GCC: Market for Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles 2025

Exports of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

Exports in GCC

In 2021, approx. X tons of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles were exported in GCC; dropping by -34.5% on the previous year's figure. In general, exports, however, posted notable growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 296% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports stood at $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, recorded a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 326%. As a result, the exports attained 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 (X tons) represented roughly 98% of total exports in 2021.

The United Arab Emirates was also the fastest-growing in terms of the refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports, with a CAGR of +2.9% from 2012 to 2021. The United Arab Emirates (+5.4 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) also remains the largest refractory bricks, blocks and tiles supplier in GCC.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the United Arab Emirates totaled +7.0%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 62% against the previous year. Export price indicated measured growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles export price increased by +63.8% against 2018 indices. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the United Arab Emirates amounted to +3.9% per year.

Imports of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

Imports in GCC

In 2021, imports of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles in GCC surged to X tons, rising by 28% on the year before. Total imports indicated a mild increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% 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 +81.1% against 2016 indices. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports soared to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated mild growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

The United Arab Emirates was the key importing country with an import of around X tons, which resulted at 54% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Saudi Arabia (X tons), Bahrain (X tons) and Oman (X tons), together constituting a 38% share of total imports. The following importers - Kuwait (X tons) and Qatar (X tons) - together made up 7.4% of total imports.

The United Arab Emirates was also the fastest-growing in terms of the refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports, with a CAGR of +9.5% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Bahrain (+7.3%), Qatar (+5.3%) and Oman (+1.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Kuwait experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Saudi Arabia (-7.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain increased by +26 and +3.1 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported refractory bricks, blocks and tiles in GCC, comprising 55% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Saudi Arabia ($X), with a 26% share of total imports. It was followed by Bahrain, with a 6.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in the United Arab Emirates amounted to +9.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Saudi Arabia (-6.4% per year) and Bahrain (+5.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 9.6% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the import price increased by 13%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Qatar ($X per ton), while Kuwait ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Saudi Arabia (+1.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform