Overview of the Global Market for Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

Market Size for Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

In 2023, the global market for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles increased by X% to $X, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2023; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Production of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production reduced slightly to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated slight growth 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, production increased by X% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by X%. Over the period under review, global production reached the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2023, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

Exports

In 2023, after two years of growth, there was decline in overseas shipments of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles, when their volume decreased by X% to X tons. In general, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports dropped slightly to $X in 2023. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by X%. Over the period under review, the global exports reached the maximum at $X in 2022, and then fell modestly in the following year.

Exports by Country

China was the key exporter of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles in the world, with the volume of exports finishing at X tons, which was approx. X% of total exports in 2023. India (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a X% share, followed by Germany (X%). Russia (X tons), Spain (X tons), Austria (X tons), France (X tons), the Czech Republic (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons) and Italy (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

China experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles. At the same time, India (X%), Spain (X%) and the Netherlands (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, India emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of X% from 2012-2023. The Czech Republic experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Russia (X%), Italy (X%), Austria (X%), Germany (X%) and France (X%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2023, the share of India and China increased by X and X percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($X) remains the largest refractory bricks, blocks and tiles supplier worldwide, comprising X% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Germany ($X), with a X% share of global exports. It was followed by Italy, with a X% share.

In China, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports expanded at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012-2023. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Germany (X% per year) and Italy (X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the average export price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles amounted to $X per ton, leveling off at the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2022 an increase of X%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2016; afterwards, it flattened through to 2023.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while India ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

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

Imports of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

Imports

In 2023, supplies from abroad of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles increased by X% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. Overall, imports enjoyed a strong increase. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports declined slightly 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 in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2022, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

Imports by Country

India dominates imports structure, reaching X tons, which was approx. X% of total imports in 2023. It was distantly followed by Canada (X tons), mixing up a X% share of total imports. Indonesia (X tons) took a minor share of total imports.

India was also the fastest-growing in terms of the refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports, with a CAGR of X% from 2012 to 2023. At the same time, Indonesia (X%) and Canada (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. India (X p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global imports, while Canada saw its share reduced by X% from 2012 to 2023, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest refractory bricks, blocks and tiles importing markets worldwide were India ($X), Indonesia ($X) and Canada ($X), together accounting for X% of global imports.

Indonesia, with a CAGR of X%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles stood at $X per ton in 2023, waning by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a abrupt contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the average import price increased by X% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2020 to 2023, the average 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 Indonesia ($X per ton), while India ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Indonesia (X%), while the other global leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform