United Kingdom: Market for Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers 2025

Market Size for Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers in the UK

In 2022, the UK market for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers decreased by -44.3% to $X, falling for the sixth year in a row after two years of growth. Overall, consumption recorded a deep setback. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers in the UK

In value terms, production of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers dropped slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate tangible growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the production volume increased by 87% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production of hit record highs at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers

Exports from the UK

For the seventh consecutive year, the UK recorded growth in overseas shipments of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers, which increased by 11% to X tons in 2022. Overall, exports enjoyed a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 279%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, exports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports recorded significant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 112%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), Brazil (X tons) and France (X tons) were the main destinations of exports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers from the UK, together comprising 64% of total exports. The United States, Poland, China and Belgium lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 25%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Belgium (with a CAGR of +200.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Brazil ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and the United States ($X) were the largest markets for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers exported from the UK worldwide, with a combined 62% share of total exports. France, Poland, China and Belgium lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 21%.

Belgium, with a CAGR of +126.5%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of 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

In 2022, the average export price for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 31% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 46% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to France ($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 Poland (+6.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Imports of Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers

Imports into the UK

In 2022, imports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers into the UK skyrocketed to X tons, increasing by 356% compared with the previous year's figure. Overall, imports saw prominent growth. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, imports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 86%. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

Germany (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons) and Israel (X tons) were the main suppliers of imports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers to the UK, with a combined 97% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +133.5%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X) constituted the largest supplier of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers to the UK, comprising 59% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by the United States, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Germany amounted to +10.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Netherlands (+97.6% per year) and the United States (+25.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers stood at $X per ton in 2022, declining by -70.5% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, posted a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the average import price increased by 325%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2021 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 the United States ($X per ton), while the price for the Netherlands ($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 (+6.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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