Republic of Korea: Market for Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers 2025

Market Size for Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers in Republic of Korea

The South Korean market for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers dropped dramatically to $X in 2022, which is down by -49.6% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption saw a deep slump. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2021, and then contracted significantly in the following year.

Exports of Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers

Exports from Republic of Korea

In 2022, shipments abroad of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers decreased by -28.7% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 272% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, exports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers fell notably to $X in 2022. Overall, exports continue to indicate a deep contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 233% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Japan (X tons) was the main destination for exports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers from South Korea, accounting for a 81% share of total exports. Moreover, exports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers to Japan exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, China (X tons), fivefold.

From 2013 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Japan amounted to +249.9%.

In value terms, China ($X) and Japan ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers exported from South Korea worldwide.

Among the main countries of destination, Japan, with a CAGR of +191.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average export price for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers amounted to $X per ton, declining by -43.6% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed slight growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the average export price increased by 138% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2021, and then fell sharply in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Japan stood at $X per ton.

From 2013 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Spain (+126.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Imports of Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers

Imports into Republic of Korea

In 2022, imports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers into South Korea declined sharply to X tons, with a decrease of -58.4% against 2021. In general, imports recorded a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 76% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of hit record highs at X tons in 2021, and then fell significantly in the following year.

In value terms, imports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers contracted remarkably to $X in 2022. Overall, imports showed a pronounced contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 85% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X, and then fell notably in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2022, the United States (X tons) constituted the largest carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers supplier to South Korea, with a 55% share of total imports. Moreover, imports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the Netherlands (X tons), threefold. The UK (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from the United States amounted to -10.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Netherlands (+16.6% per year) and the UK (+155.7% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers to South Korea, comprising 64% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Poland ($X), with a 10% share of total imports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 9.7% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the United States totaled -7.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Poland (+12.7% per year) and the Netherlands (+19.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers stood at $X per ton in 2022, jumping by 60% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, import price for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers increased by +81.6% against 2019 indices. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for the Netherlands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the UK (+13.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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