China: Fireclay Market 2024

Fireclay Market Size in China

In 2021, the Chinese fireclay market decreased by -3% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after six years of growth. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Fireclay consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Fireclay Production in China

In value terms, fireclay production reached $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 13%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2019; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Fireclay Exports

Exports from China

In 2021, overseas shipments of fireclay were finally on the rise to reach X tons after three years of decline. Overall, total exports indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2017; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

In value terms, fireclay exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a notable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% 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

The Netherlands (X tons), Japan (X tons) and India (X tons) were the main destinations of fireclay exports from China, with a combined 56% share of total exports. The United States, Taiwan (Chinese), Turkey, South Korea, France, Thailand, Vietnam, Belgium, Iran and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 32%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Vietnam (with a CAGR of +91.5%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X), Japan ($X) and the United States ($X) constituted the largest markets for fireclay exported from China worldwide, with a combined 54% share of total exports. These countries were followed by India, Turkey, Taiwan (Chinese), South Korea, France, Thailand, Vietnam, Belgium, Iran and Italy, which together accounted for a further 33%.

Vietnam, with a CAGR of +90.5%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of 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

In 2021, the average fireclay export price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 8.6% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a slight decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 29% against the previous year. The export price peaked 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 external markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Iran ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to India ($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 Iran (+3.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Fireclay Imports

Imports into China

In 2021, overseas purchases of fireclay decreased by -54.2% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, imports, however, showed a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when imports increased by 866% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, fireclay imports reduced remarkably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 757%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Guyana (X tons) constituted the largest fireclay supplier to China, with a 82% share of total imports. Moreover, fireclay imports from Guyana exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, South Korea (X tons), more than tenfold. The United States (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 3.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Guyana totaled +72.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Korea (-15.5% per year) and the United States (+14.3% per year).

In value terms, Guyana ($X) constituted the largest supplier of fireclay to China, comprising 74% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United States ($X), with a 10% share of total imports. It was followed by France, with a 4.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Guyana stood at +62.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (+9.9% per year) and France (+60.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average fireclay import price amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -23.1% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a noticeable increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 79% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for South Korea ($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 (-2.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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