Ireland: Mercury Market 2022

Mercury Market Size in Ireland

In 2021, the Irish mercury market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, consumption, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Mercury Production in Ireland

In value terms, mercury production rose sharply to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated measured growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +X% 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 -X% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of X% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2020 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Mercury Exports

Exports from Ireland

In 2021, mercury exports from Ireland was estimated at less than X kg, leveling off at 2020. Over the period under review, exports saw a dramatic shrinkage. The exports peaked at X kg in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, mercury exports stood at $less than X in 2021. Overall, exports showed a sharp contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The UK (X kg) was the main destination for mercury exports from Ireland, with a approx. X% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2019, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the UK amounted to -X%.

In value terms, the UK ($X) also remains the key foreign market for mercury exports from Ireland.

From 2012 to 2019, the average annual growth rate of value to the UK stood at -X%.

Export Prices by Country

The average mercury export price stood at $X per tonne in 2019, with an increase of X% against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of X%. The export price peaked in 2019 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for the UK.

From 2012 to 2019, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the UK amounted to +X% per year.

Mercury Imports

Imports into Ireland

After two years of decline, supplies from abroad of mercuries increased by X% to X kg in 2021. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by X%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tonnes. From 2019 to 2021, the growth imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, mercury imports soared to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, posted moderate growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of X% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

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

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Germany stood at +X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (-X% per year) and Belgium (X% per year).

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

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Germany totaled +X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (-X% per year) and Belgium (-X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average mercury import price amounted to $X per tonne, growing by X% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the average import price increased by X%. The import price peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin: the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per tonne), while the price for Belgium ($X per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+X%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform