Latin America and the Caribbean: Fireclay Market 2024

Fireclay Market Size in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Latin American fireclay market stood at $X in 2022, stabilizing at the previous year. The total consumption indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -1.5% against 2020 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Fireclay Production in Latin America and the Caribbean

In value terms, fireclay production expanded modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, saw a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Fireclay Exports

Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean

For the third consecutive year, LatAmerica and the Caribbean recorded growth in overseas shipments of fireclay, which increased by 777% to X tons in 2022. Overall, exports enjoyed a buoyant increase. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, fireclay exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate buoyant growth. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Brazil dominates exports structure, finishing at X tons, which was approx. 96% of total exports in 2022. Mexico (X tons) held a little share of total exports.

Brazil was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fireclay exports, with a CAGR of +38.9% from 2012 to 2022. Mexico (-4.9%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Brazil (+75 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of Mexico (-20.5 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest fireclay supplier in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mexico ($X), with a 2.9% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil stood at +32.2%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, waning by -29.4% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a abrupt decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 25%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2022, the export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mexico ($X per ton), while Brazil amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico (-4.4%).

Fireclay Imports

Imports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2022, fireclay imports in Latin America and the Caribbean contracted dramatically to X tons, waning by -28% compared with the previous year's figure. Overall, imports saw a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 25% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, fireclay imports reduced notably to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports saw a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 23%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Mexico dominates imports structure, amounting to X tons, which was approx. 68% of total imports in 2022. Chile (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 6% share, followed by Brazil (6%), Colombia (5.7%) and Argentina (5.2%). Venezuela (X tons) took a little share of total imports.

Imports into Mexico decreased at an average annual rate of -21.0% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Colombia (+56.0%), Venezuela (+4.5%) and Argentina (+2.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Colombia emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a CAGR of +56.0% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Brazil (-7.9%) and Chile (-8.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Colombia (+5.6 p.p.), Argentina (+4.6 p.p.), Brazil (+4.2 p.p.), Chile (+4.2 p.p.) and Venezuela (+4.1 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Mexico (-25.6 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Mexico ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported fireclay in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising 40% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Chile ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by Brazil, with a 15% share.

In Mexico, fireclay imports decreased by an average annual rate of -19.2% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Chile (-2.3% per year) and Brazil (-1.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price enjoyed a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 an increase of 45%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+6.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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