Africa: Bentonite Market 2024

Bentonite Market Size in Africa

The African bentonite market rose remarkably to $X in 2022, growing by 10% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +18.2% against 2020 indices. The level of consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Bentonite Production in Africa

In value terms, bentonite production reduced to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +8.0% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the production volume increased by 53% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

Bentonite Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2022, the amount of bentonite exported in Africa surged to X tons, rising by 40% compared with the previous year. Overall, exports recorded a perceptible increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 132%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, bentonite exports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports posted strong growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 123% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Egypt dominates exports structure, accounting for X tons, which was near 92% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by South Africa (X tons), making up a 4.9% share of total exports. Mozambique (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to bentonite exports from Egypt stood at +15.0%. At the same time, Mozambique (+21.1%) and South Africa (+4.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Mozambique emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +21.1% from 2012-2022. While the share of Egypt (+60 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Egypt ($X) remains the largest bentonite supplier in Africa, comprising 87% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by South Africa ($X), with an 8.1% share of total exports.

In Egypt, bentonite exports increased at an average annual rate of +11.0% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: South Africa (-3.4% per year) and Mozambique (+13.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2022, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.5%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 30%. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Egypt ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Egypt (-3.4%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Bentonite Imports

Imports in Africa

For the third consecutive year, Africa recorded growth in overseas purchases of bentonite, which increased by 48% to X tons in 2022. In general, imports continue to indicate strong growth. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, bentonite imports soared to $X in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 25%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2022, South Africa (X tons) was the major importer of bentonite, committing 50% of total imports. Egypt (X tons) took a 14% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Morocco (6.6%) and Niger (6.1%). The following importers - Tunisia (X tons), Nigeria (X tons) and Sudan (X tons) - together made up 8.6% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to bentonite imports into South Africa stood at +19.7%. At the same time, Niger (+27.5%), Nigeria (+13.2%), Egypt (+11.1%), Sudan (+10.5%), Tunisia (+9.9%) and Morocco (+2.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Niger emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +27.5% from 2012-2022. While the share of South Africa (+25 p.p.) and Niger (+4.5 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Morocco (-8.9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X), Egypt ($X) and Morocco ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together comprising 60% of total imports.

Egypt, with a CAGR of +16.6%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -17.1% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a abrupt contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when the import price increased by 12%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Egypt (+4.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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