Primary Cells And Primary Batteries Market

The article analyzes the global market for primary cells and primary batteries, forecasting a steady growth in consumption and production with an anticipated CAGR of +0.9% in volume and +4.2% in value from 2022 to 2030. It provides insights into the market performance, key importing and exporting countries, trends in prices, and dominant product types. The data reveals fluctuations in consumption and production figures over the analyzed period, with notable rates of growth in certain countries. The analysis highlights the importance of China in both production and exports, as well as the increasing demand for specific product types such as cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide and cells and batteries; lithium. Overall, the article offers a comprehensive overview of the primary cells and primary batteries market, identifying key trends and driving factors shaping the industry.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for primary cells and primary batteries worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +0.9% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 79B units by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.2% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $42.4B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Primary Cells And Primary Batteries

In 2022, global primary cells and primary batteries consumption reached 73B units, increasing by 2.9% on the year before. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -2.7% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, global consumption attained the maximum volume at 75B units in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

The revenue of the market for primary cells and primary batteries worldwide fell slightly to $30.6B in 2022, leveling off at 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). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the global market attained the maximum level at $31.6B in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were China (18B units), India (13B units) and the United States (6.6B units), with a combined 51% share of global consumption.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by China (with a CAGR of +5.8%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Mexico ($4.2B), India ($2.4B) and China ($2.1B) constituted the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2022, together accounting for 28% of the global market.

China, with a CAGR of +5.8%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to market size in terms of the main consuming countries over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of primary cells and primary batteries per capita consumption in 2022 were Japan (40 units per person), Germany (33 units per person) and the United States (20 units per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for China (with a CAGR of +5.3%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Primary Cells And Primary Batteries

Global primary cells and primary batteries production expanded to 88B units in 2022, increasing by 2.6% against the year before. Overall, the total production indicated a modest expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -2.6% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 67% against the previous year. Global production peaked at 90B units in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, primary cells and primary batteries production declined modestly to $33.4B in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 23% against the previous year. Global production peaked at $42.8B in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production By Country

China (46B units) constituted the country with the largest volume of primary cells and primary batteries production, accounting for 52% of total volume. Moreover, primary cells and primary batteries production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, India (12B units), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Japan (4.4B units), with a 5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in China totaled +2.6%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: India (+0.9% per year) and Japan (+2.5% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Primary Cells And Primary Batteries

After two years of growth, overseas purchases of primary cells and primary batteries decreased by -4.6% to 33B units in 2022. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 13%. Over the period under review, global imports attained the maximum at 35B units in 2021, and then shrank modestly in the following year.

In value terms, primary cells and primary batteries imports expanded slightly to $9.6B in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 8.9% against the previous year. Global imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports By Country

In 2022, the United States (4.7B units), followed by Hong Kong SAR (2.4B units), Japan (2B units) and Germany (1.9B units) represented the key importers of primary cells and primary batteries, together creating 33% of total imports. Belgium (1,390M units), Russia (1,196M units), China (1,190M units), Poland (1,166M units), the Netherlands (878M units), the UK (865M units), France (725M units), the United Arab Emirates (691M units) and India (687M units) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Poland (with a CAGR of +15.3%), while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest primary cells and primary batteries importing markets worldwide were the United States ($1.1B), Germany ($625M) and Hong Kong SAR ($387M), together comprising 22% of global imports. China, the Netherlands, the UK, Belgium, France, Poland, Japan, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and India lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 25%.

Poland, with a CAGR of +13.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

Cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide represented the main imported product with an import of around 23B units, which resulted at 69% of total imports. It was distantly followed by cells and batteries; lithium (5.3B units), cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc (1.9B units) and cells and batteries; primary, (other than manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium or air-zinc) (1.8B units), together constituting a 27% share of total imports. Cells and batteries; primary, silver oxide (1.2B units) took a relatively small share of total imports.

Imports of cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc (+11.1%), cells and batteries; lithium (+7.1%) and cells and batteries; primary, silver oxide (+1.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc emerged as the fastest-growing type imported in the world, with a CAGR of +11.1% from 2012-2022. By contrast, cells and batteries; primary, (other than manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium or air-zinc) (-3.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of cells and batteries; lithium (+6 p.p.) and cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc (+3.3 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2012-2022, the share of cells and batteries; primary, (other than manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium or air-zinc) (-4.1 p.p.) and cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide (-4.8 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other products remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest types of imported primary cells and primary batteries were cells and batteries; lithium ($4.1B), cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide ($4B) and cells and batteries; primary, (other than manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium or air-zinc) ($967M), with a combined 94% share of global imports.

