Africa: Fireclay Market 2024

Fireclay Market Size in Africa

The African fireclay market was estimated at $X in 2022, picking up by 2.8% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Fireclay Production in Africa

In value terms, fireclay production expanded slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 26% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Fireclay Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2022, shipments abroad of fireclay increased by 9.5% to X tons, rising for the fourth consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, exports continue to indicate a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 555%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, fireclay exports declined to $X in 2022. Overall, exports showed a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when exports increased by 481% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2021, and then fell in the following year.

Exports by Country

South Africa prevails in exports structure, reaching X tons, which was near 91% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons), creating a 5.9% share of total exports. Egypt (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from South Africa increased at an average annual rate of +41.9% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Democratic Republic of the Congo (+411.0%) and Egypt (+10.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Democratic Republic of the Congo emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +411.0% from 2012-2022. While the share of South Africa (+57 p.p.) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (+5.9 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of Egypt (-10.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest fireclay supplier in Africa, comprising 95% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X), with a 3.9% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in South Africa amounted to +48.9%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Democratic Republic of the Congo (+117.2% per year) and Egypt (+0.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -15.9% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a pronounced setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 19% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

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 South Africa (+4.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Fireclay Imports

Imports in Africa

After two years of growth, supplies from abroad of fireclay decreased by -6.8% to X tons in 2022. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 255%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, fireclay imports dropped to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, posted measured growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 119% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Tunisia (X tons) and Algeria (X tons) dominates imports structure, together creating 87% of total imports. Ghana (X tons), South Africa (X tons) and Morocco (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Ghana (with a CAGR of +94.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest fireclay importing markets in Africa were Tunisia ($X), Algeria ($X) and South Africa ($X), with a combined 78% share of total imports. Ghana and Morocco lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 5.3%.

Ghana, with a CAGR of +69.4%, saw the highest growth rate of 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, waning by -4.1% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a perceptible contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 29% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Algeria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+3.2%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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