Ethiopia: Market for Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers 2025

Market Size for Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers in Ethiopia

In 2022, the Ethiopian market for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers increased by 101% to $X for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, consumption continues to indicate a prominent expansion. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers

Exports from Ethiopia

For the third year in a row, Ethiopia recorded growth in overseas shipments of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers, which increased by 20% to X tons in 2018. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +20.0% over the period from 2016 to 2018; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports of attained the maximum in 2018 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, exports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers skyrocketed to $X in 2018. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +20.0% from 2016 to 2018; however, the trend pattern 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

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for exports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers from Ethiopia, with a approx. 100% share of total exports.

From 2016 to 2018, the average annual growth rate of volume to the United States was relatively modest.

In value terms, the United States ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers exports from Ethiopia.

From 2016 to 2018, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United States was relatively modest.

Export Prices by Country

In 2018, the average export price for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers amounted to $X per ton, stabilizing at the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2016; afterwards, it flattened through to 2018.

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

From 2016 to 2018, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the United States amounted to 0.0% per year.

Imports of Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers

Imports into Ethiopia

After two years of decline, supplies from abroad of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers increased by 135% to X tons in 2022. Overall, imports recorded a strong expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 347% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of reached the maximum at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, imports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers surged to $X in 2022. In general, imports showed a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 656%. Over the period under review, imports of hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

China (X tons), Belgium (X tons) and Jordan (X tons) were the main suppliers of imports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers to Ethiopia, with a combined 83% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by China (with a CAGR of +47.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers suppliers to Ethiopia were China ($X), Belgium ($X) and Spain ($X), together accounting for 60% of total imports.

China, with a CAGR of +34.9%, 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 2022, the average import price for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -27.6% against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the average import price increased by 69% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Israel ($X per ton), while the price for Belgium ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+6.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform