Eastern Asia: Slate Market 2024

Slate Market Size in Eastern Asia

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in the East Asian slate market, when its value decreased by -6.4% to $X. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then reduced in the following year.

Slate Production in Eastern Asia

In value terms, slate production declined to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% 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 +108.4% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the production volume increased by 87% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

Slate Exports

Exports in Eastern Asia

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas shipments of slate, when their volume decreased by -48.5% to X tons. In general, exports recorded a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 48%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, slate exports dropped dramatically to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, recorded a prominent expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 88%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X, and then dropped markedly in the following year.

Exports by Country

The shipments of the one major exporters of slate, namely China, represented more than two-thirds of total export.

China was also the fastest-growing in terms of the slate exports, with a CAGR of -7.0% 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 slate supplier in Eastern Asia.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in China amounted to +10.4%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 47% against the previous year. Overall, the export price posted a prominent expansion. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

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 +18.8% per year.

Slate Imports

Imports in Eastern Asia

For the fourth year in a row, Eastern Asia recorded decline in supplies from abroad of slate, which decreased by -2.5% to X tons in 2021. Overall, imports recorded a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 64% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, slate imports reduced modestly to $X in 2021. In general, imports recorded a perceptible decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 56% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Japan (X tons) represented the largest importer of slate, constituting 55% of total imports. South Korea (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 22% share, followed by China (17%). The following importers - Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) and Hong Kong SAR (X tons) - each recorded a 6.3% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to slate imports into Japan stood at -5.1%. At the same time, Hong Kong SAR (+10.7%) and China (+3.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Hong Kong SAR emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Eastern Asia, with a CAGR of +10.7% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Taiwan (Chinese) (-12.1%) and South Korea (-12.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of China (+10 p.p.), Japan (+6.5 p.p.) and Hong Kong SAR (+2.4 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Taiwan (Chinese) (-2.4 p.p.) and South Korea (-16.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Japan ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported slate in Eastern Asia, comprising 73% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by China ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by South Korea, with a 9.9% share.

In Japan, slate imports remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+6.3% per year) and South Korea (-13.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, stabilizing at the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +4.4%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 an increase of 19%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

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 Japan ($X per ton), while Taiwan (Chinese) ($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 (+5.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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