South Africa: Aluminium Hydroxide Market 2025

Aluminium Hydroxide Market Size in South Africa

The South African aluminium hydroxide market rose notably to $X in 2022, increasing by 8.6% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Aluminium Hydroxide Production in South Africa

In value terms, aluminium hydroxide production amounted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 17% against the previous year. Aluminium hydroxide production peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Aluminium Hydroxide Exports

Exports from South Africa

After two years of growth, shipments abroad of aluminium hydroxide decreased by -5.7% to X tons in 2022. In general, exports continue to indicate a dramatic descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 394% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, aluminium hydroxide exports amounted to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports showed a abrupt contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 121%. The exports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Zimbabwe (X tons) was the main destination for aluminium hydroxide exports from South Africa, with a 61% share of total exports. Moreover, aluminium hydroxide exports to Zimbabwe exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Lesotho (X tons), twofold. Namibia (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 4.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Zimbabwe totaled +15.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Lesotho (+48.0% per year) and Namibia (-19.1% per year).

In value terms, the largest markets for aluminium hydroxide exported from South Africa were Zimbabwe ($X), the United States ($X) and Lesotho ($X), with a combined 79% share of total exports.

The United States, with a CAGR of +480.2%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average aluminium hydroxide export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 469%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mozambique ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Zimbabwe ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Angola (+432.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Aluminium Hydroxide Imports

Imports into South Africa

After two years of decline, supplies from abroad of aluminium hydroxide increased by 230% to X tons in 2022. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a mild expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 364% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, aluminium hydroxide imports soared to $X in 2022. In general, imports continue to indicate modest growth. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Australia (X tons) constituted the largest aluminium hydroxide supplier to South Africa, with a 41% share of total imports. Moreover, aluminium hydroxide imports from Australia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X tons), twofold. Switzerland (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Australia amounted to -5.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+26.3% per year) and Switzerland (+271.1% per year).

In value terms, the largest aluminium hydroxide suppliers to South Africa were Australia ($X), China ($X) and Germany ($X), together accounting for 61% of total imports. The United States, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Brazil and Turkey lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 31%.

Brazil, with a CAGR of +1,325.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average aluminium hydroxide import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, with a decrease of -36.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 123%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+1.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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