MERCOSUR: Prepared Binders Market 2025

Prepared Binders Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, after nine years of growth, there was decline in the MERCOSUR prepared binders market, when its value decreased by -3.9% to $X. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate strong growth. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

Prepared Binders Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, prepared binders production fell modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, continues to indicate strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 31%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

Prepared Binders Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, overseas shipments of prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores decreased by -0.3% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 29% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, prepared binders exports rose sharply to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 41% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Brazil dominates exports structure, accounting for X tons, which was approx. 84% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Chile (X tons), achieving a 5% share of total exports. Ecuador (X tons), Colombia (X tons), Argentina (X tons) and Peru (X tons) took a minor share of total exports.

Brazil experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores. At the same time, Colombia (+25.8%), Peru (+24.7%), Chile (+7.9%) and Ecuador (+3.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Colombia emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +25.8% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Argentina (-21.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Brazil (+3.7 p.p.), Colombia (+2.7 p.p.) and Chile (+2.6 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Argentina saw its share reduced by -12.1% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest prepared binders supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 81% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Chile ($X), with a 5.7% share of total exports. It was followed by Ecuador, with a 5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil was relatively modest. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Chile (+19.7% per year) and Ecuador (+3.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, surging by 7.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the export price increased by 8.9%. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Colombia ($X per ton), while Peru ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+10.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Prepared Binders Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, imports of prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores in MERCOSUR skyrocketed to X tons, picking up by 38% on the year before. In general, imports recorded prominent growth. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, prepared binders imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports posted a prominent increase. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Chile (X tons), Peru (X tons) and Brazil (X tons) represented the largest importer of prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores in MERCOSUR, making up 81% of total import. It was distantly followed by Colombia (X tons), mixing up an 11% share of total imports. The following importers - Argentina (X tons) and Ecuador (X tons) - together made up 7.2% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Ecuador (with a CAGR of +34.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Chile ($X), Peru ($X) and Brazil ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, together comprising 76% of total imports. Colombia, Argentina and Ecuador lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 22%.

Ecuador, with a CAGR of +23.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among 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 MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 11% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 an increase of 15%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+7.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform