MERCOSUR: Waste Cork Market 2025

Waste Cork Market Size in MERCOSUR

After two years of growth, the MERCOSUR waste cork market decreased by -0.9% to $X in 2021. In general, consumption saw a slight setback. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Waste Cork Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, waste cork production dropped modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a mild shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 55%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Waste Cork Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the amount of waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork exported in MERCOSUR surged to X tons, with an increase of 356% on the previous year's figure. In general, exports enjoyed a significant expansion. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, waste cork exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports posted a significant expansion. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Chile was the key exporting country with an export of about X tons, which amounted to 75% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Brazil (X tons), creating a 25% share of total exports.

Chile was also the fastest-growing in terms of the waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork exports, with a CAGR of +65.5% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Brazil (+35.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Chile (+75 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Brazil saw its share reduced by -74.7% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Chile ($X) emerged as the largest waste cork supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 83% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Brazil ($X), with a 17% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Chile totaled +46.6%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, rising by 58% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a noticeable shrinkage. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 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 Chile ($X per ton), while Brazil amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (-8.2%).

Waste Cork Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

Waste cork imports declined to X tons in 2021, which is down by -9.6% against the year before. Overall, imports saw a noticeable decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, waste cork imports reduced to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a modest increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 61%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Brazil (X tons) represented the largest importer of waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork, committing 70% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Argentina (X tons) and Chile (X tons), together creating a 24% share of total imports. Venezuela (X tons) and Uruguay (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Imports into Brazil decreased at an average annual rate of -5.0% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Uruguay (+37.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Uruguay emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +37.5% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Argentina (-1.7%), Chile (-6.8%) and Venezuela (-9.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Argentina (+4.4 p.p.) and Uruguay (+1.6 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Venezuela and Brazil saw its share reduced by -1.6% and -1.6% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported waste cork, crushed, granulated or ground cork in MERCOSUR, comprising 72% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Argentina ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by Chile, with a 6.8% share.

In Brazil, waste cork imports expanded at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Argentina (+2.6% per year) and Chile (-1.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, growing by 4.9% against the previous year. Import price indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +6.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, waste cork import price increased by +80.7% against 2015 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the import price increased by 37%. Over the period under review, import 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 importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while Uruguay ($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 (+7.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform