Africa: Fireclay Market 2024

Fireclay Market Size in Africa

In 2023, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in the African fireclay market, when its value increased by X% to $X. Over the period under review, consumption showed a moderate expansion. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2023, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Fireclay Production in Africa

In value terms, fireclay production amounted to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, posted a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2023, production failed to regain momentum.

Fireclay Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2023, shipments abroad of fireclay decreased by X% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a four-year rising trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2022, and then declined sharply in the following year.

In value terms, fireclay exports reduced rapidly to $X in 2023. Overall, exports, however, saw a modest increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of X%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2023, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2023, South Africa (X tons) was the main exporter of fireclay, creating X% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons), committing a X% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Democratic Republic of the Congo (with a CAGR of X%).

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest fireclay supplier in Africa, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X), with a X% share of total exports.

In South Africa, fireclay exports expanded at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012-2023.

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, declining by X% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the export price increased by X% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Democratic Republic of the Congo totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (X%).

Fireclay Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2023, purchases abroad of fireclay decreased by X% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed notable growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of X%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2023, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, fireclay imports rose rapidly to $X in 2023. Total imports indicated a noticeable expansion 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 decreased by X% against 2021 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of X% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2023, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Tunisia was the major importer of fireclay in Africa, with the volume of imports resulting at X tons, which was approx. X% of total imports in 2023. Algeria (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, followed by South Africa (X tons). All these countries together held approx. X% share of total imports. Egypt (X tons) and Nigeria (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Tunisia was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fireclay imports, with a CAGR of X% from 2012 to 2023. At the same time, Egypt (X%), South Africa (X%), Nigeria (X%) and Algeria (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. From 2012 to 2023, the share of Tunisia, Egypt and South Africa increased by X, X and X percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

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

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

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2023, with an increase of X% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a slight downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of X%. Over the period under review, import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, 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 South Africa ($X per ton), while Tunisia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

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

Source: IndexBox Platform