Portugal: Market for Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles 2025

Market Size for Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles in Portugal

In 2021, the Portuguese market for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles decreased by -8.1% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Overall, consumption, however, saw a significant expansion. Refractory bricks, blocks and tiles consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

Production of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles in Portugal

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production dropped dramatically to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a abrupt slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 9.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

Exports from Portugal

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas shipments of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles, when their volume increased by 8.9% to X tons. In general, exports, however, faced a abrupt setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 77% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a abrupt contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 123% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Algeria (X tons), Spain (X tons) and Bulgaria (X tons) were the main destinations of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports from Portugal, together accounting for 52% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Bulgaria (with a CAGR of +135.3%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Algeria ($X), Spain ($X) and France ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exported from Portugal worldwide, with a combined 53% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Bulgaria, Germany, Mexico, Tunisia and Angola, which together accounted for a further 26%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Bulgaria, with a CAGR of +101.7%, 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 more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average export price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 9.8% against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the average export price increased by 26%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Angola ($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 France (+3.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Imports of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

Imports into Portugal

In 2021, the amount of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imported into Portugal stood at X tons, growing by 4.5% against the previous year's figure. Overall, imports showed a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 47% 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.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports amounted to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, total imports indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +62.5% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 44% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Spain (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles to Portugal, accounting for a 75% share of total imports. Moreover, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports from Spain exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Germany (X tons), eightfold. Austria (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 4.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Spain amounted to +12.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (+11.0% per year) and Austria (+3.4% per year).

In value terms, Spain ($X) constituted the largest supplier of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles to Portugal, comprising 44% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Germany ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by India, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Spain amounted to +8.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (+10.2% per year) and India (+40.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average import price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -2.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price continues to indicate a noticeable downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average import price increased by 31%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while the price for Spain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the UK (+11.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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