EU: Clay Market 2024

Clay Market Size in the EU

In 2023, the EU clay market decreased by X% to $X for the first time since 2020, thus ending a two-year rising trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2023; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2022, and then shrank modestly in the following year.

Clay Production in the EU

In value terms, clay production stood at $X in 2023 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a pronounced increase from 2012 to 2023: its value 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, production decreased by X% against 2021 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the production volume increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2023, production failed to regain momentum.

Clay Exports

Exports in the EU

In 2023, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas shipments of clays, when their volume decreased by X% to X tons. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012 to 2023; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by X%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2022, and then reduced in the following year.

In value terms, clay exports reached $X in 2023. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012 to 2023; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2023 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Germany was the main exporting country with an export of about X tons, which reached X% of total exports. Belgium (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a X% share, followed by Spain (X%), the Czech Republic (X%), Portugal (X%), the Netherlands (X%), France (X%) and Italy (X%).

Germany experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of clays. At the same time, Belgium (X%), Portugal (X%), Italy (X%) and the Netherlands (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Belgium emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the European Union, with a CAGR of X% from 2012-2023. France and Spain experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, the Czech Republic (X%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Belgium (X p.p.) and Portugal (X p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2023, the share of Spain (X p.p.), the Czech Republic (X p.p.) and Germany (X p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest clay supplying countries in the European Union were Germany ($X), France ($X) and Spain ($X), with a combined X% share of total exports. The Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Italy and Portugal lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further X%.

In terms of the main exporting countries, Portugal, with a CAGR of X%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in the European Union stood at $X per ton in 2023, growing by X% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2023, it increased at an average annual rate of X%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

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 France ($X per ton), while Portugal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

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

Clay Imports

Imports in the EU

In 2023, the amount of clays imported in the European Union reduced rapidly to X tons, with a decrease of X% compared with 2022 figures. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a slight curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2022 to 2023, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, clay imports contracted to $X in 2023. Overall, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of X%. The level of import peaked at $X in 2022, and then fell in the following year.

Imports by Country

Italy represented the major importer of clays in the European Union, with the volume of imports finishing at X tons, which was approx. X% of total imports in 2023. Belgium (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Germany (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons), Spain (X tons), Poland (X tons) and France (X tons). All these countries together held approx. X% share of total imports.

Italy experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of clays. Poland, France and the Netherlands experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. Belgium (X%), Spain (X%) and Germany (X%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Italy (X p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Italy ($X), Germany ($X) and Belgium ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2023, with a combined X% share of total imports. The Netherlands, Poland, Spain and France lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X%.

Among the main importing countries, Poland, 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

The import price in the European Union stood at $X per ton in 2023, growing by X% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2023, it increased at an average annual rate of X%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while Italy ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

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

Source: IndexBox Platform