Mexico: Kaolin Market 2025

Kaolin Market Size in Mexico

In 2021, the Mexican kaolin market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a noticeable setback. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Kaolin Production in Mexico

In value terms, kaolin production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production faced a abrupt curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 194% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Kaolin Exports

Exports from Mexico

In 2021, exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays from Mexico contracted notably to X tons, waning by -47.3% on 2020 figures. In general, exports recorded a deep setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 1,831%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, kaolin exports dropped slightly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports saw a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 1,185% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Colombia (X tons), the United States (X tons) and Guatemala (X tons) were the main destinations of kaolin exports from Mexico.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the United States (with a CAGR of +20.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, Colombia ($X), the United States ($X) and Guatemala ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for kaolin exported from Mexico worldwide.

Among the main countries of destination, the United States, with a CAGR of +15.7%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average kaolin export price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 84% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated a pronounced increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, kaolin export price increased by +109.1% against 2017 indices. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major export markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Guatemala ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United States ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Guatemala (+7.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Kaolin Imports

Imports into Mexico

In 2021, overseas purchases of kaolin and kaolinic clays were finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 8.9%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, kaolin imports rose markedly to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) was the main kaolin supplier to Mexico, accounting for a 92% share of total imports. Moreover, kaolin imports from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the UK (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the United States was relatively modest.

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of kaolin and kaolinic clays to Mexico, comprising 91% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the UK ($X), with a 5% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the United States stood at +2.4%.

Import Prices by Country

The average kaolin import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 4.1% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.8%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the average import price increased by 17% against the previous year. The import price peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the price for the United States stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+2.8%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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