Latin America and the Caribbean: Slate Market 2024

Slate Market Size in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2021, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in the Latin American slate market, when its value decreased by -6.2% to $X. The total consumption indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +9.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +127.9% against 2012 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped in the following year.

Slate Production in Latin America and the Caribbean

In value terms, slate production reduced to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +23.2% against 2018 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 55% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2020, and then reduced in the following year.

Slate Exports

Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean

Slate exports soared to X tons in 2021, jumping by 38% compared with the previous year. In general, exports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 85%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, slate exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a pronounced decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 65% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Brazil dominates exports structure, amounting to X tons, which was near 90% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Uruguay (X tons), making up a 6.7% share of total exports. Argentina (X tons) took a minor share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to slate exports from Brazil stood at +1.6%. At the same time, Uruguay (+12.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Uruguay emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a CAGR of +12.0% from 2012-2021. Argentina experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. Brazil (+12 p.p.) and Uruguay (+4.3 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, Brazil ($X) remains the largest slate supplier in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising 85% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Uruguay ($X), with a 10% share of total exports.

In Brazil, slate exports decreased by an average annual rate of -1.5% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Uruguay (+6.3% per year) and Argentina (+16.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a pronounced decrease. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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 Uruguay ($X per ton), while Brazil ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (+16.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Slate Imports

Imports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2021, supplies from abroad of slate increased by 30% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. Overall, imports, however, recorded a abrupt shrinkage. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, slate imports surged to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, saw a drastic downturn. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Paraguay represented the major importing country with an import of about X tons, which resulted at 35% of total imports. Ecuador (X tons) held a 12% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Chile (10%), Colombia (7.9%), Brazil (6.1%), Uruguay (5.2%) and the Dominican Republic (5.1%).

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to slate imports into Paraguay stood at +49.1%. At the same time, Brazil (+54.9%) and Uruguay (+14.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Brazil emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a CAGR of +54.9% from 2012-2021. The Dominican Republic experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Chile (-9.9%), Ecuador (-12.1%) and Colombia (-17.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic increased by +34, +6, +4.4 and +2.3 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Colombia ($X), Chile ($X) and Brazil ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 41% share of total imports.

Brazil, with a CAGR of +65.9%, saw 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

In 2021, the import price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, waning by -3.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a slight decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 21% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+7.2%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :