Italy: Bentonite Market 2024

Bentonite Market Size in Italy

In 2022, the Italian bentonite market decreased by -8.7% to $X for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. In general, consumption, however, saw a remarkable increase. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X, and then dropped in the following year.

Bentonite Production in Italy

In value terms, bentonite production contracted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated noticeable growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +13.0% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 99%. Bentonite production peaked at $X in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

Bentonite Exports

Exports from Italy

In 2022, approx. X tons of bentonite were exported from Italy; picking up by 19% on 2021. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, bentonite exports declined dramatically to $X in 2022. Overall, total exports indicated a perceptible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 35%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Germany (X tons) was the main destination for bentonite exports from Italy, accounting for a 51% share of total exports. Moreover, bentonite exports to Germany exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Spain (X tons), twofold. Poland (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 7.7% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Germany stood at +8.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Spain (-0.4% per year) and Poland (-0.5% per year).

In value terms, Germany ($X) remains the key foreign market for bentonite exports from Italy, comprising 42% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Spain ($X), with a 17% share of total exports. It was followed by Poland, with a 6.2% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Germany stood at +8.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Spain (+2.0% per year) and Poland (+0.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average bentonite export price amounted to $X per ton, waning by -32% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 22%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then fell markedly in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the UK ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to France (+11.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Bentonite Imports

Imports into Italy

For the third consecutive year, Italy recorded growth in supplies from abroad of bentonite, which increased by 19% to X tons in 2022. Overall, total imports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +76.4% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 35% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

In value terms, bentonite imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a prominent increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 133%. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Turkey (X tons) constituted the largest bentonite supplier to Italy, accounting for a 82% share of total imports. Moreover, bentonite imports from Turkey exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, India (X tons), more than tenfold. Spain (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 3.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Turkey stood at +8.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: India (-7.4% per year) and Spain (+6.0% per year).

In value terms, Turkey ($X) constituted the largest supplier of bentonite to Italy, comprising 49% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by China ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Spain, with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Turkey totaled +14.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+75.6% per year) and Spain (+11.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average bentonite import price amounted to $X per ton, remaining constant against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the average import price increased by 72% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton, leveling off in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the price for India ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+26.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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