GCC: Market for Activated Natural Mineral Products 2024

Exports of Activated Natural Mineral Products

Exports in GCC

In 2021, overseas shipments of activated natural mineral products increased by 55% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, exports recorded a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 93%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, activated natural mineral products exports reduced remarkably to $X in 2021. In general, exports recorded a modest increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 167% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates prevails in exports structure, finishing at X tons, which was approx. 94% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Oman (X tons), achieving a 4.8% share of total exports.

The United Arab Emirates was also the fastest-growing in terms of the activated natural mineral products exports, with a CAGR of +10.7% from 2012 to 2021. Oman (-12.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of the United Arab Emirates (+26 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Oman (-22.9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) remains the largest activated natural mineral products supplier in GCC, comprising 94% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Oman ($X), with a 2.3% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the United Arab Emirates totaled +3.5%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, declining by -49% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a abrupt descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 an increase of 46% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then shrank remarkably in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Oman amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (-6.4%).

Imports of Activated Natural Mineral Products

Imports in GCC

Activated natural mineral products imports contracted to X tons in 2021, shrinking by -8.3% compared with the previous year. Total imports indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +33.3% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 45%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, activated natural mineral products imports reduced rapidly to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a slight expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -11.4% against 2017 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 42% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X, and then fell significantly in the following year.

Imports by Country

Saudi Arabia (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) were the key importers of activated natural mineral products in 2021, amounting to near 38% and 35% of total imports, respectively. Oman (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with an 18% share, followed by Kuwait (4.8%). Bahrain (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Kuwait (with a CAGR of +36.6%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Saudi Arabia ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Oman ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, together accounting for 91% of total imports. These countries were followed by Kuwait and Bahrain, which together accounted for a further 8.2%.

Among the main importing countries, Kuwait, with a CAGR of +18.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to 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 GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, waning by -21.6% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a perceptible descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the import price increased by 26%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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 Kuwait ($X per ton), while Bahrain ($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 Arab Emirates (+0.4%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform