MERCOSUR: Market for Zirconium Ores and Concentrates 2024

Market Size for Zirconium Ores and Concentrates in MERCOSUR

For the third year in a row, the MERCOSUR zirconium ore and concentrate market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by X% to $X in 2022. The total consumption indicated moderate growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by X% against 2017 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Production of Zirconium Ores and Concentrates in MERCOSUR

In value terms, zirconium ore and concentrate production surged to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a perceptible decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the production volume increased by X% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Zirconium Ores and Concentrates

Exports in MERCOSUR

Zirconium ore and concentrate exports skyrocketed to X tons in 2022, growing by X% on 2021 figures. Overall, exports saw a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by X%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, zirconium ore and concentrate exports soared to $X in 2022. In general, exports enjoyed a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Chile was the key exporting country with an export of about X tons, which accounted for X% of total exports. Brazil (X tons) held a X% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Peru (X%) and Colombia (X%).

Chile was also the fastest-growing in terms of the zirconium ores and concentrates exports, with a CAGR of X% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Brazil (X%), Peru (X%) and Colombia (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of Chile (X p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of Peru (X p.p.) and Colombia (X p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Chile ($X), Brazil ($X) and Peru ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined X% share of total exports.

Chile, with a CAGR of X%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to 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

In 2022, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, growing by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a pronounced decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the export price increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Peru ($X per ton), while Chile ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (X%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Imports of Zirconium Ores and Concentrates

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, purchases abroad of zirconium ores and concentrates increased by X% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, imports posted a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of X% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

In value terms, zirconium ore and concentrate imports soared to $X in 2022. In general, imports posted prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by X%. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Brazil dominates imports structure, accounting for X tons, which was approx. X% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Chile (X tons), making up a X% share of total imports. The following importers - Ecuador (X tons), Colombia (X tons) and Peru (X tons) - together made up X% of total imports.

Brazil was also the fastest-growing in terms of the zirconium ores and concentrates imports, with a CAGR of X% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Chile (X%) and Peru (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Ecuador experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Colombia (X%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Brazil (X p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Chile (X p.p.), Peru (X p.p.), Ecuador (X p.p.) and Colombia (X p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported zirconium ores and concentrates in MERCOSUR, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Chile ($X), with a X% share of total imports. It was followed by Ecuador, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil stood at X%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Chile (X% per year) and Ecuador (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, increasing by X% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Colombia ($X per ton), while Brazil ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Peru (X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform