Trading in cleaning products remains a profitable enterprise for both the major global players in the industry and smaller producers, traders and wholesalers. Total revenues in the global bath soap market reached over $18bn in 2017, with annual growth in the sector of around 5% p/annum since 2010. This strong performance is reflected in the industries demand for soap noodles, which is also predicted to grow year on year until 2024. In the wider industry, the Asia-Pacific now accounts for around 40% of the total global demand for cleaning products, and although the major industry conglomerates account for large swathes of revenue (Proctor & Gamble accounts for 15% of total global bath soap sales on its own) smaller traders and soap manufacturers are finding lucrative opportunities in the market. As well as servicing burgeoning demand from emerging markets, this often take the form of developing and selling ranges of new luxury, premium or variety products which consumers are increasingly demanding, including moisturizing, aromatherapy, anti-bacterial, herbal, and medicated soaps.

Taking these products to new customers and new territories has been a major source of revenue growth for producers across the world in recent years. However, trading across international borders can be risky without the right support, and delays in payment after dispatch and lengthy waits whilst products are in transit can cause cashflow issues for importing and exporting parties alike. However, these risks can be mitigated if firms fully explore their options for trade finance support. By partnering with a trade financier, firms looking to begin or expand their international trading arms can get access to the right finance and tools to get their proposed ventures off the ground and capitalise on the robust global demand for these products.