Latin America and the Caribbean: Kaolin Market 2024

Kaolin Market Size in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Latin American kaolin market expanded sharply to $X in 2023, with an increase of X% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a notable 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, consumption increased by X% against 2020 indices. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2023, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Kaolin Production in Latin America and the Caribbean

In value terms, kaolin production rose modestly to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of X%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2023, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

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Kaolin Exports

Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean

Kaolin exports fell rapidly to X tons in 2023, which is down by X% on 2022. In general, exports saw a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, kaolin exports fell significantly to $X in 2023. Over the period under review, exports saw a deep reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 when exports increased by X%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

In 2023, Brazil (X tons) represented the main exporter of kaolin and kaolinic clays in Latin America and the Caribbean, creating X% of total export.

Brazil was also the fastest-growing in terms of the kaolin and kaolinic clays exports, with a CAGR of X% from 2012 to 2023. The shares of the largest exporters remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) also remains the largest kaolin supplier in Latin America and the Caribbean.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil stood at X%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the export price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, remaining constant against the previous year. Over the last eleven-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of X%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 an increase of X% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2023 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

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

From 2012 to 2023, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Brazil amounted to X% per year.

Kaolin Imports

Imports in Latin America and the Caribbean

Kaolin imports shrank to X tons in 2023, with a decrease of X% on the previous year. Overall, imports recorded a mild curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by X%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2023, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, kaolin imports reduced to $X in 2023. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012 to 2023; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2022, and then shrank slightly in the following year.

Imports by Country

Mexico prevails in imports structure, finishing at X tons, which was near X% of total imports in 2023. Brazil (X tons) held a X% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Colombia (X%) and Argentina (X%). The following importers - Ecuador (X tons), the Dominican Republic (X tons) and Peru (X tons) - together made up X% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2023, average annual rates of growth with regard to kaolin imports into Mexico stood at X%. At the same time, the Dominican Republic (X%), Colombia (X%) and Brazil (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the Dominican Republic emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a CAGR of X% from 2012-2023. Peru experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Ecuador (X%) and Argentina (X%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Colombia (X p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Mexico ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported kaolin and kaolinic clays in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Brazil ($X), with a X% share of total imports. It was followed by the Dominican Republic, with a X% share.

In Mexico, kaolin imports expanded at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012-2023. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Brazil (X% per year) and the Dominican Republic (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Latin America and the Caribbean stood at $X per ton in 2023, with an increase of X% against the previous year. Import price indicated temperate growth from 2012 to 2023: its price 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, kaolin import price increased by X% against 2021 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the import price increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2023, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2023, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Dominican Republic ($X per ton), while Mexico ($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 Dominican Republic (X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform