MERCOSUR: Fireclay Market 2024

Fireclay Market Size in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR fireclay market was finally on the rise to reach $X in 2021, after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Fireclay Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, fireclay production expanded significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated tangible growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -6.8% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 44% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Fireclay Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

Fireclay exports skyrocketed to X tons in 2021, rising by 26% against 2020 figures. Overall, exports continue to indicate tangible growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 131%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, fireclay exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a pronounced increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 170%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Brazil dominates exports structure, recording X tons, which was approx. 85% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Ecuador (X tons), mixing up a 9.8% share of total exports. Argentina (X tons) held a relatively small share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to fireclay exports from Brazil stood at +10.0%. At the same time, Ecuador (+44.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Ecuador emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +44.6% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Argentina (-19.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Brazil (+30 p.p.) and Ecuador (+9.3 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Argentina (-34.2 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest fireclay supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 77% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Ecuador ($X), with a 9.4% share of total exports.

In Brazil, fireclay exports increased at an average annual rate of +6.0% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Ecuador (+39.2% per year) and Argentina (-12.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 12% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a noticeable setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the export price increased by 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while Brazil ($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 (+8.7%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Fireclay Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, supplies from abroad of fireclay was finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, imports, however, saw a perceptible reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 73%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, fireclay imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a noticeable decline. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Colombia (X tons), Argentina (X tons), Brazil (X tons), Venezuela (X tons) and Chile (X tons) represented the major importer of fireclay in MERCOSUR, mixing up 93% of total import. Paraguay (X tons) took a relatively small share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Paraguay (with a CAGR of +17.7%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest fireclay importing markets in MERCOSUR were Brazil ($X), Argentina ($X) and Venezuela ($X), together comprising 66% of total imports. These countries were followed by Colombia, Chile and Paraguay, which together accounted for a further 29%.

Among the main importing countries, Paraguay, with a CAGR of +15.1%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, 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 MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 26% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Paraguay ($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 (+7.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform