Eastern Asia: Lime Market 2025

Lime Market Size in Eastern Asia

After five years of growth, the East Asian lime market decreased by -1.9% to $X in 2021. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then contracted modestly in the following year.

Lime Production in Eastern Asia

In value terms, lime production reduced to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +4.5% 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 2014 with an increase of 42%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Lime Exports

Exports in Eastern Asia

For the fourth consecutive year, Eastern Asia recorded decline in overseas shipments of lime, which decreased by -13.8% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded a abrupt contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 28%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lime exports surged to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated a noticeable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -45.6% against 2014 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 69% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

China dominates exports structure, resulting at X tons, which was approx. 94% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Japan (X tons), committing a 5.2% share of total exports.

Exports from China decreased at an average annual rate of -5.5% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Japan (+4.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Japan emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Eastern Asia, with a CAGR of +4.8% from 2012-2021. Japan (+3.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while China saw its share reduced by -3.3% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, China ($X) remains the largest lime supplier in Eastern Asia, comprising 81% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Japan ($X), with an 18% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in China totaled +2.5%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 35% against the previous year. Export price indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +7.7% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, lime export price increased by +65.2% against 2018 indices. 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 origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while China totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+8.5%).

Lime Imports

Imports in Eastern Asia

Lime imports expanded notably to X tons in 2021, increasing by 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a slight descent. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lime imports soared to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Taiwan (Chinese) represented the key importer of lime in Eastern Asia, with the volume of imports accounting for X tons, which was approx. 64% of total imports in 2021. Japan (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, followed by South Korea (X tons) and Hong Kong SAR (X tons). All these countries together held approx. 31% share of total imports. China (X tons) and Macao SAR (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

Taiwan (Chinese) experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of lime. At the same time, Macao SAR (+2.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Macao SAR emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Eastern Asia, with a CAGR of +2.5% from 2012-2021. Japan experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, China (-1.2%), Hong Kong SAR (-2.7%) and South Korea (-5.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Taiwan (Chinese) (+5.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while South Korea saw its share reduced by -5.8% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Taiwan (Chinese) ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported lime in Eastern Asia, comprising 56% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Japan ($X), with a 20% share of total imports. It was followed by South Korea, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Taiwan (Chinese) amounted to +3.6%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Japan (+0.9% per year) and South Korea (-3.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 6.5% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.9%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 35% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while Macao SAR ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+6.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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