SADC: Bentonite Market 2024

Bentonite Market Size in SADC

The SADC bentonite market soared to $X in 2022, with an increase of 15% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% 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 +18.0% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Bentonite Production in SADC

In value terms, bentonite production fell slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 61%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2018 to 2022, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Bentonite Exports

Exports in SADC

In 2022, overseas shipments of bentonite decreased by -0.2% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, exports, however, showed a resilient increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 48%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, bentonite exports expanded slightly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a mild descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when exports increased by 26%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

South Africa represented the key exporter of bentonite in SADC, with the volume of exports accounting for X tons, which was approx. 72% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Mozambique (X tons), constituting a 23% share of total exports. Angola (X tons) took a relatively small share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to bentonite exports from South Africa stood at +4.3%. At the same time, Angola (+40.6%) and Mozambique (+21.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Angola emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in SADC, with a CAGR of +40.6% from 2012-2022. While the share of Mozambique (+17 p.p.) and Angola (+3.6 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of South Africa (-20.4 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest bentonite supplier in SADC, comprising 74% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mozambique ($X), with a 22% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in South Africa totaled -3.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Mozambique (+13.7% per year) and Angola (+32.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2022, picking up by 2.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the export price increased by 52%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Mozambique ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Angola (-6.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Bentonite Imports

Imports in SADC

In 2022, imports of bentonite in SADC soared to X tons, rising by 77% compared with 2021. Over the period under review, imports recorded a resilient expansion. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, bentonite imports reduced to $X in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 17%. The level of import peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

South Africa dominates imports structure, recording X tons, which was approx. 92% of total imports in 2022. Angola (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

South Africa was also the fastest-growing in terms of the bentonite imports, with a CAGR of +19.7% from 2012 to 2022. Angola (-2.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of South Africa (+29 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Angola (-11.1 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported bentonite in SADC, comprising 77% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Angola ($X), with a 5.5% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in South Africa totaled +5.1%.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2022, shrinking by -47.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a abrupt slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when the import price increased by 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Angola ($X per ton), while South Africa totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Angola (-6.2%).

Source: IndexBox Platform