South Africa: Mercury Market 2022

Mercury Market Size in South Africa

The South African mercury market contracted significantly to $X in 2021, falling by -X% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, consumption continues to indicate a abrupt downturn. Mercury consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Mercury Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, the amount of mercuries exported from South Africa skyrocketed to X kg, rising by X% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a dramatic shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when exports increased by X%. The exports peaked at X tonnes in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, mercury exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a dramatic decrease. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Namibia (X kg) and Malawi (X kg) were the main destinations of mercury exports from South Africa.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Malawi (with a CAGR of +X value terms, Namibia ($X) remains the key foreign market for mercury exports from South Africa, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Malawi ($X), with a X% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Namibia totaled +X%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average mercury export price amounted to $X per tonne, growing by X% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a mild slump. The export price peaked at $X per tonne in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Namibia ($X per tonne), while the average price for exports to Malawi totaled $X per tonne.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Malawi (+X%).

Mercury Imports

Imports into South Africa

For the third year in a row, South Africa recorded decline in purchases abroad of mercuries, which decreased by -X% to X tonnes in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tonnes in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, mercury imports reduced remarkably to $X in 2021. Overall, imports continue to indicate a deep setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Hong Kong SAR (X tonnes), China (X tonnes) and Turkey (X tonnes) were the main suppliers of mercury imports to South Africa, together comprising X% of total imports. These countries were followed by India and Vietnam, which together accounted for a further X 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in India (with a CAGR of +X%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest mercury suppliers to South Africa were Hong Kong SAR ($X), Turkey ($X) and China ($X), with a combined X% share of total imports. India and Vietnam lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X the main suppliers, India, with a CAGR of +X%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

The average mercury import price stood at $X per tonne in 2021, picking up by X% against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of X%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per tonne. From 2019 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

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

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

Source: IndexBox Platform