United Kingdom: Fireclay Market 2024

Fireclay Market Size in the UK

In 2021, after eight years of decline, there was growth in the UK fireclay market, when its value increased by 2.1% to $X. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a abrupt setback. Fireclay consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Fireclay Production in the UK

In value terms, fireclay production expanded significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, continues to indicate a abrupt downturn. Fireclay production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Fireclay Exports

Exports from the UK

In 2021, shipments abroad of fireclay decreased by -28.3% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 27% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, fireclay exports declined sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, total exports indicated a mild expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -41.3% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 35% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Ireland (X tons) was the main destination for fireclay exports from the UK, with a 40% share of total exports. Moreover, fireclay exports to Ireland exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Turkey (X tons), threefold. Slovakia (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Ireland stood at +2.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Turkey (+26.9% per year) and Slovakia (-6.1% per year).

In value terms, Ireland ($X) remains the key foreign market for fireclay exports from the UK, comprising 48% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Turkey ($X), with a 12% share of total exports. It was followed by Slovakia, with an 8.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Ireland stood at +6.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Turkey (+24.7% per year) and Slovakia (-5.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average fireclay export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 9% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.2%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the average export price increased by 13%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Ireland ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Iceland ($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 (+3.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Fireclay Imports

Imports into the UK

Fireclay imports into the UK plummeted to X tons in 2021, with a decrease of -25.5% on the year before. Overall, imports, however, recorded a resilient increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 138% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, fireclay imports reduced to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, saw strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 134%. Imports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), China (X tons) and Israel (X tons) were the main suppliers of fireclay imports to the UK, together accounting for 91% of total imports. Poland and Hong Kong SAR lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 7.3%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Poland (with a CAGR of +34.0%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest fireclay suppliers to the UK were the United States ($X), China ($X) and Hong Kong SAR ($X), with a combined 92% share of total imports. Poland and Israel lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 5.2%.

Poland, with a CAGR of +79.8%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of 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 fireclay import price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 20% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +4.4%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the average import price increased by 28%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Israel ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Poland (+34.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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