Spain: Silica Sand Market 2024

Silica Sand Market Size in Spain

After two years of growth, the Spanish silica sand market decreased by -13.7% to $X in 2022. In general, the total consumption indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +25.0% against 2019 indices. Silica sand consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Silica Sand Production in Spain

In value terms, silica sand production contracted dramatically to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +35.0% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the production volume increased by 46% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Silica Sand Exports

Exports from Spain

Silica sand exports from Spain skyrocketed to X tons in 2022, surging by 55% against the previous year. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a noticeable decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 59%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, silica sand exports reduced to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, showed a pronounced decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 33%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Portugal (X tons), France (X tons) and Turkey (X tons) were the main destinations of silica sand exports from Spain, together comprising 77% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Turkey (with a CAGR of +73.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for silica sand exported from Spain were Portugal ($X), France ($X) and Turkey ($X), together accounting for 70% of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, Turkey, with a CAGR of +80.6%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to 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

In 2022, the average silica sand export price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -38.5% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw measured growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 74%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then shrank dramatically in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Gibraltar ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to France (+14.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Silica Sand Imports

Imports into Spain

In 2022, the amount of silica sands (quartz sands or industrial sands) imported into Spain declined slightly to X tons, reducing by -3.4% against 2021. Overall, imports showed a perceptible descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 32% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, silica sand imports contracted slightly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, total imports indicated a noticeable increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports decreased by -1.0% against 2018 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 41%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Portugal (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of silica sand to Spain, accounting for a 86% share of total imports. Moreover, silica sand imports from Portugal exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, France (X tons), ninefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Italy (X tons), with a 2.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Portugal was relatively modest. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (-11.0% per year) and Italy (-1.0% per year).

In value terms, Portugal ($X) constituted the largest supplier of silica sands (quartz sands or industrial sands) to Spain, comprising 60% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by France ($X), with a 13% share of total imports. It was followed by Belgium, with a 9.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Portugal stood at +14.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (+1.4% per year) and Belgium (-14.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average silica sand import price amounted to $X per ton, leveling off at the previous year. Overall, the import price showed buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average import price increased by 75%. The import price peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the price for Portugal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+23.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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