Ethiopia: Silica Sand Market 2025

Silica Sand Market Size in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian silica sand market reached $X in 2022, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a buoyant increase. Silica sand consumption peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Silica Sand Production in Ethiopia

In value terms, silica sand production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production enjoyed a resilient expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 497%. Silica sand production peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Silica Sand Exports

Exports from Ethiopia

In 2022, approx. X tons of silica sands (quartz sands or industrial sands) were exported from Ethiopia; leveling off at the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports saw a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 893%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, silica sand exports reached $X in 2022. Overall, exports continue to indicate significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 709%. The exports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

South Sudan (X tons) was the main destination for silica sand exports from Ethiopia, with a 87% share of total exports. Moreover, silica sand exports to South Sudan exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, China (X tons), sevenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to South Sudan totaled +10.6%.

In value terms, China ($X) remains the key foreign market for silica sands (quartz sands or industrial sands) exports from Ethiopia, comprising 94% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by South Sudan ($X), with a 6.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to China stood at +25.0%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average silica sand export price amounted to $X per ton, approximately equating the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a abrupt decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the average export price increased by 741% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to South Sudan totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to China (-2.3%).

Silica Sand Imports

Imports into Ethiopia

Silica sand imports into Ethiopia reached X tons in 2022, stabilizing at 2021 figures. Overall, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 111%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, silica sand imports stood at $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 188% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

India (X tons), Italy (X tons) and France (X tons) were the main suppliers of silica sand imports to Ethiopia, together comprising 75% of total imports. Saudi Arabia, China, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 22%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Saudi Arabia (with a CAGR of +65.7%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest silica sand suppliers to Ethiopia were India ($X), Italy ($X) and the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a combined 57% share of total imports. France, Saudi Arabia, China and Sweden lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 32%.

Among the main suppliers, Saudi Arabia, with a CAGR of +53.1%, 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 2022, the average silica sand import price amounted to $X per ton, approximately equating the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a slight downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the average import price increased by 36%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, import prices stood 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 the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while the price for India ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+4.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform