Africa: Market for Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles 2025

Market Size for Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles in Africa

The African market for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles totaled $X in 2021, surging by 7.8% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of consumption peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Production of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles in Africa

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production dropped to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +81.2% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 61% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then declined in the following year.

Exports of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

Exports in Africa

In 2021, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports in Africa expanded remarkably to X tons, growing by 14% against 2020 figures. In general, exports, however, showed a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when exports increased by 23%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a mild shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 38% 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

South Africa was the key exporting country with an export of around X tons, which accounted for 54% of total exports. Egypt (X tons) took the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Namibia (X tons) and Mozambique (X tons). All these countries together took near 31% share of total exports. Tanzania (X tons), Morocco (X tons) and Mauritius (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from South Africa decreased at an average annual rate of -1.6% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Namibia (+22.0%), Mauritius (+11.9%), Mozambique (+6.4%), Morocco (+6.1%) and Tanzania (+3.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Namibia emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +22.0% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Egypt (-10.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique and Tanzania increased by +15, +5.6, +3.6 and +1.6 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest refractory bricks, blocks and tiles supplier in Africa, comprising 58% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Egypt ($X), with a 23% share of total exports. It was followed by Mozambique, with a 5.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in South Africa was relatively modest. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Egypt (-0.9% per year) and Mozambique (+17.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 19% against the previous year. Export price indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles export price increased by +78.1% against 2016 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the export price increased by 20%. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mauritius ($X per ton), while Tanzania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Egypt (+10.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

Imports in Africa

In 2021, purchases abroad of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles was finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, imports, however, showed a slight curtailment. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports soared to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 35% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Algeria (X tons) and South Africa (X tons) were the major importers of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles in 2021, finishing at near 19% and 18% of total imports, respectively. Egypt (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 9.3% share, followed by Nigeria (7.9%), Mozambique (5.1%), Tunisia (4.6%) and Tanzania (4.6%). Libya (X tons), Morocco (X tons), Kenya (X tons), Zambia (X tons) and Zimbabwe (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Mozambique (with a CAGR of +21.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, South Africa ($X), Algeria ($X) and Egypt ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 54% share of total imports. Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenya lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 34%.

Tanzania, with a CAGR of +13.2%, recorded 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 2021, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, rising by 9.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the import price increased by 21% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2019; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Egypt ($X per ton), while Kenya ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Morocco (+3.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :