SADC: Silicates Market 2024

Silicates Market Size in SADC

After four years of growth, the SADC silicates market decreased by -15.1% to $X in 2021. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate prominent growth. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X, and then fell markedly in the following year.

Silicates Production in SADC

In value terms, silicates production declined dramatically to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, posted measured growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the production volume increased by 45%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X, and then plummeted in the following year.

Silicates Exports

Exports in SADC

In 2021, the amount of silicates, commercial alkali metal silicates exported in SADC reduced to X tons, dropping by -9.4% on the previous year's figure. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 82% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2020, and then declined in the following year.

In value terms, silicates exports reduced to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, posted a perceptible increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 69%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, South Africa (X tons) was the main exporter of silicates, commercial alkali metal silicates, achieving 76% of total exports. Tanzania (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 16% share, followed by Zambia (5.5%). Zimbabwe (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from South Africa increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Tanzania (+55.8%), Zimbabwe (+34.5%) and Zambia (+11.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Tanzania emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in SADC, with a CAGR of +55.8% from 2012-2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Tanzania and Zimbabwe increased by +15 and +2.1 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest silicates supplier in SADC, comprising 76% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Tanzania ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by Zimbabwe, with a 4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in South Africa was relatively modest. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Tanzania (+60.4% per year) and Zimbabwe (+35.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 4.8% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a pronounced setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 31% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Tanzania (+2.9%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Silicates Imports

Imports in SADC

Silicates imports soared to X tons in 2021, rising by 16% compared with the previous year. Total imports indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +10.0% against 2017 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 63% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, silicates imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +97.2% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 62% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

In 2021, South Africa (X tons), distantly followed by Tanzania (X tons), Mozambique (X tons), Zambia (X tons) and Angola (X tons) were the largest importers of silicates, commercial alkali metal silicates, together creating 94% of total imports. Zimbabwe (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Mozambique (with a CAGR of +27.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest silicates importing markets in SADC were South Africa ($X), Zambia ($X) and Angola ($X), together accounting for 70% of total imports. These countries were followed by Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, which together accounted for a further 25%.

In terms of the main importing countries, Mozambique, with a CAGR of +21.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 9.4%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Tanzania (+1.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform