ASEAN: Bentonite Market 2024

Bentonite Market Size in ASEAN

For the fifth year in a row, the ASEAN bentonite market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 5.5% to $X in 2022. The total consumption indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.9% 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 +12.7% against 2016 indices. The level of consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Bentonite Production in ASEAN

In value terms, bentonite production amounted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production showed a abrupt contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 6.5%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Bentonite Exports

Exports in ASEAN

In 2022, exports of bentonite in ASEAN skyrocketed to X tons, picking up by 29% compared with 2021. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, bentonite exports rose to $X in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period 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 2017 when exports increased by 18% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Malaysia was the key exporter of bentonite in ASEAN, with the volume of exports finishing at X tons, which was near 61% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Thailand (X tons), Indonesia (X tons) and Singapore (X tons), together comprising a 38% share of total exports.

Malaysia was also the fastest-growing in terms of the bentonite exports, with a CAGR of +14.1% from 2012 to 2022. Indonesia (-3.9%), Thailand (-6.5%) and Singapore (-7.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Malaysia (+43 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand saw its share reduced by -7.3%, -13.4% and -21.3% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, Malaysia ($X) remains the largest bentonite supplier in ASEAN, comprising 52% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Thailand ($X), with a 21% share of total exports. It was followed by Singapore, with a 17% share.

In Malaysia, bentonite exports expanded at an average annual rate of +21.6% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Thailand (-2.2% per year) and Singapore (-4.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in ASEAN amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -20.8% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.5%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 57% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then fell remarkably in the following year.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Malaysia (+6.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Bentonite Imports

Imports in ASEAN

In 2022, imports of bentonite in ASEAN rose to X tons, picking up by 4.8% on 2021. Total imports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports decreased by -12.8% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 61%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, bentonite imports rose modestly to $X in 2022. Total imports indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +14.3% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 23%. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

Indonesia (X tons) and Malaysia (X tons) represented the largest importers of bentonite in 2022, reaching near 39% and 28% of total imports, respectively. It was distantly followed by Thailand (X tons), Vietnam (X tons) and Singapore (X tons), together comprising a 29% share of total imports. The Philippines (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by the Philippines (with a CAGR of +24.7%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest bentonite importing markets in ASEAN were Thailand ($X), Indonesia ($X) and Malaysia ($X), with a combined 67% share of total imports. Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 32%.

Among the main importing countries, the Philippines, with a CAGR of +21.6%, recorded the highest growth rate of 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 ASEAN stood at $X per ton in 2022, falling by -1.7% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 33% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton, and then fell in the following year.

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 Singapore ($X per ton), while Indonesia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Thailand (+1.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform