Northern America: Silica Sand Market 2024

Silica Sand Market Size in Northern America

After three years of decline, the North American silica sand market increased by 3.9% to $X in 2022. The total consumption indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -27.2% against 2018 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Silica Sand Production in Northern America

In value terms, silica sand production expanded significantly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -21.3% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 57% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Silica Sand Exports

Exports in Northern America

In 2022, shipments abroad of silica sands (quartz sands or industrial sands) increased by 15% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. Total exports indicated a pronounced expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +40.8% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 70% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, silica sand exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Total exports indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +46.2% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 48%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

The United States prevails in exports structure, finishing at X tons, which was near 96% of total exports in 2022. Canada (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

The United States was also the fastest-growing in terms of the silica sands (quartz sands or industrial sands) exports, with a CAGR of +4.4% from 2012 to 2022. Canada (-1.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. The United States (+2.9 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Canada saw its share reduced by -2.9% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the largest silica sand supplier in Northern America, comprising 98% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Canada ($X), with a 1.8% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in the United States totaled +5.7%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Northern America stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 3.5% against the previous year. Export price indicated mild growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, silica sand export price decreased by -4.3% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 44% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while Canada totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+1.3%).

Silica Sand Imports

Imports in Northern America

In 2022, silica sand imports in Northern America rose sharply to X tons, increasing by 7.7% on 2021 figures. Overall, imports continue to indicate strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 90%. The volume of import peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, silica sand imports expanded markedly to $X in 2022. Total imports indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 63% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Canada dominates imports structure, reaching X tons, which was near 94% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by the United States (X tons), constituting a 6% share of total imports.

Canada was also the fastest-growing in terms of the silica sands (quartz sands or industrial sands) imports, with a CAGR of +11.7% from 2012 to 2022. The United States (-6.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Canada increased by +20 percentage points.

In value terms, Canada ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported silica sands (quartz sands or industrial sands) in Northern America, comprising 89% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($X), with an 11% share of total imports.

In Canada, silica sand imports expanded at an average annual rate of +8.0% over the period from 2012-2022.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Northern America amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 3.4% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a noticeable slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 30% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, import prices remained at a 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 the United States ($X per ton), while Canada totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, 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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