U.S.: Lime Market 2024

Lime Market Size in the U.S.

The U.S. lime market declined modestly to $X in 2021, stabilizing at the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the market value increased by 4.4%. Lime consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

Lime Production in the U.S.

In value terms, lime production fell slightly to $X in 2021. In general, production showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 4.9%. Lime production peaked at $X in 2018; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Lime Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2021, overseas shipments of lime increased by 26% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a prominent increase from 2013 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.6% over the last eight years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 38% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lime exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, total exports indicated a slight expansion from 2013 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the last eight-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -36.2% against 2018 indices. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Canada (X tons) was the main destination for lime exports from the United States, accounting for a 96% share of total exports. It was followed by Mexico (X tons), with a 3% share of total exports.

From 2013 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Canada totaled +8.9%.

In value terms, Canada ($X) remains the key foreign market for lime exports from the United States, comprising 85% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mexico ($X), with a 9.3% share of total exports.

From 2013 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Canada totaled +2.2%.

Export Prices by Country

The average lime export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 8.4% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 an increase of 15%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mexico ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Canada amounted to $X per ton.

From 2013 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Mexico (+10.7%).

Lime Imports

Imports into the U.S.

In 2021, purchases abroad of lime increased by 4.7% to X tons, rising for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, total imports indicated notable growth from 2013 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the last eight years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +47.4% against 2018 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 37%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, lime imports stood at $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Canada (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of lime to the United States, accounting for a 88% share of total imports. Moreover, lime imports from Canada exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Mexico (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2013 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Canada stood at +1.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mexico (+16.8% per year) and the Dominican Republic (+54.3% per year).

In value terms, Canada ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lime to the United States, comprising 79% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mexico ($X), with a 9% share of total imports.

From 2013 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Canada amounted to -2.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mexico (+7.4% per year) and the Dominican Republic (+50.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lime import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 3.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed a perceptible setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 an increase of 49%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

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 the Dominican Republic ($X per ton), while the price for Canada ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Dominican Republic (-2.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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