China: Carbonate Market 2025

Carbonate Market Size in China

In 2021, the Chinese carbonate market increased by 9.8% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Carbonate Production in China

In value terms, carbonate production rose significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 20%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Carbonate Exports

Exports from China

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas shipments of carbonates and peroxocarbonates, when their volume decreased by -30.8% to X tons. Over the period under review, exports recorded a perceptible downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 14% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, carbonate exports amounted to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

South Korea (X tons), Indonesia (X tons) and Vietnam (X tons) were the main destinations of carbonate exports from China, together accounting for 39% of total exports. The Philippines, Bangladesh, Thailand, Japan, Nigeria, Australia, India, Malaysia, Myanmar and Spain lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 35%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Australia (with a CAGR of +13.2%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, South Korea ($X) remains the key foreign market for carbonates and peroxocarbonates exports from China, comprising 19% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Japan ($X), with an 8.7% share of total exports. It was followed by Indonesia, with a 6.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to South Korea amounted to +6.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Japan (+4.3% per year) and Indonesia (-3.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average carbonate export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 49% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Nigeria ($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 India (+14.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Carbonate Imports

Imports into China

In 2021, the amount of carbonates and peroxocarbonates imported into China contracted to X tons, shrinking by -9.6% compared with 2020 figures. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 184% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2020, and then dropped in the following year.

In value terms, carbonate imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 153%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), Turkey (X tons) and Chile (X tons) were the main suppliers of carbonate imports to China, with a combined 56% share of total imports. Thailand, Vietnam, Italy, Germany, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Malaysia and South Korea lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 35%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Mexico (with a CAGR of +194.9%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Chile ($X) constituted the largest supplier of carbonates and peroxocarbonates to China, comprising 53% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Argentina ($X), with a 21% share of total imports. It was followed by the United States, with a 5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Chile amounted to +23.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Argentina (+63.5% per year) and the United States (+16.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average carbonate import price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 99% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a mild increase. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+10.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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