Which Country Exports the Most Natural Sands in the World?

In 2016, approx. 131M tonnes of silica sand were exported worldwide; ascending by 136% against the previous year figure. In general, silica sand exports continue to indicate a prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016, when export increased by 136% against the previous year level. In that year, global silica sand exports attained its maximum volume, and are likely to continue its growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, silica sand exports amounted to $1.2B in 2016. In general, silica sand exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. In that year, global silica sand exports attained its maximum level of $1.5B. From 2012 to 2016, growth of global silica sand exports stood at a somewhat lower level.

Top Silica Sand Exporting Countries in the World

1. Netherlands (156.7 million USD)

2. Germany (129.3 million USD)

3. Belgium (121.4 million USD)

4. Australia (75.5 million USD)

5. France (52.6 million USD)

6. China (26.8 million USD)

7. Mozambique (6.0 million USD)

Silica Sand Exports By Country

Mozambique (87M tonnes) prevails in silica sand exports structure, accounting for 87M tonnes, which was approx. 66% of total exports in 2016. China (9.3M tonnes) ranks second globally in silica sand exports with a 7% share, following Germany (6%). The following exporters - the Netherlands (5M tonnes), Belgium (3.3M tonnes), Australia (2.8M tonnes), and France (2.7M tonnes) together made up 10% of total exports.

Exports from Mozambique decreased at an average annual rate of nan% from 2007 to 2016. At the same time, Australia (+1.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Australia emerged as the fastest growing importer/exporter in the world, with a CAGR of +1.9% from 2007-2016. France experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, China (-1.9%), Belgium (-3.4%), Germany (-4.3%), and the Netherlands (-6.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2007 to 2016, the share of Germany, and the Netherlands increased by 3%, and 3% percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($157M), Germany ($129M) and Belgium ($121M) appeared as the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2016, with a combined 34% share of global exports. These countries were followed by Australia, France, China and Mozambique, which together accounted for a further 13%.

Mozambique (+91.9% per year) recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the silica sand exports, in terms of the main exporting countries, over the last 9 year period, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Silica Sand Export Prices By Country

In 2016, the average export price for silica sand amounted to $9 per tonne, declining by -62.5% against the previous year. Overall, silica sand export price continues to indicate a deep contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2010, when export increased by 50% year-to-year. Over the period under review, average silica sand export price reached its maximum level of $26 per tonne in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2016, it failed to regain its strength.

There were significant differences in the average export prices amongst major exporting countries. In 2016, the country with the highest export prices was Belgium ($37 per tonne), while Mozambique ($0 per kg) was among the lowest.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of silica sand export prices was attained by Mozambique (nan% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Do you want to know more about global silica sand market? Get the latest trends and insight from our report. It includes a wide range of statistics on

• silica sand market share
• silica sand prices
• silica sand industry
• silica sand sales
• silica sand import
• silica sand export
• silica sand market forecast
• silica sand price forecast
• key silica sand producers

All data provided in this article covers the following product: HS Code 2505 - Sands of all kinds; natural, whether or not coloured, other than metal-bearing sands of chapter 26.

Source: World: Natural Sands - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2025