South Africa: Fireclay Market 2024

Fireclay Market Size in South Africa

The South African fireclay market was estimated at $X in 2021, growing by 2.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Fireclay Production in South Africa

In value terms, fireclay production rose to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 12% against the previous year. Fireclay production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Fireclay Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, fireclay exports from South Africa soared to X tons, increasing by 61% compared with the previous year's figure. Overall, exports enjoyed a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 630% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, fireclay exports surged to $X in 2021. In general, exports showed significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 555%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Nigeria (X tons) was the main destination for fireclay exports from South Africa, with a 95% share of total exports. Moreover, fireclay exports to Nigeria exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Mozambique (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Nigeria totaled +89.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Mozambique (+9.7% per year) and Botswana (-12.4% per year).

In value terms, Nigeria ($X) remains the key foreign market for fireclay exports from South Africa, comprising 96% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mozambique ($X), with a 2.7% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Nigeria stood at +93.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Mozambique (+19.0% per year) and Botswana (-13.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average fireclay export price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 11% against the previous year. In general, the export price posted a strong expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the average export price increased by 182%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Nigeria ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Botswana ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Mozambique (+8.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Fireclay Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of fireclay were imported into South Africa; jumping by 57% compared with the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports posted a significant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 244%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, fireclay imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports showed significant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 264%. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) constituted the largest fireclay supplier to South Africa, with a 77% share of total imports. Moreover, fireclay imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United States (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from China totaled +25.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (+68.9% per year) and Australia (0.0% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of fireclay to South Africa, comprising 82% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United States ($X), with a 13% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from China stood at +33.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (+59.2% per year) and Australia (0.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average fireclay import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -22.2% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a slight expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the average import price increased by 37% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2020, and then fell dramatically in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Australia ($X per ton), while the price for the United States ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+6.7%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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