SADC: Ferro-Silicon Market 2025

Ferro-Silicon Market Size in SADC

In 2022, the SADC ferro-silicon market increased by 51% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. In general, consumption, however, saw a abrupt curtailment. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Ferro-Silicon Production in SADC

In value terms, ferro-silicon production reduced slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, saw a abrupt decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 18%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Ferro-Silicon Exports

Exports in SADC

In 2022, overseas shipments of ferro-silicon were finally on the rise to reach X tons after three years of decline. Total exports indicated notable growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.5% 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 2015 with an increase of 46%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, ferro-silicon exports surged to $X in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

In 2022, South Africa (X tons) represented the main exporter of ferro-silicon, committing 82% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Zambia (X tons), constituting a 14% share of total exports. Namibia (X tons) held a little share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to ferro-silicon exports from South Africa stood at +3.3%. At the same time, Namibia (+68.8%) and Zambia (+10.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Namibia emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in SADC, with a CAGR of +68.8% from 2012-2022. While the share of Zambia (+6.1 p.p.) and Namibia (+3.8 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of South Africa (-10 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest ferro-silicon supplier in SADC, comprising 83% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Zambia ($X), with an 8.9% share of total exports.

In South Africa, ferro-silicon exports expanded at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Zambia (+8.2% per year) and Namibia (+45.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, growing by 6.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the export price increased by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Namibia ($X per ton), while Zambia ($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 (-0.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Ferro-Silicon Imports

Imports in SADC

In 2022, approx. X tons of ferro-silicon were imported in SADC; jumping by 66% compared with the previous year. In general, imports recorded a buoyant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 74% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, ferro-silicon imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate tangible growth. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Mozambique represented the largest importing country with an import of about X tons, which reached 46% of total imports. South Africa (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 19% share, followed by Botswana (19%). Namibia (X tons), Angola (X tons), Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons) and Zambia (X tons) took a minor share of total imports.

Mozambique was also the fastest-growing in terms of the ferro-silicon imports, with a CAGR of +92.1% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Zambia (+20.7%), Angola (+8.8%) and Botswana (+5.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. South Africa experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Namibia (-1.1%) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (-3.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Mozambique (+46 p.p.) and Zambia (+1.6 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Democratic Republic of the Congo, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa saw its share reduced by -5.2%, -5.3%, -5.6% and -23.8% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Mozambique ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported ferro-silicon in SADC, comprising 37% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Botswana ($X), with an 18% share of total imports. It was followed by South Africa, with a 16% share.

In Mozambique, ferro-silicon imports increased at an average annual rate of +78.4% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Botswana (+1.3% per year) and South Africa (-4.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2022, increasing by 6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the import price increased by 9.2%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat 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 Namibia ($X per ton), while Mozambique ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Namibia (+10.1%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform