South Africa: Market for Limestone Flux, Limestone And Calcareous Stone 2024

Market Size for Limestone Flux, Limestone And Calcareous Stone in South Africa

The South African limestone flux and limestone market dropped modestly to $X in 2022, which is down by -2% against the previous year. Overall, consumption saw a perceptible curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the market value increased by 6.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Limestone Flux, Limestone And Calcareous Stone in South Africa

In value terms, limestone flux and limestone production contracted modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 6.9% against the previous year. Limestone flux and limestone production peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Limestone Flux, Limestone And Calcareous Stone

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, overseas shipments of limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone were finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a four-year declining trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a pronounced reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 468% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, limestone flux and limestone exports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 205% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Botswana (X tons) was the main destination for limestone flux and limestone exports from South Africa, with a 89% share of total exports. Moreover, limestone flux and limestone exports to Botswana exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Swaziland (X tons), more than tenfold. Mozambique (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 2.7% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Botswana amounted to -2.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Swaziland (-3.0% per year) and Mozambique (+11.7% per year).

In value terms, Botswana ($X) remains the key foreign market for limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone exports from South Africa, comprising 72% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Lesotho ($X), with a 5.7% share of total exports. It was followed by Swaziland, with a 5.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Botswana stood at -4.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Lesotho (-12.8% per year) and Swaziland (-7.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average limestone flux and limestone export price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -35.7% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a pronounced curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 74%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Lesotho ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Botswana ($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 Botswana (-1.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Imports of Limestone Flux, Limestone And Calcareous Stone

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, supplies from abroad of limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone increased by 7.2% to X tons, rising for the fourth consecutive year after three years of decline. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a deep downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 652%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, limestone flux and limestone imports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a noticeable setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 346% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Zimbabwe (X tons) was the main limestone flux and limestone supplier to South Africa, accounting for a 100% share of total imports. It was followed by Australia (X kg), with less than 0.1% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Zimbabwe amounted to +111.9%.

In value terms, Zimbabwe ($X) constituted the largest supplier of limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone to South Africa, comprising 96% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Australia ($X), with less than 0.1% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Zimbabwe amounted to +89.6%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average limestone flux and limestone import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 12% against the previous year. Overall, the import price posted a perceptible increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the average import price increased by 3,029%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Zimbabwe ($X per ton), while the price for Australia totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Zambia (-3.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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