Scandinavia: Fireclay Market 2024

Fireclay Market Size in Scandinavia

In 2021, the Scandinavia fireclay market decreased by -1.9% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Fireclay Production in Scandinavia

In value terms, fireclay production reached $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 26%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Fireclay Exports

Exports in Scandinavia

In 2021, approx. X tons of fireclay were exported in Scandinavia; surging by 15% compared with 2020 figures. Overall, exports enjoyed a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 90%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, fireclay exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports recorded a noticeable increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when exports increased by 967%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Denmark was the major exporter of fireclay in Scandinavia, with the volume of exports recording X tons, which was approx. 70% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Sweden (X tons) and Finland (X tons), together creating a 29% share of total exports.

Denmark was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fireclay exports, with a CAGR of +17.8% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Finland (+11.7%) and Sweden (+5.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of Denmark (+36 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Sweden (-7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest fireclay supplying countries in Scandinavia were Denmark ($X), Sweden ($X) and Finland ($X), together comprising 99% of total exports.

Among the main exporting countries, Finland, with a CAGR of +14.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Scandinavia stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 5.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a pronounced downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the export price increased by 838%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Finland ($X per ton), while Denmark ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Sweden (+4.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Fireclay Imports

Imports in Scandinavia

In 2021, purchases abroad of fireclay decreased by -18.4% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after four years of growth. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 110%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, fireclay imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a buoyant increase. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Sweden prevails in imports structure, resulting at X tons, which was near 82% of total imports in 2021. Finland (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 9.1% share, followed by Denmark (6.4%).

Sweden was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fireclay imports, with a CAGR of +27.7% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Finland (+20.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, Denmark (-17.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Sweden and Finland increased by +64 and +5.6 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Sweden ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported fireclay in Scandinavia, comprising 81% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Finland ($X), with a 12% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Sweden totaled +32.2%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Finland (+18.6% per year) and Denmark (-12.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Scandinavia amounted to $X per ton, growing by 339% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price enjoyed a remarkable increase. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Finland ($X per ton), while Denmark ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Denmark (+5.1%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform