China: Lime Market 2025

Lime Market Size in China

In 2021, after five years of growth, there was decline in the Chinese lime market, when its value decreased by -3.7% to $X. Overall, the total consumption indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +35.6% against 2015 indices. Lime consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped in the following year.

Lime Production in China

In value terms, lime production contracted modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +35.7% against 2015 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 49%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Lime Exports

Exports from China

For the fourth consecutive year, China recorded decline in shipments abroad of lime, which decreased by -14.7% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a abrupt descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 30% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lime exports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, enjoyed a noticeable expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 90%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Japan (X tons), Hong Kong SAR (X tons) and Indonesia (X tons) were the main destinations of lime exports from China, with a combined 61% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Indonesia (with a CAGR of +47.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for lime exported from China were Japan ($X), Hong Kong SAR ($X) and Indonesia ($X), together comprising 48% of total exports. These countries were followed by South Korea, India, Ghana, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Myanmar, Taiwan (Chinese) and Mongolia, which together accounted for a further 21%.

India, with a CAGR of +37.9%, 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 lime export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 39% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +8.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, lime export price increased by +64.1% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the average export price increased by 46%. The export price peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Vietnam ($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 South Korea (+12.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lime Imports

Imports into China

In 2021, imports of lime into China declined slightly to X tons, which is down by -2.6% on the previous year. Over the period under review, imports saw a mild decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 152% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lime imports declined modestly to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 106%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Malaysia (X tons), Italy (X tons) and Belgium (X tons) were the main suppliers of lime imports to China, with a combined 78% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Belgium (with a CAGR of +100.5%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Malaysia ($X), Japan ($X) and Italy ($X) appeared to be the largest lime suppliers to China, with a combined 65% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Belgium, the UK, Switzerland, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, which together accounted for a further 25%.

Among the main suppliers, Switzerland, with a CAGR of +112.2%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average lime import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 2.1% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +6.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, lime import price increased by +61.0% against 2017 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 an increase of 59%. The import price peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

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 Japan ($X per ton), while the price for Thailand ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Democratic People's Republic of Korea (+1,610.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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