Brazil: Lime Market 2024

Lime Market Size in Brazil

In 2021, after three years of decline, there was growth in the Brazilian lime market, when its value increased by 2.8% to $X. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate a deep contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 7.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Lime Production in Brazil

In value terms, lime production rose slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw a abrupt slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the production volume increased by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Lime Exports

Exports from Brazil

In 2021, shipments abroad of lime increased by 34% to X tons, rising for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, exports posted a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 124% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

In value terms, lime exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, total exports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +85.2% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when exports increased by 40%. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Paraguay (X tons) was the main destination for lime exports from Brazil, accounting for a 71% share of total exports. Moreover, lime exports to Paraguay exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Uruguay (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Chile (X tons), with a 4.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Paraguay amounted to +38.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Uruguay (+15.4% per year) and Chile (+47.6% per year).

In value terms, Paraguay ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for lime exports from Brazil, comprising 50% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Uruguay ($X), with a 20% share of total exports. It was followed by Chile, with a 16% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Paraguay stood at +29.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Uruguay (+5.6% per year) and Chile (+50.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lime export price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -5.1% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 11% against the previous year. The export price 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 for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Paraguay ($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 Chile (+1.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Lime Imports

Imports into Brazil

In 2021, imports of lime into Brazil soared to X tons, growing by 35% compared with the previous year. Over the period under review, imports posted a resilient expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 314% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lime imports expanded markedly to $X in 2021. In general, imports showed a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 329% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Uruguay (X tons) was the main lime supplier to Brazil, with a 96% share of total imports. It was followed by Austria (X tons), with a 1.5% share of total imports. Argentina (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 0.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Uruguay totaled +24.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Austria (+2,096.0% per year) and Argentina (-13.4% per year).

In value terms, Uruguay ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lime to Brazil, comprising 84% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Austria ($X), with a 7.6% share of total imports. It was followed by Argentina, with a 1.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Uruguay amounted to +29.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Austria (+2,112.4% per year) and Argentina (-9.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lime import price amounted to $X per ton, falling by -19.5% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a mild reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 34% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 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 the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Uruguay ($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 (+21.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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