Belgium: Mercury Market 2024

Mercury Market Size in Belgium

The Belgian mercury market rose modestly to $X in 2021, with an increase of 2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a buoyant increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% 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 -9.9% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Mercury Production in Belgium

In value terms, mercury production reduced slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 5.8% against the previous year. Mercury production peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

Mercury Exports

Exports from Belgium

In 2021, approx. X kg of mercuries were exported from Belgium; shrinking by -50.2% against the previous year. Overall, exports showed a precipitous descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 524%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, mercury exports declined dramatically to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 330% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Poland (X kg), Italy (X kg) and France (X kg) were the main destinations of mercury exports from Belgium, with a combined 59% share of total exports. These countries were followed by the Netherlands, Spain, Romania and Germany, which together accounted for a further 30%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Romania (with a CAGR of +16.2%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for mercury exported from Belgium were Poland ($X), France ($X) and Italy ($X), with a combined 59% share of total exports. These countries were followed by the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Romania, which together accounted for a further 33%.

Romania, with a CAGR of +60.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average mercury export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the average export price increased by 247% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the countries with the highest prices were Germany ($X per ton) and France ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Spain ($X per ton) and Italy ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Romania (+35.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Mercury Imports

Imports into Belgium

In 2021, approx. X kg of mercuries were imported into Belgium; picking up by 20% against the previous year. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 126%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, mercury imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 93%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands (X kg), the Czech Republic (X kg) and Germany (X kg) were the main suppliers of mercury imports to Belgium, together accounting for 92% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by the Czech Republic (with a CAGR of +14.6%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X) constituted the largest supplier of mercuries to Belgium, comprising 47% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Czech Republic ($X), with a 23% share of total imports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 20% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Germany stood at -5.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Czech Republic (+19.9% per year) and the Netherlands (+2.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average mercury import price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 29% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 109%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+35.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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