Benelux: Lime Market 2025

Lime Market Size in Benelux

The Benelux lime market expanded markedly to $X in 2021, with an increase of 9.5% against the previous year. Overall, consumption, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Lime Production in Benelux

In value terms, lime production rose modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production recorded a mild slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 6.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Lime Exports

Exports in Benelux

In 2021, exports of quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime in Benelux declined to X tons, waning by -7.8% against 2020. Overall, exports showed a pronounced reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when exports increased by 6% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lime exports shrank slightly to $X in 2021. In general, exports saw a perceptible decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 13% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Belgium dominates exports structure, resulting at X tons, which was near 91% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by the Netherlands (X tons), committing a 9.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to lime exports from Belgium stood at -2.8%. At the same time, the Netherlands (+11.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the Netherlands emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Benelux, with a CAGR of +11.3% from 2012-2021. The Netherlands (+6.3 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Belgium saw its share reduced by -6.2% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Belgium ($X) remains the largest lime supplier in Benelux, comprising 89% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($X), with an 11% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Belgium totaled -4.2%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 7.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a mild decline. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while Belgium amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+1.8%).

Lime Imports

Imports in Benelux

In 2021, purchases abroad of quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime increased by 11% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lime imports soared to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands was the main importing country with an import of about X tons, which reached 74% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), making up a 23% share of total imports. Luxembourg (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

The Netherlands experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime. Belgium experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. Luxembourg (-10.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of the Netherlands increased by +4.2 percentage points. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime in Benelux, comprising 79% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with an 18% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in the Netherlands stood at +3.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Belgium (-0.7% per year) and Luxembourg (-12.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 9.6% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.4%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the import price increased by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while Luxembourg ($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 Netherlands (+3.5%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform