Western Africa: Kaolin Market 2024

Kaolin Market Size in Western Africa

In 2021, the West African kaolin market decreased by -4.9% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, consumption, however, showed a deep reduction. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Kaolin Production in Western Africa

In value terms, kaolin production dropped to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a deep slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 34%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Kaolin Exports

Exports in Western Africa

In 2021, the amount of kaolin and kaolinic clays exported in Western Africa fell to X tons, declining by -7.5% on 2020 figures. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 61% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, kaolin exports soared to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +66.7% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 69%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Senegal (X tons) represented the main exporter of kaolin and kaolinic clays, comprising 89% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Cote d'Ivoire (X tons), creating an 11% share of total exports.

Senegal experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays. At the same time, Cote d'Ivoire (+19.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Cote d'Ivoire emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Western Africa, with a CAGR of +19.2% from 2012-2021. Cote d'Ivoire (+8.7 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Senegal saw its share reduced by -8.9% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Senegal ($X) remains the largest kaolin supplier in Western Africa, comprising 91% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Cote d'Ivoire ($X), with a 7.7% share of total exports.

In Senegal, kaolin exports increased at an average annual rate of +6.3% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Western Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 37% against the previous year. Export price indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +6.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, kaolin export price increased by +79.0% against 2017 indices. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Senegal ($X per ton), while Cote d'Ivoire amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Senegal (+7.0%).

Kaolin Imports

Imports in Western Africa

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was decline in supplies from abroad of kaolin and kaolinic clays, when their volume decreased by -4% to X tons. In general, imports, however, posted a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 105%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2020, and then shrank slightly in the following year.

In value terms, kaolin imports expanded sharply to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 137% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Ghana (X tons) and Nigeria (X tons) represented the largest importers of kaolin and kaolinic clays in Western Africa, together resulting at approx. 76% of total imports. Burkina Faso (X tons) took a 12% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Senegal (9.8%). Cote d'Ivoire (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Senegal (with a CAGR of +73.4%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest kaolin importing markets in Western Africa were Nigeria ($X), Ghana ($X) and Senegal ($X), together comprising 92% of total imports.

In terms of the main importing countries, Senegal, with a CAGR of +63.4%, saw the highest growth rate of 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 import price in Western Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 10% against the previous year. Import price indicated a slight increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, kaolin import price increased by +76.6% against 2015 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the import price increased by 31% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Cote d'Ivoire ($X per ton), while Burkina Faso ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Cote d'Ivoire (+0.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform