Africa: Abrasives Market 2024

Abrasives Market Size in Africa

The African abrasives market rose rapidly to $X in 2021, growing by 13% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -11.1% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Abrasives Production in Africa

In value terms, abrasives production skyrocketed to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 38%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Abrasives Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of abrasives (natural) increased by 71% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, exports enjoyed significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 930% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, abrasives exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a significant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 210% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

South Africa dominates exports structure, accounting for X tons, which was near 93% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Sierra Leone (X tons), generating a 5.7% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to abrasives exports from South Africa stood at +63.5%. At the same time, Sierra Leone (+205.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Sierra Leone emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +205.3% from 2012-2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of South Africa and Sierra Leone increased by +56 and +5.7 percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest abrasives supplier in Africa, comprising 88% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Sierra Leone ($X), with an 8% share of total exports.

In South Africa, abrasives exports increased at an average annual rate of +54.3% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the export price increased by 182%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Sierra Leone ($X per ton), while South Africa stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (-5.6%).

Abrasives Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of abrasives (natural) were imported in Africa; jumping by 37% compared with the previous year's figure. Total imports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -9.7% against 2019 indices. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, abrasives imports surged to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated perceptible growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -16.6% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Tunisia (X tons) and Morocco (X tons) represented the main importers of abrasives (natural) in 2021, accounting for near 21% and 20% of total imports, respectively. Lesotho (X tons) held the next position in the ranking, followed by Egypt (X tons), Sudan (X tons) and Ethiopia (X tons). All these countries together held near 44% share of total imports. Nigeria (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Sudan (with a CAGR of +27.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Egypt ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported abrasives (natural) in Africa, comprising 32% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Morocco ($X), with a 13% share of total imports. It was followed by Lesotho, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Egypt stood at +14.9%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Morocco (-6.9% per year) and Lesotho (+22.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, approximately reflecting the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a pronounced setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when the import price increased by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Egypt ($X per ton), while Sudan ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Lesotho (+6.7%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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