U.S.: Bentonite Market 2024

Bentonite Market Size in the U.S.

After two years of growth, the U.S. bentonite market decreased by -3% to $X in 2022. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. Bentonite consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Bentonite Production in the U.S.

In value terms, bentonite production declined modestly to $X in 2022. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 17%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Bentonite Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2022, shipments abroad of bentonite decreased by -3.6% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, exports recorded a noticeable shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 12%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, bentonite exports stood at $X in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 15%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Canada (X tons) was the main destination for bentonite exports from the United States, accounting for a 51% share of total exports. Moreover, bentonite exports to Canada exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Japan (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Mexico (X tons), with a 6.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Canada amounted to -1.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Japan (-0.8% per year) and Mexico (+0.7% per year).

In value terms, the largest markets for bentonite exported from the United States were Canada ($X), Japan ($X) and Mexico ($X), with a combined 50% share of total exports. China, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan (Chinese), India, the Netherlands, the UK and Saudi Arabia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 27%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, India, with a CAGR of +18.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average bentonite export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 5.7% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +4.0%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 an increase of 13% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Canada ($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 Saudi Arabia (+14.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Bentonite Imports

Imports into the U.S.

In 2022, overseas purchases of bentonite increased by 2% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. Overall, imports enjoyed prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 87%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, bentonite imports stood at $X in 2022. In general, imports continue to indicate prominent growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when imports increased by 55% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Mexico (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of bentonite to the United States, with a 44% share of total imports. Moreover, bentonite imports from Mexico exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was held by Turkey (X tons), with a 9.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Mexico totaled +26.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+14.4% per year) and Turkey (+36.4% per year).

In value terms, the largest bentonite suppliers to the United States were Mexico ($X), China ($X) and Poland ($X), together accounting for 66% of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, Poland, with a CAGR of +52.1%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average bentonite import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, remaining constant against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a deep slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the average import price increased by 29% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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 Poland ($X per ton), while the price for Argentina ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Canada (+12.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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