Africa: Market for Zirconium Ores and Concentrates 2024

Market Size for Zirconium Ores and Concentrates in Africa

In 2023, the African zirconium ore and concentrate market decreased by X% to $X, falling for the third consecutive year after three years of growth. In general, consumption continues to indicate a drastic downturn. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Zirconium Ores and Concentrates in Africa

In value terms, zirconium ore and concentrate production totaled $X in 2023 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production saw a perceptible slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of X%. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Zirconium Ores and Concentrates

Exports in Africa

In 2023, the amount of zirconium ores and concentrates exported in Africa rose remarkably to X tons, with an increase of X% on the previous year's figure. Total exports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2023: its volume 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, exports increased by X% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by X%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2023 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, zirconium ore and concentrate exports reduced to $X in 2023. Overall, exports enjoyed a resilient increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 with an increase of X%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X, and then declined in the following year.

Exports by Country

South Africa represented the main exporter of zirconium ores and concentrates in Africa, with the volume of exports finishing at X tons, which was near X% of total exports in 2023. It was distantly followed by Senegal (X tons), Mozambique (X tons), Sierra Leone (X tons) and Madagascar (X tons), together making up a X% share of total exports. Kenya (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from South Africa increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2023. At the same time, Senegal (X%), Sierra Leone (X%), Mozambique (X%) and Kenya (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Senegal emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of X% from 2012-2023. By contrast, Madagascar (X%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Senegal (X p.p.), Mozambique (X p.p.) and Sierra Leone (X p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while South Africa and Madagascar 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, South Africa ($X) remains the largest zirconium ore and concentrate supplier in Africa, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Senegal ($X), with a X% share of total exports. It was followed by Mozambique, with a X% share.

In South Africa, zirconium ore and concentrate exports increased at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012-2023. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Senegal (X% per year) and Mozambique (X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2023, reducing by X% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of X% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2022, and then dropped markedly in the following year.

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

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

Imports of Zirconium Ores and Concentrates

Imports in Africa

In 2023, imports of zirconium ores and concentrates in Africa soared to X tons, jumping by X% on 2022 figures. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by X%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2023, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, zirconium ore and concentrate imports surged to $X in 2023. Overall, imports, however, saw a mild descent. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2023, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The countries with the highest levels of zirconium ore and concentrate imports in 2023 were Zambia (X tons), Egypt (X tons), South Africa (X tons), Tunisia (X tons), Algeria (X tons), Zimbabwe (X tons) and Tanzania (X tons), together accounting for X% of total import. Ethiopia (X tons) held a X% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Democratic Republic of the Congo (X%).

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

In value terms, the largest zirconium ore and concentrate importing markets in Africa were Zambia ($X), Algeria ($X) and South Africa ($X), with a combined X% share of total imports. Tunisia, Egypt, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Democratic Republic of the Congo lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X%.

Among the main importing countries, Tanzania, with a CAGR of X%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2023, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, dropping by X% against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a mild slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 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 remained at a lower figure.

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 Tanzania ($X per ton), while Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

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

Source: IndexBox Platform