Kaolinitic Clay, Fireclay And Clay For Construction Use Market

The global market for kaolinitic clays, fireclays, and clays for construction use is expected to see steady growth in both volume and value over the next eight years. Key drivers of this growth include increasing demand worldwide. China, Russia, and the United States are the top consumers and producers in this market. Import and export trends also play a significant role in shaping the market landscape.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +2.6% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 193M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +5.2% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $1,486B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Kaolinitic Clays, Fireclays And Clays For Construction Use

In 2022, the amount of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use consumed worldwide rose modestly to 157M tons, growing by 2.4% compared with the year before. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the consumption volume increased by 5.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global consumption of hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

The size of the market for kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use worldwide rose markedly to $989.9B in 2022, increasing by 5.2% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption enjoyed a significant increase. Over the period under review, the global market hit record highs in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2021 were China (26M tons), Russia (26M tons) and the United States (13M tons), with a combined 42% share of global consumption. India, Ukraine, Japan, Brazil, Italy, Turkey, Spain, Indonesia and Democratic Republic of the Congo lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 29%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Spain (with a CAGR of +7.6%), while use for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest kaolinitic clay, fireclay and clay for construction use markets worldwide were China ($5.8B), Russia ($3.2B) and the United States ($2.9B), with a combined 1.3% share of the global market. India, Japan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Brazil, Indonesia, Ukraine, Spain, Italy and Turkey lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 0.9%.

India, with a CAGR of +6.9%, saw the highest growth rate of market size in terms of the main consuming countries over the period under review, while use for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of kaolinitic clay, fireclay and clay for construction use per capita consumption in 2021 were Ukraine (184 kg per person), Russia (178 kg per person) and Italy (71 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Spain (with a CAGR of +7.5%), while use for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Consumption By Type

Clays for construction and industrial use (286M tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of consumption, comprising approx. 81% of total volume. Moreover, clays for construction and industrial use exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) (57M tons), fivefold.

For clays for construction and industrial use, consumption increased at an average annual rate of +6.3% over the period from 2012-2022. With regard to the other consumed products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) (+1.6% per year) and fireclay (+7.3% per year).

In value terms, kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) ($956.7B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was taken by clays for construction and industrial use ($93.4B).

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of the value of kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) market amounted to +42.8%. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: clays for construction and industrial use (+6.7% per year) and fireclay (+3.4% per year).

Production

World Production of Kaolinitic Clays, Fireclays And Clays For Construction Use

In 2021, global production of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use declined significantly to 55M tons, dropping by -62.9% compared with the year before. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a deep downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 5.4%. As a result, production reached the peak volume of 149M tons. From 2019 to 2021, global production of growth failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, production of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use reduced markedly to $21.8B in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a noticeable downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 20% against the previous year. Global production peaked at $38.2B in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Production By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2021 were China (11M tons), Ukraine (7.2M tons) and the United States (5.3M tons), with a combined 43% share of global production. India, Brazil, Russia, Japan, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Spain, Nigeria, France and Canada lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 32%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Nigeria (with a CAGR of +6.1%), while use for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production By Type

Clays for construction and industrial use (275M tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of production, accounting for 80% of total volume. Moreover, clays for construction and industrial use exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) (56M tons), fivefold.

For clays for construction and industrial use, production expanded at an average annual rate of +7.5% over the period from 2012-2020. With regard to the other produced products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) (+2.0% per year) and fireclay (+4.1% per year).

In value terms, clays for construction and industrial use ($85.5B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was taken by kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) ($9.8B).

