MERCOSUR: Slaked Lime Market 2024

Slaked Lime Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR slaked lime market increased by 0.8% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a noticeable shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 6.5% against the previous year. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Slaked Lime Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, slaked lime production expanded modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a perceptible setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 6.5% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Slaked Lime Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, shipments abroad of slaked lime increased by 35% to X tons, rising for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. Total exports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +112.2% against 2018 indices. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, slaked lime exports soared to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated notable growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +54.9% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when exports increased by 65% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Brazil (X tons) and Argentina (X tons) represented the major exporters of slaked lime in MERCOSUR, together committing 78% of total exports. Colombia (X tons) took the next position in the ranking, distantly followed by Uruguay (X tons). All these countries together held approx. 21% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Colombia (with a CAGR of +94.1%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest slaked lime supplying countries in MERCOSUR were Argentina ($X), Brazil ($X) and Colombia ($X), together accounting for 80% of total exports.

Colombia, with a CAGR of +77.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -2.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price recorded a mild curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 35% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: 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 Uruguay (+1.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Slaked Lime Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, purchases abroad of slaked lime increased by 26% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. Overall, imports enjoyed a resilient expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 316%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, slaked lime imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 584% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Chile (X tons) was the largest importer of slaked lime, mixing up 46% of total imports. Paraguay (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 29% share, followed by Uruguay (10%) and Guyana (4.9%). Suriname (X tons), Brazil (X tons) and Ecuador (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Suriname (with a CAGR of +65.7%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Chile ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported slaked lime in MERCOSUR, comprising 54% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Paraguay ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Uruguay, with an 8.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Chile amounted to +19.4%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Paraguay (+14.7% per year) and Uruguay (+7.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, growing by 8.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, recorded a pronounced setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 an increase of 64%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, 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 (+7.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform