Chile: Carbonate Market 2025

Carbonate Market Size in Chile

In 2021, the Chilean carbonate market increased by 23% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Carbonate Production in Chile

In value terms, carbonate production declined to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production enjoyed a resilient increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the production volume increased by 232% against the previous year. Carbonate production peaked at $X in 2020, and then declined slightly in the following year.

Carbonate Exports

Exports from Chile

Carbonate exports from Chile skyrocketed to X tons in 2021, surging by 34% on 2020. Over the period under review, exports recorded prominent growth. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, carbonate exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 103% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

China (X tons), South Korea (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main destinations of carbonate exports from Chile, with a combined 82% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Belgium, the United States, Germany and Argentina, which together accounted for a further 16%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Argentina (with a CAGR of +39.1%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for carbonate exported from Chile were China ($X), South Korea ($X) and Japan ($X), with a combined 84% share of total exports.

China, with a CAGR of +25.1%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average carbonate export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 7% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a measured expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 56% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Argentina ($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 the United States (+7.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Carbonate Imports

Imports into Chile

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas purchases of carbonates and peroxocarbonates, when their volume increased by 38% to X tons. Over the period under review, total imports indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, carbonate imports soared to $X in 2021. In general, total imports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +90.9% against 2015 indices. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of carbonate to Chile, with a 80% share of total imports. Moreover, carbonate imports from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Turkey (X tons), eightfold. Spain (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 4.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the United States totaled +4.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Turkey (+44.4% per year) and Spain (+24.7% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of carbonates and peroxocarbonates to Chile, comprising 76% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Turkey ($X), with an 8.1% share of total imports. It was followed by Spain, with a 6.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from the United States amounted to +5.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Turkey (+39.6% per year) and Spain (+32.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average carbonate import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -2% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the average import price increased by 7.4%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2020, and then reduced slightly in the following year.

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 China ($X per ton), while the price for Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (+6.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :