Belgium: Sandstone Market 2024

Sandstone Market Size in Belgium

The Belgian sandstone market shrank modestly to $X in 2022, dropping by -2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption saw a abrupt downturn. Sandstone consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Sandstone Production in Belgium

In value terms, sandstone production expanded rapidly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, showed a deep slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the production volume increased by 51%. Sandstone production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Sandstone Exports

Exports from Belgium

In 2022, shipments abroad of sandstone decreased by -36.6% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 205% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sandstone exports shrank notably to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports saw a slight decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 191%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2021, and then dropped remarkably in the following year.

Exports by Country

France (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main destinations of sandstone exports from Belgium, with a combined 99% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +23.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, France ($X) remains the key foreign market for sandstone exports from Belgium, comprising 77% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($X), with a 4.2% share of total exports. It was followed by Germany, with a 2.9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to France stood at +4.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (-6.9% per year) and Germany (-23.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sandstone export price amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -19.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price recorded a slight descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 119% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then fell notably in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Luxembourg ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the Netherlands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Luxembourg (+3.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sandstone Imports

Imports into Belgium

In 2022, supplies from abroad of sandstone decreased by -50.5% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. In general, imports showed a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 31%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sandstone imports declined notably to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a pronounced reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 76% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X, and then contracted markedly in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2022, India (X tons) was the main sandstone supplier to Belgium, accounting for a 91% share of total imports. Moreover, sandstone imports from India exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, France (X tons), more than tenfold. Italy (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 1.9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from India totaled -8.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (-12.6% per year) and Italy (+13.3% per year).

In value terms, India ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sandstone to Belgium, comprising 93% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Italy ($X), with a 1.2% share of total imports. It was followed by France, with a 1.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from India stood at -1.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Italy (+1.8% per year) and France (-11.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average sandstone import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, picking up by 31% against the previous year. Overall, the import price posted buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 52%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the price for France ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+11.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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