SADC: Kaolin Market 2024

Kaolin Market Size in SADC

After two years of growth, the SADC kaolin market decreased by -24.9% to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a remarkable increase. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X, and then shrank notably in the following year.

Kaolin Production in SADC

In value terms, kaolin production reduced notably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production enjoyed a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the production volume increased by 335%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X, and then shrank significantly in the following year.

Kaolin Exports

Exports in SADC

In 2021, approx. X tons of kaolin and kaolinic clays were exported in SADC; jumping by 62% compared with the previous year. In general, exports saw a modest expansion. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, kaolin exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a strong expansion. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

South Africa prevails in exports structure, amounting to X tons, which was near 91% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons), creating a 7.8% share of total exports.

South Africa experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays. At the same time, Democratic Republic of the Congo (+44.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Democratic Republic of the Congo emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in SADC, with a CAGR of +44.7% from 2012-2021. While the share of Democratic Republic of the Congo (+7.5 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of South Africa (-6.8 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest kaolin supplier in SADC, comprising 94% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X), with a 4.6% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in South Africa amounted to +6.0%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, growing by 38% against the previous year. Export price indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, kaolin export price increased by +57.5% against 2019 indices. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Democratic Republic of the Congo amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+5.7%).

Kaolin Imports

Imports in SADC

In 2021, supplies from abroad of kaolin and kaolinic clays increased by 48% to X tons for the first time since 2015, thus ending a five-year declining trend. In general, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, kaolin imports surged to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

South Africa prevails in imports structure, reaching X tons, which was near 77% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Tanzania (X tons), committing a 7.5% share of total imports. Mauritius (X tons), Mozambique (X tons), Angola (X tons) and Zimbabwe (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

South Africa experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays. At the same time, Tanzania (+27.2%), Mozambique (+7.9%), Mauritius (+4.4%) and Zimbabwe (+1.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Tanzania emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in SADC, with a CAGR of +27.2% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Angola (-6.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Tanzania (+6.6 p.p.) and Mozambique (+1.7 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Angola (-2.7 p.p.) and South Africa (-4.1 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported kaolin and kaolinic clays in SADC, comprising 74% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mozambique ($X), with a 7.5% share of total imports. It was followed by Mauritius, with a 6.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in South Africa stood at +1.2%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Mozambique (+16.3% per year) and Mauritius (+5.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 3.5% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 9.7% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Mozambique ($X per ton), while Angola ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mozambique (+7.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform