Eastern Asia: Fireclay Market 2024

Fireclay Market Size in Eastern Asia

In 2021, the East Asian fireclay market decreased by -2.1% to $X for the first time since 2016, thus ending a four-year rising trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

Fireclay Production in Eastern Asia

In value terms, fireclay production contracted modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 12% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank slightly in the following year.

Fireclay Exports

Exports in Eastern Asia

In 2021, shipments abroad of fireclay increased by 64% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Total exports indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2017; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

In value terms, fireclay exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated a perceptible increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% 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.

Exports by Country

China (X tons) represented roughly 100% of total exports in 2021.

China was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fireclay exports, with a CAGR of +5.8% from 2012 to 2021. The shares of the largest exporters remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($X) also remains the largest fireclay supplier in Eastern Asia.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in China amounted to +4.4%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, growing by 6.9% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a mild decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the export price increased by 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for China.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for China amounted to -1.3% per year.

Fireclay Imports

Imports in Eastern Asia

In 2021, purchases abroad of fireclay decreased by -30.1% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. In general, imports, however, recorded a mild expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when imports increased by 105% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, fireclay imports shrank rapidly to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 155% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

China (X tons) and Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) represented roughly 75% of total imports in 2021. South Korea (X tons) held a 15% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Japan (10%).

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by South Korea (with a CAGR of +22.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, China ($X), Taiwan (Chinese) ($X) and South Korea ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, together accounting for 90% of total imports.

In terms of the main importing countries, South Korea, with a CAGR of +22.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of 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

In 2021, the import price in Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -10.6% against the previous year. Import price indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, fireclay import price decreased by -11.5% against 2014 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 51% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was South Korea ($X per ton), while China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Japan (+9.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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