SADC: Market for Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers 2024

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

In 2022, the SADC market for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers increased by 70% to $X, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, consumption posted a mild increase. The level of consumption peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Production of Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers in SADC

In value terms, production of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers contracted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, recorded a mild downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 8.6%. Over the period under review, production of hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

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

Exports in SADC

In 2022, shipments abroad of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers decreased by -54.8% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. In general, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 91% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports of hit record highs at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, exports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers declined sharply to $X in 2022. Overall, exports recorded a noticeable reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 87% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

South Africa dominates fertilisers structure, amounting to X tons, which was near 88% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Tanzania (X tons), generating a 7% share of total exports. Zimbabwe (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

South Africa was also the fastest-growing in terms of the carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers exports, with a CAGR of +2.8% from 2012 to 2022. Zimbabwe experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. Tanzania (-2.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of South Africa increased by +26 percentage points. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers supplier in SADC, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Tanzania ($X), with a 5.3% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in South Africa stood at +1.9%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Tanzania (-7.7% per year) and Zimbabwe (-16.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 37% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a mild reduction. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 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 South Africa ($X per ton), while Zimbabwe ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (-0.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

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

Imports in SADC

In 2022, the amount of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers imported in SADC soared to X tons, with an increase of 25% against the year before. In general, imports posted slight growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 56% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, imports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers surged to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 60% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

South Africa (X tons) and Swaziland (X tons) represented roughly 76% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Zambia (X tons) and Zimbabwe (X tons), together making up a 17% share of total imports. Malawi (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Swaziland (with a CAGR of +58.5%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers in SADC, comprising 52% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Swaziland ($X), with a 22% share of total imports. It was followed by Zambia, with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in South Africa stood at +13.6%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Swaziland (+48.3% per year) and Zambia (-14.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 9.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, recorded a slight descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the import price increased by 27% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Zimbabwe ($X per ton), while Swaziland ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Zimbabwe (+4.6%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform