GCC: Slaked Lime Market 2025

Slaked Lime Market Size in GCC

In 2021, the GCC slaked lime market increased by 17% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The total consumption indicated a perceptible increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Slaked Lime Production in GCC

In value terms, slaked lime production rose markedly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a measured expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the production volume increased by 105% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Slaked Lime Exports

Exports in GCC

In 2021, overseas shipments of slaked lime decreased by -33.8% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports, however, enjoyed a modest increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 1,168%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, slaked lime exports fell markedly to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate noticeable growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 1,248%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Oman (X tons) represented the main exporter of slaked lime, creating 68% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Saudi Arabia (X tons), generating a 29% share of total exports. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from Oman increased at an average annual rate of +6.9% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Saudi Arabia (+28.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Saudi Arabia emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in GCC, with a CAGR of +28.3% from 2012-2021. By contrast, the United Arab Emirates (-27.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Saudi Arabia (+25 p.p.) and Oman (+24 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the United Arab Emirates saw its share reduced by -49.4% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Oman ($X), Saudi Arabia ($X) and the United Arab Emirates ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, with a combined 100% share of total exports.

Saudi Arabia, with a CAGR of +32.0%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 5.9% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.1%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 an increase of 18%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Oman ($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 (+8.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Slaked Lime Imports

Imports in GCC

Slaked lime imports declined rapidly to X tons in 2021, with a decrease of -26.4% against 2020. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw resilient growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 479% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, slaked lime imports dropped to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, recorded resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 208%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Oman was the main importer of slaked lime in GCC, with the volume of imports resulting at X tons, which was approx. 50% of total imports in 2021. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) held a 32% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Qatar (9.5%) and Bahrain (5.2%). Kuwait (X tons) took a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Qatar (with a CAGR of +42.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Oman ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Bahrain ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 85% share of total imports. Qatar and Kuwait lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 12%.

Qatar, with a CAGR of +23.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries 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, surging by 21% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a mild expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 46%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Bahrain ($X per ton), while Oman ($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 (+4.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform