Southern Asia: Fireclay Market 2024

Fireclay Market Size in Southern Asia

The South Asian fireclay market was estimated at $X in 2021, increasing by 3.2% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -2.9% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Fireclay Production in Southern Asia

In value terms, fireclay production expanded slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.9% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -3.6% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 26% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Fireclay Exports

Exports in Southern Asia

In 2021, the amount of fireclay exported in Southern Asia declined dramatically to X tons, shrinking by -22.8% compared with the previous year. Overall, exports saw a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 139% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, fireclay exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 148%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

India prevails in exports structure, reaching X tons, which was approx. 91% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Pakistan (X tons), mixing up an 8.7% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to fireclay exports from India stood at -15.5%. Pakistan (-3.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Pakistan (+5.8 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while India saw its share reduced by -5.8% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, India ($X) remains the largest fireclay supplier in Southern Asia, comprising 94% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Pakistan ($X), with a 5.7% share of total exports.

In India, fireclay exports shrank by an average annual rate of -5.8% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Southern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 56% against the previous year. Export price indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +10.8% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the export price increased by 89% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while Pakistan amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+11.3%).

Fireclay Imports

Imports in Southern Asia

In 2021, supplies from abroad of fireclay decreased by -5.1% to X tons for the first time since 2013, thus ending a seven-year rising trend. Over the period under review, imports, however, enjoyed a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 51% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2020, and then dropped in the following year.

In value terms, fireclay imports dropped rapidly to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, saw a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when imports increased by 73%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Bangladesh prevails in imports structure, amounting to X tons, which was approx. 80% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by India (X tons) and Sri Lanka (X tons), together creating a 15% share of total imports. Nepal (X tons) took a little share of total imports.

Bangladesh was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fireclay imports, with a CAGR of +36.5% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Sri Lanka (+17.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Nepal experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, India (-6.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Bangladesh increased by +62 percentage points. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Bangladesh ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported fireclay in Southern Asia, comprising 67% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by India ($X), with a 25% share of total imports. It was followed by Sri Lanka, with a 3.3% share.

In Bangladesh, fireclay imports increased at an average annual rate of +13.0% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: India (-0.1% per year) and Sri Lanka (+12.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Southern Asia amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -21.8% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a deep slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 31%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+7.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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