MERCOSUR: Fluorspar Market 2024

Fluorspar Market Size in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR fluorspar market was estimated at $X in 2021, with an increase of 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, continues to indicate a perceptible shrinkage. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Fluorspar Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, fluorspar production fell to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, recorded a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 25% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Fluorspar Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

After two years of growth, shipments abroad of fluorspar decreased by -11.9% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 78%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, fluorspar exports declined slightly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a perceptible slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 66%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Argentina prevails in exports structure, resulting at X tons, which was near 91% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Chile (X tons), constituting a 4.9% share of total exports. Brazil (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from Argentina decreased at an average annual rate of -12.8% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Chile (+3.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Chile emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +3.4% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Brazil (-18.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Chile (+3.8 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Brazil (-3.4 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Argentina ($X) remains the largest fluorspar supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 94% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Brazil ($X), with a 4% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Argentina was relatively modest. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Brazil (-20.0% per year) and Chile (-8.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, surging by 9% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the export price increased by 71% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while Chile ($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 (+14.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Fluorspar Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

After two years of decline, overseas purchases of fluorspar increased by 24% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 25%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, fluorspar imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Brazil (X tons) and Ecuador (X tons) prevails in imports structure, together creating 93% of total imports. The following importers - Colombia (X tons) and Peru (X tons) - together made up 5.6% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Ecuador (with a CAGR of +6.3%), while imports for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported fluorspar in MERCOSUR, comprising 60% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Ecuador ($X), with a 28% share of total imports. It was followed by Colombia, with a 5.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil totaled +4.3%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Ecuador (+4.3% per year) and Colombia (-5.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 4.4% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.2%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 an increase of 33%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the maximum in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Peru ($X per ton), while Ecuador ($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 (+7.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform