Kaolinitic Clay, Fireclay And Clay For Construction Use Prices in China

China Kaolinitic Clay, Fireclay And Clay For Construction Use Export Price in September 2022

In September 2022, the kaolinitic clay, fireclay and clay for construction use price amounted to $315 per ton (FOB, China), declining by -11% against the previous month. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in August 2022 when the average export price increased by 18% against the previous month. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $354 per ton, and then contracted in the following month.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In September 2022, the country with the highest price was the United States ($487 per ton), while the average price for exports to Japan ($246 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United States (+6.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

China Kaolinitic Clay, Fireclay And Clay For Construction Use Export Prices by Type

Average prices varied noticeably for the major types of exported product. In September 2022, the product with the highest price was clays for construction and industrial use ($331 per ton), while the average price for exports of fireclay totaled $313 per ton.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for the following types: fireclay (+1.3%), while the prices for the other product experienced mixed trend patterns.

China Kaolinitic Clay, Fireclay And Clay For Construction Use Exports

In September 2022, the amount of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use exported from China dropped modestly to 84K tons, declining by -4.2% on August 2022. Overall, exports continue to indicate a slight curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in April 2022 with an increase of 62% m-o-m. Over the period under review, the exports of reached the maximum at 98K tons in January 2022; however, from February 2022 to September 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, exports of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use shrank to $27M (IndexBox estimates) in September 2022. In general, exports continue to indicate a mild reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in April 2022 when exports increased by 67% month-to-month. The exports peaked at 31K tons in August 2022, and then declined in the following month.

China Kaolinitic Clay, Fireclay And Clay For Construction Use Exports by Type

Fireclay (75K tons) was the largest type of kaolinitic clay, fireclay and clay for construction use exported from China, accounting for a 89% share of total exports. Moreover, fireclay exceeded the volume of the second product type, clays for construction and industrial use (9.6K tons), eightfold.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly growth rate of the volume of export of fireclay totaled -1.6%.

In value terms, fireclay ($23M) remains the largest type of kaolinitic clay, fireclay and clay for construction use exported from China, comprising 88% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by clays for construction and industrial use ($3.2M), with a 12% share of total exports.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly growth rate of the export volume of fireclay was relatively modest.

China Kaolinitic Clay, Fireclay And Clay For Construction Use Exports by Country

India (23K tons) was the main destination for exports of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use from China, with a 27% share of total exports. Moreover, exports of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use to India exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Japan (11K tons), twofold. The Netherlands (8.9K tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with an 11% share.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly growth rate of volume to India totaled +7.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average monthly rates of exports growth: Japan (-5.4% per month) and the Netherlands (+0.8% per month).

In value terms, India ($6.8M) emerged as the key foreign market for kaolinitic clay, fireclay and clay for construction use exports from China, comprising 25% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($2.9M), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Japan, with a 10% share.

From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly growth rate of value to India amounted to +6.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average monthly rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (+1.1% per month) and Japan (-4.0% per month).

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform