Europe: Fireclay Market 2024

Fireclay Market Size in Europe

In 2021, the Europe fireclay market decreased by -1.6% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. The total consumption indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -10.2% against 2019 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Fireclay Production in Europe

In value terms, fireclay production dropped to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -11.3% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Fireclay Exports

Exports in Europe

In 2021, after three years of decline, there was significant growth in shipments abroad of fireclay, when their volume increased by 46% to X tons. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2017; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

In value terms, fireclay exports soared to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Ukraine (X tons) represented roughly 99% of total exports in 2021.

Ukraine was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fireclay exports, with a CAGR of +3.7% from 2012 to 2021. The shares of the largest exporters remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Ukraine ($X) also remains the largest fireclay supplier in Europe.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Ukraine totaled +5.8%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Europe amounted to $X per ton, almost unchanged from the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Ukraine amounted to +2.0% per year.

Fireclay Imports

Imports in Europe

After two years of decline, purchases abroad of fireclay increased by 35% to X tons in 2021. Total imports indicated notable growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 45%. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

In value terms, fireclay imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 46%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Italy (X tons) and Russia (X tons) represented the main importers of fireclay in Europe, together accounting for approx. 72% of total imports. Poland (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 13% share, followed by Belarus (4.9%). The following importers - Bulgaria (X tons) and Germany (X tons) - each accounted for a 4.7% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Italy (with a CAGR of +15.1%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest fireclay importing markets in Europe were Italy ($X), Russia ($X) and Poland ($X), with a combined 71% share of total imports.

Among the main importing countries, Italy, with a CAGR of +16.2%, 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

The import price in Europe stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 4.9% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 6.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure 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, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while Belarus ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+0.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform