Spain: Market for Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles 2025

Market Size for Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles in Spain

The Spanish market for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles reduced to $X in 2021, falling by -8.8% against the previous year. In general, consumption showed a abrupt slump. Refractory bricks, blocks and tiles consumption peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles in Spain

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production rose notably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 29% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

Exports from Spain

In 2021, overseas shipments of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles were finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports surged to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 28% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Italy (X tons), the United States (X tons) and France (X tons) were the main destinations of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports from Spain, together accounting for 26% of total exports. These countries were followed by Germany, Algeria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Egypt, Mexico, Vietnam, Greece and Russia, which together accounted for a further 34%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +38.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X), Italy ($X) and France ($X) constituted the largest markets for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exported from Spain worldwide, together comprising 26% of total exports. The Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Algeria, Belgium, Egypt, Russia, Mexico, Greece and Vietnam lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 32%.

The Netherlands, with a CAGR of +39.4%, 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 export price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 4.7% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 13% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Portugal ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Vietnam ($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 Greece (+7.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

Imports into Spain

In 2021, purchases abroad of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles increased by 1.6% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, imports saw measured growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when imports increased by 83% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports expanded notably to $X in 2021. Overall, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 81%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

France (X tons), China (X tons) and Portugal (X tons) were the main suppliers of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports to Spain, with a combined 58% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Portugal (with a CAGR of +35.6%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, France ($X), China ($X) and Italy ($X) constituted the largest refractory bricks, blocks and tiles suppliers to Spain, together comprising 49% of total imports. These countries were followed by Germany, Austria, India, the Czech Republic and Portugal, which together accounted for a further 33%.

India, with a CAGR of +21.4%, saw 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

In 2021, the average import price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a perceptible contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the average import price increased by 15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for Portugal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+8.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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