Belgium: Market for Zirconium Ores and Concentrates 2023

Market Size for Zirconium Ores and Concentrates in Belgium

In 2021, the Belgian zirconium ore and concentrate market increased by 0.1% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Over the period under review, consumption, however, enjoyed a buoyant expansion. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Zirconium Ores and Concentrates in Belgium

In value terms, zirconium ore and concentrate production declined significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, saw a abrupt curtailment. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Zirconium Ores and Concentrates

Exports from Belgium

In 2021, shipments abroad of zirconium ores and concentrates increased by 29% to X tons, rising for the third consecutive year after five years of decline. In general, exports enjoyed buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 2,438%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, zirconium ore and concentrate exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded a measured increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 1,059% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Germany (X tons) was the main destination for zirconium ore and concentrate exports from Belgium, accounting for a 95% share of total exports. Moreover, zirconium ore and concentrate exports to Germany exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, France (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Germany totaled +11.2%.

In value terms, Germany ($X) remains the key foreign market for zirconium ores and concentrates exports from Belgium, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by France ($X), with a 6% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Germany amounted to +7.2%.

Export Prices by Country

The average zirconium ore and concentrate export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 3.1% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the average export price increased by 60%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major overseas markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Germany amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to France (-3.4%).

Imports of Zirconium Ores and Concentrates

Imports into Belgium

In 2021, imports of zirconium ores and concentrates into Belgium expanded notably to X tons, growing by 14% against 2020 figures. In general, imports continue to indicate a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 1,082%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, zirconium ore and concentrate imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports recorded a moderate increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 653%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Australia (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of zirconium ore and concentrate to Belgium, accounting for a 76% share of total imports. Moreover, zirconium ore and concentrate imports from Australia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Senegal (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Australia amounted to +11.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Senegal (+79.3% per year) and the United States (+1.6% per year).

In value terms, Australia ($X) constituted the largest supplier of zirconium ores and concentrates to Belgium, comprising 75% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Senegal ($X), with a 15% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Australia amounted to +8.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Senegal (+84.5% per year) and the United States (-0.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average zirconium ore and concentrate import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 7% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a perceptible downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 34% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Senegal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Senegal (+2.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

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