China: Alkali Metals Market 2024

Alkali Metals Market Size in China

In 2021, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in the Chinese alkali metals market, when its value decreased by -87.5% to $X. In general, consumption saw a dramatic setback. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Alkali Metals Production in China

In value terms, alkali metals production expanded slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production showed a noticeable contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the production volume increased by 12%. Alkali metals production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Alkali Metals Exports

Exports from China

After three years of decline, overseas shipments of alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, mercury increased by 48% to X tons in 2021. Overall, total exports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +7.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, alkali metals exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

India (X tons), the United States (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main destinations of alkali metals exports from China, together comprising 52% of total exports. The Netherlands, Belgium, Russia, Mexico, Vietnam, South Korea, Ukraine, Spain and Turkey lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 39%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Vietnam (with a CAGR of +48.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Japan ($X), India ($X) and the United States ($X) were the largest markets for alkali metals exported from China worldwide, with a combined 54% share of total exports. The Netherlands, Belgium, Russia, South Korea, Mexico, Vietnam, Ukraine, Spain and Turkey lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 32%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Vietnam, with a CAGR of +46.7%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average alkali metals export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 31% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a perceptible decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average export price increased by 40% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

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 Japan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United States ($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 Mexico (+7.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Alkali Metals Imports

Imports into China

In 2021, purchases abroad of alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, mercury increased by 97% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 347% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, alkali metals imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw measured growth. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Vietnam (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of alkali metals to China, accounting for a 60% share of total imports. Moreover, alkali metals imports from Vietnam exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Russia (X tons), fivefold. The United States (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Vietnam amounted to +176.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Russia (+109.3% per year) and the United States (-17.7% per year).

In value terms, Vietnam ($X) constituted the largest supplier of alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, mercury to China, comprising 66% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Japan, with a 2.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Vietnam amounted to +168.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (-4.1% per year) and Japan (-20.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average alkali metals import price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 44% against the previous year. In general, the import price posted prominent growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 134%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Russia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+28.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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