Uruguay: Lime Market 2024

Lime Market Size in Uruguay

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in the Uruguayan lime market, when its value decreased by -18.1% to $X. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X, and then fell sharply in the following year.

Lime Production in Uruguay

In value terms, lime production contracted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

Lime Exports

Exports from Uruguay

In 2021, the amount of quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime exported from Uruguay soared to X tons, picking up by 47% compared with 2020 figures. In general, exports recorded a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when exports increased by 261% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, lime exports totaled $X in 2021. Overall, exports posted significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 399%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Brazil (X tons) was the main destination for lime exports from Uruguay, with a 95% share of total exports. Moreover, lime exports to Brazil exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Free Zones (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Brazil stood at +25.3%.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the key foreign market for quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime exports from Uruguay, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Free Zones ($X), with an 8.3% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Brazil stood at +30.9%.

Export Prices by Country

The average lime export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, dropping by -30.5% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 38%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Free Zones ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Brazil stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Brazil (+4.5%).

Lime Imports

Imports into Uruguay

In 2021, supplies from abroad of quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime decreased by -24.1% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a tangible expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when imports increased by 156%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lime imports shrank sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, recorded a tangible increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 138% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Brazil (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of lime to Uruguay, with a 69% share of total imports. Moreover, lime imports from Brazil exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, France (X tons), fourfold. Argentina (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 6.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Brazil totaled +9.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (+0.7% per year) and Argentina (-13.1% per year).

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constituted the largest supplier of quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime to Uruguay, comprising 62% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by France ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by Argentina, with a 9.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Brazil totaled +4.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (+0.6% per year) and Argentina (-2.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lime import price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -8.3% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 49% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (+12.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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