China: Carbonate Market 2022

Carbonate Market Size in China

The Chinese carbonate market was finally on the rise to reach $X in 2021, after two years of decline. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Carbonate Production in China

In value terms, carbonate production totaled $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -5.5% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 27%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Carbonate Exports

Exports from China

After two years of growth, overseas shipments of carbonates and peroxocarbonates decreased by -30.7% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a noticeable descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 14%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, carbonate exports amounted to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 21% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

South Korea (X tons), Indonesia (X tons) and Vietnam (X tons) were the main destinations of carbonate exports from China, with a combined 40% share of total exports. The Philippines, Bangladesh, Thailand, Japan, Nigeria, Taiwan (Chinese), India, Australia, Malaysia and Myanmar lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 36%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Australia (with a CAGR of +13.2%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, South Korea ($X) remains the key foreign market for carbonate exports from China, comprising 19% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Japan ($X), with an 8.8% share of total exports. It was followed by Indonesia, with a 6.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to South Korea stood at +6.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Japan (+4.2% per year) and Indonesia (-3.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average carbonate export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 46% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Myanmar ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to India (+13.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Carbonate Imports

Imports into China

In 2021, approx. X tons of carbonates and peroxocarbonates were imported into China; falling by -9% against the year before. In general, imports, however, enjoyed a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 184% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2020, and then dropped in the following year.

In value terms, carbonate imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, recorded significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 153% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), Turkey (X tons) and Chile (X tons) were the main suppliers of carbonate imports to China, with a combined 56% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Thailand, Vietnam, Italy, Spain, Germany, Argentina, Mexico, Malaysia, Taiwan (Chinese) and South Korea, which together accounted for a further 37%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Mexico (with a CAGR of +195.0%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Chile ($X) constituted the largest supplier of carbonate to China, comprising 54% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Argentina ($X), with a 21% share of total imports. It was followed by the United States, with a 4.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Chile totaled +23.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Argentina (+63.6% per year) and the United States (+16.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average carbonate import price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 98% against the previous year. In general, the import price posted slight growth. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+12.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

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