GCC: Market for Siliceous Fossil Meals (Kieselguhr, Tripolite and Diatomite) 2025

Market Size for Siliceous Fossil Meals (Kieselguhr, Tripolite and Diatomite) in GCC

In 2021, the GCC market for siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) decreased by -70.4% to $X, falling for the fourth year in a row after two years of growth. In general, consumption showed a precipitous setback. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Siliceous Fossil Meals (Kieselguhr, Tripolite and Diatomite) in GCC

In value terms, production of siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a abrupt decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 6,710%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production of growth remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Siliceous Fossil Meals (Kieselguhr, Tripolite and Diatomite)

Exports in GCC

Exports of siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) declined significantly to X tons in 2021, waning by -37.7% against the previous year. In general, exports continue to indicate a significant contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 5,104%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports of remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, exports of siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) dropped sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, exports showed a dramatic decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 5,271% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports of remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates was the largest exporting country with an export of about X tons, which accounted for 68% of total exports. Kuwait (X tons) took the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Saudi Arabia (X tons). All these countries together took near 28% share of total exports. Oman (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to siliceous fossil meal (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) exports from the United Arab Emirates stood at -42.1%. At the same time, Kuwait (+92.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Kuwait emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in GCC, with a CAGR of +92.1% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Oman (-20.2%) and Saudi Arabia (-36.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Kuwait (+19 p.p.), Saudi Arabia (+4 p.p.) and Oman (+2.5 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the United Arab Emirates saw its share reduced by -25.8% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) emerged as the largest siliceous fossil meal (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) supplier in GCC, comprising 65% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Kuwait ($X), with a 19% share of total exports. It was followed by Saudi Arabia, with a 12% share.

In the United Arab Emirates, exports of siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) declined by an average annual rate of -31.4% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Kuwait (+61.4% per year) and Saudi Arabia (-33.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, declining by -27.5% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the export price increased by 170% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton, and then shrank rapidly in the following year.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in Oman ($X per ton) and Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) and Kuwait ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+18.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Siliceous Fossil Meals (Kieselguhr, Tripolite and Diatomite)

Imports in GCC

In 2021, overseas purchases of siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) decreased by -73.2% to X tons, falling for the fourth consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, imports showed a precipitous slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 257% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of reached the peak figure at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, imports of siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) reduced markedly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports faced a sharp downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when imports increased by 165%. The level of import peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The United Arab Emirates dominates diatomite) structure, recording X tons, which was approx. 89% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Oman (X tons), creating a 7.4% share of total imports. Qatar (X tons) held a little share of total imports.

The United Arab Emirates was also the fastest-growing in terms of the siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) imports, with a CAGR of -18.5% from 2012 to 2021. Qatar (-18.9%) and Oman (-38.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of the United Arab Emirates (+84 p.p.), Qatar (+2.9 p.p.) and Oman (+2.3 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported siliceous fossil meals (kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) in GCC, comprising 85% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Oman ($X), with a 7.9% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in the United Arab Emirates totaled -9.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Oman (-29.0% per year) and Qatar (-22.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, declining by -59.3% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, enjoyed a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the import price increased by 456%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton, and then declined rapidly in the following year.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Oman (+15.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform