Which Country Imports the Most Natural Cork Articles in the World?

Products of Wood, Cork, Straw And Plaiting Materials Select May 28, 2018

Blog Blog / Wood and Paper Products / Products of Wood, Cork, Straw And Plaiting Materials Select

Author: Anna Sergeeva

PositionMarket Analyst

In 2016, approx. 57K tonnes of natural cork were imported worldwide; lowering by -9.1% against the previous year level. In general, natural cork imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013, an increase of 16% against the previous year level. Over the period under review, global natural cork imports reached its maximum volume of 68K tonnes in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2016, it failed to regain its strength.

In value terms, natural cork imports totaled $689M in 2016. In general, natural cork imports continue to indicate a moderate descent. Over the period under review, global natural cork imports attained its maximum level of $894M in 2007; however, from 2008 to 2016, it stood at a somewhat lower level.

Top Natural Cork Importing Countries in the World

1. USA (160.4 million USD)

2. France (125.7 million USD)

3. Spain (71.1 million USD)

4. Italy (61.4 million USD)

5. Portugal (35.4 million USD)

6. Chile (24.0 million USD)

7. United Kingdom (22.5 million USD)

8. Australia (13.5 million USD)

9. United Arab Emirates (6.9 million USD)

10. Algeria (0.3 million USD)

11. Morocco (0.1 million USD)

Natural Cork Imports By Country

In 2016, Spain (15K tonnes), distantly followed by the U.S. (7K tonnes), France (6.3K tonnes), United Arab Emirates (3.9K tonnes), and Italy (3.6K tonnes) represented the key importers of natural cork, together constituting 63% of total imports. Algeria (2.1K tonnes), Portugal (1.8K tonnes), the UK (1.4K tonnes), Chile (1.4K tonnes), Morocco (1.2K tonnes), and Australia (1.1K tonnes) held the minor share of total imports.

Spain was also the fastest growing in terms of the natural cork imports, with a CAGR of +6.9% from 2007 to 2016. At the same time, Chile (+6.1%), the UK (+3.6%), Italy (+2.0%), Algeria (+1.5%), and Morocco (+1.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. The U.S., and Portugal experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, France (-4.6%), United Arab Emirates (-5.6%), and Australia (-7.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. France (6%), United Arab Emirates (5%), and Australia (2%) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global imports, while Spain saw its share reduced by -12.1% from 2007 to 2016, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest natural cork markets worldwide were the U.S. ($160M), France ($126M) and Spain ($71M), together comprising 52% of global imports.Italy, Portugal, Chile, the UK, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Algeria and Morocco lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 24%.

Morocco (+6.5% per year) experienced the highest rates of growth with regard to the natural cork imports, in terms of the main importing countries, over the last 9 years, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Natural Cork Import Prices By Country

The average natural cork import price stood at $12 per kg in 2016, moving up by 6% against the previous year. In general, natural cork import price continues to indicate a measured curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2008, when import increased by 20% year-to-year. In that year, average natural cork import price reached its maximum level of $19 per kg. From 2009 to 2016, growth of average natural cork import price stood at a somewhat lower level.

Import prices varied noticeably by country of destination. the country with the highest import prices was the U.S. ($23 per kg), while Morocco ($67 per tonne) was among the lowest.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of natural cork import prices was attained by Morocco (+5.1% per year), while the other global leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

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