South Africa: Kaolin Market 2024

Kaolin Market Size in South Africa

The South African kaolin market rose rapidly to $X in 2023, increasing by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a pronounced contraction. Kaolin consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Kaolin Production in South Africa

In value terms, kaolin production expanded sharply to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production showed a perceptible curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by X%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2018 to 2023, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Kaolin Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2023, kaolin exports from South Africa rose significantly to X tons, surging by X% against the previous year. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a mild reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of X% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2023, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, kaolin exports dropped notably to $X in 2023. In general, exports recorded a modest expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of X%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2022 to 2023, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Zambia (X tons), Zimbabwe (X tons) and Mozambique (X tons) were the main destinations of kaolin exports from South Africa, together accounting for X% of total exports. Mauritius, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia and Botswana lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X%.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Mauritius (with a CAGR of X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Zimbabwe ($X) remains the key foreign market for kaolin and kaolinic clays exports from South Africa, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mozambique ($X), with a X% share of total exports. It was followed by Zambia, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Zimbabwe amounted to X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Mozambique (X% per year) and Zambia (X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average kaolin export price stood at $X per ton in 2023, waning by X% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated perceptible 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. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 an increase of X%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2022, and then reduced sharply in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Namibia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Zambia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Kenya (X%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Kaolin Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2023, the amount of kaolin and kaolinic clays imported into South Africa reached X tons, increasing by X% against the year before. Overall, imports, however, saw a noticeable setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2023, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, kaolin imports reached $X in 2023. In general, total imports indicated a mild 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, imports increased by X% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2023 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), China (X tons) and the UK (X tons) were the main suppliers of kaolin imports to South Africa, with a combined X% share of total imports. India, Egypt, Portugal, France, Kenya, Bulgaria and Spain lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X%.

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

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of kaolin and kaolinic clays to South Africa, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by China ($X), with an X% share of total imports. It was followed by the UK, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the United States was relatively modest. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (X% per year) and the UK (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average kaolin import price stood at $X per ton in 2023, waning by X% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2023, it increased at an average annual rate of X%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 an increase of X%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton, and then shrank slightly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Portugal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

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

Source: IndexBox Platform