Central Asia: Kaolin Market 2024

Kaolin Market Size in Central Asia

In 2021, the Central Asian kaolin market was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. Overall, consumption, however, recorded strong growth. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Kaolin Production in Central Asia

In value terms, kaolin production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, enjoyed a buoyant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 179% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Kaolin Exports

Exports in Central Asia

In 2021, overseas shipments of kaolin and kaolinic clays decreased by -55.7% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after three years of growth. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 9,460%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, kaolin exports shrank remarkably to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, showed a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 5,727%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Uzbekistan (X tons) represented roughly 100% of total exports in 2021.

Uzbekistan was also the fastest-growing in terms of the kaolin and kaolinic clays exports, with a CAGR of +36.3% from 2012 to 2021. Uzbekistan (+99 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Uzbekistan ($X) also remains the largest kaolin supplier in Central Asia.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Uzbekistan totaled +36.0%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Central Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, reducing by -8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price faced a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the export price increased by 295%. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Uzbekistan.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Uzbekistan amounted to -0.2% per year.

Kaolin Imports

Imports in Central Asia

In 2021, overseas purchases of kaolin and kaolinic clays increased by 42% to X tons, rising for the seventh consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, imports saw significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 185%. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, kaolin imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 260% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Uzbekistan (X tons) represented the largest importer of kaolin and kaolinic clays, comprising 62% of total imports. Turkmenistan (X tons) held a 28% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Kazakhstan (5.6%). Kyrgyzstan (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Imports into Uzbekistan increased at an average annual rate of +35.0% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Turkmenistan (+94.0%) and Kyrgyzstan (+19.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Turkmenistan emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Central Asia, with a CAGR of +94.0% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Kazakhstan (-9.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Uzbekistan (+62 p.p.) and Turkmenistan (+27 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Kazakhstan (-87.7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Uzbekistan ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported kaolin and kaolinic clays in Central Asia, comprising 73% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Turkmenistan ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by Kazakhstan, with a 6.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Uzbekistan amounted to +33.5%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Turkmenistan (+61.3% per year) and Kazakhstan (-7.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Central Asia amounted to $X per ton, falling by -9.6% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 an increase of 37% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Uzbekistan ($X per ton), while Turkmenistan ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kazakhstan (+2.4%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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