Australia: Mercury Market 2022

Mercury Market Size in Australia

The Australian mercury market contracted rapidly to $X in 2021, reducing by -X% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, consumption recorded a significant decline. Mercury consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Mercury Exports

Exports from Australia

In 2021, exports of mercuries from Australia surged to X tonnes, growing by X% compared with 2020. In general, exports recorded a strong increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of X%. The exports peaked at X tonnes in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, mercury exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by X%. The exports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Malaysia (X tonnes) and Papua New Guinea (X tonnes) were the main destinations of mercury exports from Australia.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Papua New Guinea (with a CAGR of +X 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Malaysia was relatively modest.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average mercury export price amounted to $X per tonne, stabilizing at the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 an increase of X%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination: the country with the highest price was Malaysia ($X per tonne), while the average price for exports to Papua New Guinea stood at $X per tonne.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Papua New Guinea (+X%).

Mercury Imports

Imports into Australia

For the sixth year in a row, Australia recorded decline in overseas purchases of mercuries, which decreased by -X% to X tonnes in 2021. In general, imports faced a abrupt contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tonnes in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, mercury imports fell to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a deep downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Switzerland (X tonnes) was the main supplier of mercury to Australia, accounting for a X% share of total imports. Moreover, mercury imports from Switzerland exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X kg), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Switzerland amounted to -X%.

In value terms, Switzerland ($X) constituted the largest supplier of mercury to Australia, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by China ($X), with a X% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Switzerland stood at -X%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average mercury import price amounted to $X per tonne, waning by -X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a noticeable setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 an increase of X% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per tonne. From 2015 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin: the country with the highest price was China ($X per tonne), while the price for Switzerland stood at $X per tonne.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+X%).

Source: IndexBox Platform