United Kingdom: Slate Market 2024

Slate Market Size in the UK

The UK slate market contracted to $X in 2021, with a decrease of -15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +52.8% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Slate Production in the UK

In value terms, slate production dropped to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production showed a mild setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 22%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Slate Exports

Exports from the UK

In 2021, overseas shipments of slate decreased by -24.5% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports recorded a drastic downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 67% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, slate exports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, exports continue to indicate a noticeable reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 144% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Australia (X tons) was the main destination for slate exports from the UK, with a 83% share of total exports. Moreover, slate exports to Australia exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Ireland (X tons), ninefold. The third position in this ranking was held by France (X tons), with a 1.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Australia stood at +32.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Ireland (-35.8% per year) and France (+1.2% per year).

In value terms, Australia ($X) remains the key foreign market for slate exports from the UK, comprising 53% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Ireland ($X), with a 17% share of total exports. It was followed by France, with a 0.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Australia stood at +33.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Ireland (-19.0% per year) and France (-2.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average slate export price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 55% against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the average export price increased by 217% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Ireland ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to France ($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 Ireland (+26.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Slate Imports

Imports into the UK

In 2021, the amount of slate imported into the UK declined significantly to X tons, falling by -30% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports, however, posted resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 63% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, slate imports declined dramatically to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, recorded a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when imports increased by 44% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then declined remarkably in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Spain (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of slate to the UK, with a 50% share of total imports. Moreover, slate imports from Spain exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Brazil (X tons), twofold. India (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with an 8.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Spain stood at +74.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Brazil (+19.3% per year) and India (-7.5% per year).

In value terms, Spain ($X) constituted the largest supplier of slate to the UK, comprising 70% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Brazil ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by India, with a 5.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Spain totaled +71.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Brazil (+17.0% per year) and India (-0.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average slate import price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 15% against the previous year. In general, the import price enjoyed a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 28%. The import price peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

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 Spain ($X per ton), while the price for France ($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 (+8.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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