Africa: Alkali Metals Market 2025

Alkali Metals Market Size in Africa

The African alkali metals market reached $X in 2021, approximately equating the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a slight setback. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Alkali Metals Production in Africa

In value terms, alkali metals production stood at $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the production volume increased by 17% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2020 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Alkali Metals Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, mercury increased by 365% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, exports posted a strong expansion. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, alkali metals exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports posted a pronounced increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 184% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Nigeria dominates exports structure, accounting for X tons, which was approx. 93% of total exports in 2021. South Africa (X tons) held a minor share of total exports.

Nigeria was also the fastest-growing in terms of the alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, mercury exports, with a CAGR of +306.1% from 2012 to 2021. South Africa (-24.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Nigeria increased by +93 percentage points.

In value terms, Nigeria ($X) remains the largest alkali metals supplier in Africa, comprising 90% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Africa ($X), with a 3.6% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Nigeria totaled +264.2%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -43.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price recorded a noticeable shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 an increase of 40% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then contracted sharply in the following year.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Nigeria totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (-3.0%).

Alkali Metals Imports

Imports in Africa

Alkali metals imports skyrocketed to X tons in 2021, growing by 28% on the year before. Total imports indicated modest growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% 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 -2.6% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 95%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, alkali metals imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, saw a noticeable setback. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Burkina Faso (X tons), distantly followed by Egypt (X tons), Nigeria (X tons) and South Africa (X tons) were the main importers of alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, mercury, together making up 74% of total imports. Mauritania (X tons), Ethiopia (X tons), Gambia (X tons), Togo (X tons), Libya (X tons) and Madagascar (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Burkina Faso (with a CAGR of +76.7%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest alkali metals importing markets in Africa were South Africa ($X), Egypt ($X) and Togo ($X), with a combined 65% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Mauritania, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Libya and Gambia, which together accounted for a further 16%.

In terms of the main importing countries, Burkina Faso, with a CAGR of +28.3%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 12% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a abrupt descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the import price increased by 34% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Togo ($X per ton), while Gambia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Libya (+5.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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