U.S.: Kaolin Market 2025

Kaolin Market Size in the U.S.

For the fourth year in a row, the U.S. kaolin market recorded decline in sales value, which decreased by -22.7% to $X in 2021. In general, consumption showed a abrupt setback. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Kaolin Production in the U.S.

In value terms, kaolin production totaled $X in 2021. Over the period under review, production showed a slight contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 14%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Kaolin Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2021, overseas shipments of kaolin and kaolinic clays increased by 17% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, kaolin exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

China (X tons), Mexico (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main destinations of kaolin exports from the United States, together accounting for 42% of total exports. Canada, Finland, Taiwan (Chinese), India, Belgium, Sweden, South Korea, Germany, Indonesia and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 44%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by India (with a CAGR of +13.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($X), Japan ($X) and Mexico ($X) constituted the largest markets for kaolin exported from the United States worldwide, together comprising 35% of total exports. Canada, Finland, India, Belgium, Taiwan (Chinese), South Korea, Sweden, Germany, Indonesia and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 44%.

Among the main countries of destination, India, with a CAGR of +14.7%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to 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

In 2021, the average kaolin export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 2.9% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.5%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the average export price increased by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Mexico ($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 Italy (+6.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Kaolin Imports

Imports into the U.S.

In 2021, the amount of kaolin and kaolinic clays imported into the United States dropped sharply to X tons, which is down by -24.5% on the previous year's figure. Overall, imports saw a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 32%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, kaolin imports reduced to $X in 2021. In general, imports recorded a deep contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 11%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Brazil (X tons) was the main supplier of kaolin to the United States, accounting for a 94% share of total imports. Moreover, kaolin imports from Brazil exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the UK (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Brazil totaled -11.1%.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constituted the largest supplier of kaolin and kaolinic clays to the United States, comprising 80% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the UK ($X), with a 13% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Brazil totaled -8.7%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average kaolin import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 21% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated a pronounced increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the average import price increased by 86%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the price for Brazil totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+2.6%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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