Africa: Kaolin Market 2024

Kaolin Market Size in Africa

After three years of growth, the African kaolin market decreased by X% to $X in 2023. In general, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Kaolin Production in Africa

In value terms, kaolin production expanded remarkably to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a slight increase from 2012 to 2023: its value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, production decreased by X% against 2021 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of X% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2023, production failed to regain momentum.

Kaolin Exports

Exports in Africa

Kaolin exports skyrocketed to X tons in 2023, jumping by X% compared with the previous year's figure. Overall, exports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2023, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, kaolin exports soared to $X in 2023. Total exports indicated a buoyant increase from 2012 to 2023: its value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, exports increased by X% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum in 2023 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

In 2023, Morocco (X tons) was the largest exporter of kaolin and kaolinic clays, comprising X% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Senegal (X tons) and Egypt (X tons), together mixing up a X% share of total exports. The following exporters - Cote d'Ivoire (X tons) and Libya (X tons) - together made up X% of total exports.

Morocco experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays. At the same time, Cote d'Ivoire (X%), Egypt (X%) and Libya (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Cote d'Ivoire emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of X% from 2012-2023. By contrast, Senegal (X%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Egypt (X p.p.) and Cote d'Ivoire (X p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Morocco and Senegal saw its share reduced by X% and X% from 2012 to 2023, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Egypt ($X) remains the largest kaolin supplier in Africa, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Senegal ($X), with a X% share of total exports. It was followed by Morocco, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Egypt totaled X%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Senegal (X% per year) and Morocco (X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, standing approx. at the previous year. Overall, the export price saw prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 when the export price increased by X%. The level of export peaked in 2023 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Egypt ($X per ton), while Morocco ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Senegal (X%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Kaolin Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2023, imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in Africa totaled X tons, increasing by X% on 2022. Over the period under review, imports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2023, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, kaolin imports amounted to $X in 2023. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012 to 2023; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when imports increased by X%. The level of import peaked in 2023 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

The purchases of the three major importers of kaolin and kaolinic clays, namely Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia, represented more than two-thirds of total import. It was distantly followed by Morocco (X tons), creating an X% share of total imports. Nigeria (X tons), Ghana (X tons) and South Africa (X tons) held a little share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2023, the biggest increases were recorded for Ghana (with a CAGR of X%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Egypt ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported kaolin and kaolinic clays in Africa, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Tunisia ($X), with a X% share of total imports. It was followed by Algeria, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Egypt was relatively modest. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Tunisia (X% per year) and Algeria (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2023, waning by X% against the previous year. Import price indicated temperate growth from 2012 to 2023: its price increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, kaolin import price increased by X% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when the import price increased by X%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then dropped in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2023, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Algeria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform