South Africa: Market for Zirconium Ores and Concentrates 2024

Market Size for Zirconium Ores and Concentrates in South Africa

The South African zirconium ore and concentrate market dropped sharply to $X in 2023, waning by X% against the previous year. Overall, consumption showed a sharp decline. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Zirconium Ores and Concentrates in South Africa

In value terms, zirconium ore and concentrate production contracted slightly to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a abrupt decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the production volume increased by X% against the previous year. Zirconium ore and concentrate production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Zirconium Ores and Concentrates

Exports from South Africa

In 2023, overseas shipments of zirconium ores and concentrates increased by X% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after four years of decline. Overall, total exports indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2023: its volume 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, exports increased by X% against 2021 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of X% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2023 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, zirconium ore and concentrate exports fell to $X in 2023. In general, total exports indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2023: its value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, exports increased by X% against 2021 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 with an increase of X%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X, and then contracted in the following year.

Exports by Country

China (X tons) was the main destination for zirconium ore and concentrate exports from South Africa, accounting for a X% share of total exports. Moreover, zirconium ore and concentrate exports to China exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the Netherlands (X tons), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by the United States (X tons), with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of volume to China totaled X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (X% per year) and the United States (X% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) remains the key foreign market for zirconium ores and concentrates exports from South Africa, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($X), with an X% share of total exports. It was followed by the United States, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value to China totaled X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (X% per year) and the United States (X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the average zirconium ore and concentrate export price amounted to $X per ton, declining by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a pronounced shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the Netherlands (X%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Zirconium Ores and Concentrates

Imports into South Africa

In 2023, overseas purchases of zirconium ores and concentrates were finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports showed prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by X%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2023, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, zirconium ore and concentrate imports surged to $X in 2023. In general, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Imports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2023, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2023, Vietnam (X tons) was the main supplier of zirconium ore and concentrate to South Africa, with a X% share of total imports. It was followed by Mozambique (X kg), with less than X% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of volume from Vietnam totaled X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mozambique (X% per year) and Spain (X% per year).

In value terms, Vietnam ($X) constituted the largest supplier of zirconium ores and concentrates to South Africa, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mozambique ($X), with less than X% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value from Vietnam stood at X.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mozambique (X% per year) and Spain (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average zirconium ore and concentrate import price stood at $X per ton in 2023, jumping by X% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a drastic downturn. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2023, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2023, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while the price for Mozambique ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

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

Source: IndexBox Platform