Ecuador: Kaolin Market 2025

Kaolin Market Size in Ecuador

In 2021, after seven years of growth, there was significant decline in the Ecuadorian kaolin market, when its value decreased by -88% to $X. Overall, consumption recorded a abrupt decrease. Kaolin consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank notably in the following year.

Kaolin Production in Ecuador

In value terms, kaolin production shrank to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 242% against the previous year. Kaolin production peaked at $X in 2020, and then reduced in the following year.

Kaolin Exports

Exports from Ecuador

Kaolin exports from Ecuador soared to X tons in 2021, increasing by 53% on 2020 figures. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 203%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, kaolin exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a pronounced setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 205%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Chile (X tons) was the main destination for kaolin exports from Ecuador, accounting for a 93% share of total exports. Moreover, kaolin exports to Chile exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Peru (X kg), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Chile totaled +44.4%.

In value terms, Chile ($X) remains the key foreign market for kaolin and kaolinic clays exports from Ecuador, comprising 97% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Peru ($X), with a 3.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Chile stood at +14.6%.

Export Prices by Country

The average kaolin export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 35% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the average export price increased by 120%. The export price peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Peru totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Peru (+11.1%).

Kaolin Imports

Imports into Ecuador

In 2021, imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays into Ecuador soared to X tons, increasing by 80% on 2020. In general, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 89%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, kaolin imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw pronounced growth. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the UK (X tons) constituted the largest kaolin supplier to Ecuador, accounting for a 51% share of total imports. Moreover, kaolin imports from the UK exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United States (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was held by Peru (X tons), with a 9.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the UK totaled +26.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (-12.9% per year) and Peru (+0.1% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X), the UK ($X) and Peru ($X) were the largest kaolin suppliers to Ecuador, with a combined 82% share of total imports.

The UK, with a CAGR of +28.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average kaolin import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 5.6% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.9%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 29%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+11.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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