Benelux: Expanded Clays Market 2024

Expanded Clays Market Size in Benelux

In 2021, the Benelux expanded clays market was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. The total consumption indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +5.4% against 2017 indices. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Expanded Clays Production in Benelux

In value terms, expanded clays production stood at $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated moderate growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +2.7% against 2017 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by 80%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Expanded Clays Exports

Exports in Benelux

In 2021, approx. X tons of exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays and foamed slag were exported in Benelux; with a decrease of -11.7% against 2020. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 41%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons, and then shrank in the following year.

In value terms, expanded clays exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a noticeable increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 90%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Belgium represented the largest exporting country with an export of around X tons, which amounted to 77% of total exports. It was distantly followed by the Netherlands (X tons), making up a 23% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to expanded clays exports from Belgium stood at +2.2%. At the same time, the Netherlands (+10.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the Netherlands emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Benelux, with a CAGR of +10.8% from 2012-2021. While the share of the Netherlands (+10 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Belgium (-10.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the largest expanded clays supplier in Benelux, comprising 80% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Belgium ($X), with a 20% share of total exports.

In the Netherlands, expanded clays exports increased at an average annual rate of +18.3% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 83% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while Belgium stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+6.7%).

Expanded Clays Imports

Imports in Benelux

For the third consecutive year, Benelux recorded growth in purchases abroad of exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays and foamed slag, which increased by 18% to X tons in 2021. Total imports indicated a perceptible expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +143.7% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 41% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

In value terms, expanded clays imports surged to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands was the key importer of exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays and foamed slag in Benelux, with the volume of imports finishing at X tons, which was near 88% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), committing a 10% share of total imports.

The Netherlands was also the fastest-growing in terms of the exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays and foamed slag imports, with a CAGR of +5.0% from 2012 to 2021. Belgium (-9.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of the Netherlands increased by +19 percentage points.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays and foamed slag in Benelux, comprising 84% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 15% share of total imports.

In the Netherlands, expanded clays imports increased at an average annual rate of +11.9% over the period from 2012-2021.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2021, jumping by 51% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a perceptible contraction. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the Netherlands stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+6.5%).

Source: IndexBox Platform