Cells and batteries; lithium, with a CAGR of +5.5%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Type

In 2022, the average import price for primary cells and primary batteries amounted to $0.3 per unit, picking up by 9.1% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Global import price peaked at $0.3 per unit in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was cells and batteries; primary, mercuric oxide ($1.3 per unit), while the price for cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc ($0.2 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by cells and batteries; primary, mercuric oxide (+10.1%), while the other products experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average import price for primary cells and primary batteries amounted to $0.3 per unit, surging by 9.1% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $0.3 per unit in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was France ($0.4 per unit), while India ($0.1 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+9.3%), while the other global leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Exports

World Exports of Primary Cells And Primary Batteries

In 2022, overseas shipments of primary cells and primary batteries decreased by -2.9% to 48B units for the first time since 2016, thus ending a five-year rising trend. Overall, total exports indicated a mild increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 67%. Over the period under review, the global exports attained the peak figure at 49B units in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

In value terms, primary cells and primary batteries exports reached $8.7B in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 8.5% against the previous year. The global exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports By Country

China prevails in exports structure, resulting at 29B units, which was near 61% of total exports in 2022. Belgium (2.6B units) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Singapore (2.2B units). All these countries together took near 10% share of total exports. Germany (2.1B units), Hong Kong SAR (2B units), Poland (1.8B units), Indonesia (1.5B units) and Japan (1.3B units) took a relatively small share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to primary cells and primary batteries exports from China stood at +1.1%. At the same time, Poland (+15.9%), Indonesia (+14.3%), Singapore (+13.1%), Germany (+12.1%) and Japan (+3.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Poland emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +15.9% from 2012-2022. Belgium experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Hong Kong SAR (-6.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Singapore (+2.9 p.p.), Germany (+2.7 p.p.), Poland (+2.7 p.p.) and Indonesia (+2.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global exports, while Hong Kong SAR and China saw its share reduced by -5.3% and -5.4% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($2.4B) remains the largest primary cells and primary batteries supplier worldwide, comprising 27% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Singapore ($661M), with a 7.6% share of global exports. It was followed by Germany, with a 6.7% share.

In China, primary cells and primary batteries exports expanded at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Singapore (+1.1% per year) and Germany (+11.3% per year).

Exports By Type

Cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide dominates exports structure, accounting for 39B units, which was near 81% of total exports in 2022. Cells and batteries; lithium (4.5B units) held a 9.3% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc (5.7%). Cells and batteries; primary, silver oxide (1.3B units) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide exports of stood at +1.4%. At the same time, cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc (+10.0%), cells and batteries; lithium (+7.9%) and cells and batteries; primary, silver oxide (+1.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc emerged as the fastest-growing type exported in the world, with a CAGR of +10.0% from 2012-2022. Cells and batteries; lithium (+4.1 p.p.) and cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc (+3 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global exports, while cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide saw its share reduced by -4.3% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other products remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide ($4.2B), cells and batteries; lithium ($3.3B) and cells and batteries; primary, (other than manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium or air-zinc) ($594M) were the products with the highest levels of exports in 2022, together comprising 93% of global exports. Cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc, cells and batteries; primary, silver oxide and cells and batteries; primary, mercuric oxide lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 7.2%.

In terms of the main exported products, cells and batteries; primary, air-zinc, with a CAGR of +5.3%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Type

In 2022, the average export price for primary cells and primary batteries amounted to $0.2 per unit, growing by 3.4% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the average export price increased by 52% against the previous year. The global export price peaked at $0.3 per unit in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was cells and batteries; primary, (other than manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium or air-zinc) ($1.2 per unit), while the average price for exports of cells and batteries; primary, manganese dioxide ($0.1 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by cells and batteries; primary, (other than manganese dioxide, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, lithium or air-zinc) (+9.7%), while the other products experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average export price for primary cells and primary batteries amounted to $0.2 per unit, picking up by 3.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 52%. The global export price peaked at $0.3 per unit in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Indonesia ($0.3 per unit), while China ($0.1 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Hong Kong SAR (+3.7%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform