Africa: Market for Refractory Products of Siliceous or Diatomite Earths 2025

Market Size for Refractory Products of Siliceous or Diatomite Earths in Africa

The African market for refractory products of siliceous or diatomite earths expanded modestly to $X in 2021, picking up by 3.9% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated slight growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -1.2% against 2018 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Production of Refractory Products of Siliceous or Diatomite Earths in Africa

In value terms, production of refractory products of siliceous or diatomite earths rose modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 70%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, production of growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Refractory Products of Siliceous or Diatomite Earths

Exports in Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of refractory products of siliceous or diatomite earths were exported in Africa; picking up by 8% compared with the previous year. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a prominent expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 130%. The volume of export peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

In value terms, exports of refractory products of siliceous or diatomite earths expanded slightly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports posted a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 123%. Over the period under review, the exports of hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Tanzania (X tons) represented the main exporter of refractory products of siliceous or diatomite earths, constituting 48% of total exports. South Africa (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 26% share, followed by Rwanda (16%) and Kenya (5.3%). Zambia (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Zambia (with a CAGR of +71.0%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Tanzania ($X), South Africa ($X) and Rwanda ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, together accounting for 89% of total exports.

Among the main exporting countries, Rwanda, with a CAGR of +49.2%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -4.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price recorded a perceptible downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the export price increased by 48%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

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 South Africa ($X per ton), while Zambia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

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

Imports of Refractory Products of Siliceous or Diatomite Earths

Imports in Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of refractory products of siliceous or diatomite earths were imported in Africa; rising by 14% on the previous year. Overall, imports recorded a resilient increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 74%. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

In value terms, imports of refractory products of siliceous or diatomite earths expanded rapidly to $X in 2021. In general, imports showed a resilient increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 67% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Rwanda represented the major importer of refractory products of siliceous or diatomite earths in Africa, with the volume of imports accounting for X tons, which was near 62% of total imports in 2021. Nigeria (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 10% share, followed by Gambia (5.7%), Madagascar (5.5%) and Namibia (5.2%). Zambia (X tons) and South Africa (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to refractory products of siliceous or diatomite earths imports into Rwanda stood at +32.1%. At the same time, Nigeria (+53.0%), Gambia (+32.0%), Madagascar (+22.2%), Zambia (+17.0%) and Namibia (+6.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Nigeria emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +53.0% from 2012-2021. By contrast, South Africa (-19.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Rwanda (+47 p.p.), Nigeria (+9.7 p.p.), Gambia (+4.2 p.p.) and Madagascar (+2.7 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Namibia and South Africa saw its share reduced by -3.9% and -30.4% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Rwanda ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported refractory products of siliceous or diatomite earths in Africa, comprising 56% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Nigeria ($X), with a 9.4% share of total imports. It was followed by Gambia, with an 8.4% share.

In Rwanda, imports of refractory products of siliceous or diatomite earths increased at an average annual rate of +26.9% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Nigeria (+37.7% per year) and Gambia (+57.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a slight reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 42%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2021, the import prices remained at a lower figure.

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 Gambia ($X per ton), while Zambia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+19.2%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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