166

21%


India exported soap worth $166 million in 2023, a 21% increase over 2022 exports, according to data on soap export from India. India made up $109 million of its soap exports in 2022.

Based on soap export data, India shipped 263 shipments of handmade soap between March 2023 and February 2024 (TTM). These products were shipped by 43 Indian exporters to 68 buyers, a -11% increase over the preceding 12 months.

In February 2024 alone, 13 shipments of handmade soap were shipped out of India during this period. This indicates a year-over-year growth of -73% from February 2023 and a sequential growth of 63% from January 2024.

India ranks 22nd in the world for soap exports. But when it comes to handmade soaps, India leads the world with 3,479 shipments, followed by Turkey in second place with 231 shipments and China in third place with 192 shipments.

The US, Singapore, and Russia are the main destinations for the export of soap from India. 

Leading Soap Hs Codes

Soap is categorized under Harmonized System (HS) code 3401 as an organic surface-active product or preparation. A few HS codes for specific types of soap are as follows:

Soap HS Codes

Product Description

34012000

soap in different forms, such as liquids and powders

34011941

Household soaps

34011190

Relates to "Soap; Organic Surface-Active Products and Soap-Making Preparations."

34011110

Medicated toilet soaps


To get insights on soap export data, handmade soap export from India, and obtain thorough knowledge on soap HS codes and soap exporting countries, visit our platform, Seair Exim Solutions.

India's Top Export Destination for Soap

The most updated list of Indian soap top export destinations: 

  • United Arab Emirates ($23.8M)
  • Nepal ($13.3M)
  • United States ($10.7M)
  • United Kingdom ($4.91M)
  • Saudi Arabia ($3.74M)
  • Somalia ($807k)
  • Chinese Taipei ($783k)
  • Tanzania ($701k)

India’s Top Export Destination for Soap
So, as per soap export data, homemade soaps are one of the main exports from India to the United Arab Emirates.  The production process of Indian soaps uses less energy and generates less waste than factory-produced soaps, which contributes to their high demand overseas.

Alternatively, visit Seair Exim Solutions for more details about the global soap export market. However, if you need current and accurate information about soap exporters in India, soap HS codes, or soap export from India. 

Top 10 Soap Exporting Countries

This is a list of countries that export a wide range of soap in significant amounts:

Rank

Top 10 soap exporting countries

Export value 

1

Germany

US$ 1.3 billion

2

China

US$ 1.23 billion

3

United States

US$ 1.16 billion

4

Indonesia

US$ 940.5 million

5

France

US$ 899.7 million

6

Poland

US$ 844.8 million

7

Italy

US$ 786 million

8

Malaysia

US$ 536.3 million

9

Turkey

US$ 519.1 million

10

Netherlands

US$ 493.2 million

Top 10 Soap Exporting Countries

Thus, according to soap export data for 2024, these are the main soap exporting nations. With soap exports valued at $1.3 billion, Germany, however, became the world's biggest soap exporter. In addition to Germany, the United States, Indonesia, France, and China are the main exporters of soap. Visit Seair Exim Solutions to learn about India's position in the soap export market as well as other market insights like the soap exporters list, soap export from India, soap export data, and soap HS codes

Top Soap Exporters in India

India's leading soap exporters are listed below:

  • Hindustan Unilever
  • Godrej Consumer Products
  • Wipro Consumer Care Private Limited
  • Baldha Industries
  • Jyothy Labs
  • Vasa Global Company
  • Ivory Soap Works
  • ITC Limited
  • Anuspa Heritage Pvt Ltd.
  • Everyday Herbal Care

Thus, all of these leading Indian soap exporters contribute to meeting the growing demand for Indian herbal and handmade soaps around the world. In addition to these, India is home to numerous other soap exporting businesses. Contact us on Seair Exim Solutions to obtain the complete list of Indian soap exporters along with the value of their shipments of soap export from India. 

How Do I Find Soap Exporters in India?

It would help if you visited Seair Exim Solutions's data-driven dashboard to analyze the updated soaps exported worldwide. It is an exclusive platform that provides statistics on soap export from India and soap exporters in India and offers reliable, current, and authentic Indian soap export data, soap HS codes, or a list of soap importing countries. 

The Last Words!

In conclusion, companies that engage in import and export can make a good profit by launching an Indian soap export company. However, to freely conduct in-depth industry research, they require a few essential documents and insights.

You can increase your chances of success in the international toiletry export market by adhering to the guidelines provided in this blog.

If you have any further queries regarding soap export from India, Seair Exim Solutions is an excellent resource for analyzing trade statistics worldwide for a number of nations, such as Germany, India, and Turkey. Even soap exporters in India can easily find foreign buyers and suppliers and get in touch with our team of experts if you still have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we export soap from India?

Yes, Indian soap exporters export herbal, handmade, and other types of soap every year in huge quantity. In 2023–24, soap export from India accounted for around $166 million. 

Who is the biggest exporter of soap?

As per soap export data for 2023-24, Germany is the biggest soap exporter with an export value of US$ 1.3 billion. 

Who are the world's largest exporters of soap?

The largest soap exporting countries include Germany, China, the United States, Indonesia, France, and Poland. 

Which soap is mostly used in India?

Lifebuoy is the most used soap in India since decades. Other soaps that have an emerging market in India include Dove, Santoor, Cinthol, and Lux.

Who is the largest soap factory in the world?

Unilever PLC is the largest soap manufacturer in the world, with factories in most civilized quarters of the globe. It’s products are available in more than 190 countries.

Export of soap from India

Soap export from India to UAE

Export of soap from India to UK

Export of soap from India to Saudi Arabia

  • Seair Exim
  • 21-Oct-2024

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