Report Update May 1, 2025

China - Natural Sands - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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China: Natural Sand Market 2022

Natural Sand Market Size in China

The Chinese natural sand market reduced modestly to $X in 2021, which is down by -2.4% against the previous year. In general, consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Natural Sand Production in China

In value terms, natural sand production contracted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 38%. Natural sand production peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Natural Sand Exports

Exports from China

In 2021, shipments abroad of natural sands increased by 3,739% to X tons, rising for the fourth year in a row after two years of decline. In general, exports posted a significant increase. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, natural sand exports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, exports continue to indicate a significant increase. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Hong Kong SAR (X tons) was the main destination for natural sand exports from China, with a 36% share of total exports. Moreover, natural sand exports to Hong Kong SAR exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Macao SAR (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Pakistan (X tons), with a 9.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Hong Kong SAR stood at +68.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Macao SAR (+85.7% per year) and Pakistan (+227.3% per year).

In value terms, Hong Kong SAR ($X) remains the key foreign market for natural sand exports from China, comprising 44% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Macao SAR ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by India, with an 8.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Hong Kong SAR totaled +67.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Macao SAR (+84.5% per year) and India (+273.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average natural sand export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with a decrease of -2% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a slight decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 57%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Senegal ($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 (+15.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Natural Sand Imports

Imports into China

For the tenth consecutive year, China recorded growth in purchases abroad of natural sands, which increased by 81% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, imports recorded a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 94% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

In value terms, natural sand imports reached $X in 2021. Overall, imports enjoyed strong growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 83%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Australia (X tons), Malaysia (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main suppliers of natural sand imports to China, with a combined 91% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Malaysia (with a CAGR of +197.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest natural sand suppliers to China were Australia ($X), Malaysia ($X) and Japan ($X), together comprising 62% of total imports.

Malaysia, with a CAGR of +120.2%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average natural sand import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, dropping by -40.5% against the previous year. Overall, the import price faced a dramatic curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 29% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Egypt ($X per ton), while the price for Vietnam ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Australia (-2.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

What are the largest markets for natural sands in the world?

China constituted the country with the largest volume of natural sand consumption, comprising approx. 58% of total volume. Moreover, natural sand consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, India, eightfold. The United States ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 2.6% share.

What are the largest producers of natural sands in the world?

The country with the largest volume of natural sand production was China, comprising approx. 58% of total volume. Moreover, natural sand production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, India, eightfold. The third position in this ranking was occupied by the United States, with a 2.6% share.

What are the leading suppliers of natural sands to China?

In value terms, the largest natural sand suppliers to China were Malaysia, Australia and Japan, with a combined 80% share of total imports.

What are the leading importers of natural sands from China?

In value terms, Hong Kong SAR remains the key foreign market for natural sand exports from China, comprising 68% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Macao SAR, with a 4.5% share of total exports. It was followed by Taiwan Chinese), with a 2.9% share.

What is the average export price for natural sands in China?

In 2020, the average natural sand export price amounted to $8.7 per ton, rising by 3.4% against the previous year.

What is the average import price for natural sands in China?

In 2020, the average natural sand import price amounted to $102 per ton, surging by 78% against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the natural sand market in China. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

Prodcom 08121150 - Silica sands (quartz sands or industrial sands)
Prodcom 08121190 - Construction sands such as clayey sands, kaolinic sands, f eldspathic sands (excluding silica sands, metal bearing sands)

Country coverage:

China

Data coverage:

Market volume and value
Per Capita consumption
Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
Trade (exports and imports) in China
Export and import prices
Market trends, drivers and restraints
Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

Take advantage of the latest data
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This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
How to load your idle production capacity
How to boost your sales on overseas markets
How to increase your profit margins
How to make your supply chain more sustainable
How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
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While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

1. INTRODUCTION

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A Quick Overview of Market Performance
1. KEY FINDINGS
2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
3. MARKET OVERVIEW

Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects
1. MARKET SIZE
2. MARKET STRUCTURE
3. TRADE BALANCE
4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION
5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2030
4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
4. MOST TRADED PRODUCT
5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT
5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
3. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
4. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES
6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS
7. PRODUCTION

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE
8. IMPORTS
The Largest Import Supplying Countries
1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
9. EXPORTS
The Largest Destinations for Exports
1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
LIST OF TABLES
1. Key Findings In 2024
2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
3. Market Value, 2012–2024
4. Per Capita Consumption In 2012-2024
5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
7. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
10. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
2. Market Value, 2012–2024
3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
5. Trade Balance, In Physical Terms, 2012-2024
6. Trade Balance, In Value Terms, 2012-2024
7. Per Capita Consumption, 2012-2024
8. Market Volume Forecast to 2030
9. Market Value Forecast to 2030
10. Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
11. Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
12. Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
13. Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
14. Production Volume And Growth
15. Exports And Growth
16. Export Prices And Growth
17. Market Size And Growth
18. Per Capita Consumption
19. Imports And Growth
20. Import Prices
21. Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
22. Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
23. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
24. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
25. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
26. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
27. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
28. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024
29. Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
30. Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
31. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
32. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
33. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
34. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024