MERCOSUR: Slate Market 2024

Slate Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in the MERCOSUR slate market, when its value decreased by -7.9% to $X. The total consumption indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +9.1% 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 +25.7% against 2018 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped in the following year.

Slate Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, slate production contracted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.0% 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 +35.0% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 59%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

Slate Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the amount of slate exported in MERCOSUR surged to X tons, picking up by 38% against the previous year's figure. Overall, exports enjoyed a pronounced increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 88% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, slate exports surged to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 68%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Brazil prevails in exports structure, amounting to X tons, which was near 90% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Uruguay (X tons), committing a 6.7% share of total exports. Argentina (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

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 MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +12.0% from 2012-2021. Argentina experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Uruguay increased by +3.8 percentage points. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest slate supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 85% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Uruguay ($X), with a 10% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Brazil stood at -1.5%. 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

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a pronounced decline. 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 MERCOSUR

In 2021, overseas purchases of slate increased by 57% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a deep downturn. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, slate imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt contraction. The level of import peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Paraguay was the major importing country with an import of about X tons, which amounted to 43% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Ecuador (X tons), Chile (X tons), Colombia (X tons), Brazil (X tons) and Uruguay (X tons), together committing a 51% share of total imports. Argentina (X tons) took a little share of total imports.

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%), Argentina (+23.3%) and Uruguay (+14.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Brazil emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +54.9% from 2012-2021. 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 Argentina increased by +42, +7.4, +5.3 and +2.6 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, the largest slate importing markets in MERCOSUR were Colombia ($X), Chile ($X) and Brazil ($X), together accounting for 59% of total imports.

Brazil, with a CAGR of +65.9%, recorded 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 MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced setback. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices stood 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