For clays for construction and industrial use, production expanded at an average annual rate of +7.4% over the period from 2012-2020. With regard to the other produced products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) (+4.0% per year) and fireclay (+2.8% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Kaolinitic Clays, Fireclays And Clays For Construction Use

In 2021, supplies from abroad of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use decreased by -79.3% to 3.8M tons, falling for the fourth consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, imports showed a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 9.8% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of 23M tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of global imports of remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use shrank significantly to $307M in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw a sharp contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports of hit record highs at $3.2B in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports By Country

Italy (1.3M tons) and Russia (1.1M tons) were the key importers of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use in 2021, recording near 35% and 29% of total imports, respectively. Poland (441K tons) took a 12% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Belarus (5.1%). The following importers - Mexico (95K tons), Bulgaria (80K tons) and Germany (75K tons) - together made up 6.6% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Poland (with a CAGR of +0.4%), while imports for the other global leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, Italy ($84M), Russia ($48M) and Poland ($37M) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 55% share of global imports.

In terms of the main importing countries, Poland, with a CAGR of -2.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Imports By Type

Kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) represented the largest type of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use in the world, with the volume of imports recording 9.6M tons, which was near 52% of total imports in 2020. Clays for construction and industrial use (5.9M tons) took a 32% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by fireclay (15%).

From 2012 to 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key imported products, was attained by fireclay (with a CAGR of +0.2%), while imports for the other products experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, the largest types of imported kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use were kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) ($1.5B), clays for construction and industrial use ($923M) and fireclay ($233M).

Fireclay, with a CAGR of +1.2%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices By Type

The average import price for kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use stood at $148 per ton in 2020, flattening at the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 3.6%. Global import price peaked at $155 per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2020, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major imported products. In 2020, the product with the highest price was kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) ($161 per ton), while the price for fireclay ($84 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by fireclay (+1.0%), while the other products experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Import Prices By Country

The average import price for kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use stood at $81 per ton in 2021, shrinking by -44.9% against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average import price increased by 3.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $155 per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($208 per ton), while Belarus ($37 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (-2.2%), while the other global leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Exports

World Exports of Kaolinitic Clays, Fireclays And Clays For Construction Use

In 2021, shipments abroad of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use decreased by -87.2% to 1.9M tons, falling for the fourth year in a row after two years of growth. In general, exports faced a dramatic descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 7.5%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 21M tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the global exports of remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, exports of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use dropped markedly to $696M in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a drastic downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 10%. The global exports peaked at $3.3B in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports By Country

China was the key exporter of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use in the world, with the volume of exports accounting for 1.2M tons, which was approx. 61% of total exports in 2021. Ukraine (457K tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 24% share, followed by the United States (11%).

China was also the fastest-growing in terms of the kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use exports, with a CAGR of -6.3% from 2012 to 2021. Ukraine (-17.6%) and the United States (-26.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. China (+50 p.p.) and Ukraine (+10 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global exports, while the United States saw its share reduced by -6% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, China ($329M), Ukraine ($285M) and the United States ($53M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, with a combined 96% share of global exports.

China, with a CAGR of -1.1%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

Exports By Type

In 2020, kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) (9.2M tons) represented the major type of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use, making up 47% of total exports. Clays for construction and industrial use (5.2M tons) held a 27% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by fireclay (26%).

From 2012 to 2020, the biggest increases were recorded for clays for construction and industrial use (with a CAGR of -0.7%), while shipments for the other products experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) ($1.5B) remains the largest type of kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use supplied worldwide, comprising 57% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by clays for construction and industrial use ($687M), with a 27% share of global exports.

From 2012 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of the value of kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) exports totaled -1.1%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: clays for construction and industrial use (-1.6% per year) and fireclay (-0.5% per year).

Export Prices By Type

In 2020, the average export price for kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use amounted to $171 per ton, increasing by 5% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2020, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 8.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2020 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was kaolinitic clays (ball and plastic clays) ($161 per ton), while the average price for exports of fireclay ($85 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by kaolinitic clays (+0.9%), while the other products experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Export Prices By Country

In 2021, the average export price for kaolinitic clays, fireclays and clays for construction use amounted to $363 per ton, rising by 112% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a resilient expansion. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Ukraine ($623 per ton), while the United States ($252 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ukraine (+18.8%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform