Belgium: Natural Sand Market 2022

Natural Sand Market Size in Belgium

The Belgian natural sand market surged to $X in 2021, picking up by 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Natural sand consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Natural Sand Production in Belgium

In value terms, natural sand production dropped modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a deep downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 0.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Natural Sand Exports

Exports from Belgium

In 2021, shipments abroad of natural sands was finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. In general, exports posted a significant expansion. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, natural sand exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a remarkable increase. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons) was the main destination for natural sand exports from Belgium, with a 71% share of total exports. Moreover, natural sand exports to the Netherlands exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, France (X tons), fourfold. Luxembourg (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 5.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to the Netherlands totaled +27.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (+25.8% per year) and Luxembourg (+11.1% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the key foreign market for natural sand exports from Belgium, comprising 59% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by France ($X), with an 18% share of total exports. It was followed by Luxembourg, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to the Netherlands totaled +27.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (+13.5% per year) and Luxembourg (+35.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average natural sand export price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 15% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the average export price increased by 21%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Luxembourg ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the UK ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Luxembourg (+22.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Natural Sand Imports

Imports into Belgium

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas purchases of natural sands, when their volume increased by 479% to X tons. In general, imports showed a significant increase. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, natural sand imports stood at $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, saw a slight decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 15%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the Netherlands (X tons) constituted the largest natural sand supplier to Belgium, accounting for a 61% share of total imports. Moreover, natural sand imports from the Netherlands exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, France (X tons), twofold. Germany (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 7.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the Netherlands totaled +27.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (+19.1% per year) and Germany (+23.6% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constituted the largest supplier of natural sand to Belgium, comprising 83% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($X), with an 11% share of total imports. It was followed by France, with a 2.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the Netherlands was relatively modest. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (-3.9% per year) and France (-0.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average natural sand import price amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -80.3% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average import price increased by 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for France ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Luxembourg (-10.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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