Clay Market

The global clay market is expected to see an increase in consumption, production, imports, and exports over the period from 2022 to 2030. Key countries driving this growth include China, the United States, Russia, India, and Germany. Consumption of clays has been on the rise over the past decade, with a noticeable increase in value terms as well. Clays for construction and industrial use make up the majority of consumption and production volume, followed by kaolin and kaolinic clays and bentonite. Import and export prices have also shown a steady increase, with variations among different countries. Overall, the clay market is forecasted to continue its upward trend in the near future.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for clays worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +3.7% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 461M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.2% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $164B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Clays

In 2022, consumption of clays decreased by -2.6% to 343M tons for the first time since 2011, thus ending a ten-year rising trend. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% 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 +65.8% against 2012 indices. Global consumption peaked at 353M tons in 2021, and then shrank in the following year.

The global clay market value dropped slightly to $118.1B in 2022, which is down by -3.4% 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, the total consumption indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.2% 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 +81.9% against 2012 indices. Global consumption peaked at $122.2B in 2021, and then contracted modestly in the following year.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were China (56M tons), the United States (35M tons) and Russia (28M tons), together comprising 35% of global consumption. India, Pakistan, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Ukraine, Turkey, the UK, Iran and France lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 33%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Ukraine (with a CAGR of +11.7%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($13.3B), Brazil ($11B) and the United States ($9.8B) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2022, together accounting for 29% of the global market. Japan, Russia, France, India, the UK, Iran, Pakistan, Germany, Ukraine and Turkey lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 19%.

Ukraine, with a CAGR of +12.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to market size in terms of the main consuming countries over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of clay per capita consumption in 2022 were Ukraine (195 kg per person), Russia (193 kg per person) and Germany (138 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the leading consuming countries, was attained by Ukraine (with a CAGR of +12.2%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Consumption By Type

Clays for construction and industrial use (286M tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of consumption, comprising approx. 83% of total volume. Moreover, clays for construction and industrial use exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, kaolin and kaolinic clays (26M tons), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was held by bentonite (21M tons), with a 6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of the volume of clays for construction and industrial use consumption stood at +6.3%. With regard to the other consumed products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: kaolin and kaolinic clays (-0.3% per year) and bentonite (+0.7% per year).

In value terms, clays for construction and industrial use ($93.4B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by kaolin and kaolinic clays ($5.1B). It was followed by bentonite.

For clays for construction and industrial use, market increased at an average annual rate of +6.7% over the period from 2012-2022. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: kaolin and kaolinic clays (+0.4% per year) and bentonite (+0.5% per year).

Production

World Production of Clays

In 2022, after ten years of growth, there was decline in production of clays, when its volume decreased by -2.7% to 346M tons. Overall, the total production indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% 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 +66.4% against 2012 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by 10%. Global production peaked at 355M tons in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

In value terms, clay production declined to $103.5B in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.2% 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 +82.8% against 2012 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production reached the peak level at $109.1B in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

Production By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were China (58M tons), the United States (39M tons) and Russia (27M tons), together comprising 36% of global production. India, Pakistan, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Turkey, Ukraine, the UK, Iran and France lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 36%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the leading producing countries, was attained by India (with a CAGR of +7.4%), while production for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production By Type

Clays for construction and industrial use (286M tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of production, accounting for 83% of total volume. Moreover, clays for construction and industrial use exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, kaolin and kaolinic clays (28M tons), tenfold. Bentonite (21M tons) ranked third in terms of total production with a 6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the volume of clays for construction and industrial use production stood at +6.3%. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: kaolin and kaolinic clays (+0.5% per year) and bentonite (+0.9% per year).

In value terms, clays for construction and industrial use ($90.4B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was taken by kaolin and kaolinic clays ($4.4B). It was followed by bentonite.

For clays for construction and industrial use, production expanded at an average annual rate of +6.5% over the period from 2012-2022. With regard to the other produced products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: kaolin and kaolinic clays (+1.0% per year) and bentonite (+0.9% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Clays

Global clay imports shrank to 25M tons in 2022, declining by -8.5% compared with the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports attained the peak figure at 28M tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, clay imports amounted to $4.8B in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

Imports By Country

Italy (3.6M tons) and Spain (2.5M tons) were the main importers of clays in 2022, reaching approx. 14% and 10% of total imports, respectively. Belgium (1.7M tons) held the next position in the ranking, followed by Germany (1.3M tons) and Canada (1.2M tons). All these countries together took near 17% share of total imports. The Netherlands (1,026K tons), Poland (971K tons), China (921K tons), Taiwan (Chinese) (822K tons), Japan (701K tons), Mexico (684K tons), France (667K tons) and Turkey (596K tons) took a little share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Spain (with a CAGR of +8.9%), while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Italy ($387M), Germany ($349M) and Spain ($265M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, with a combined 21% share of global imports.

Among the main importing countries, Spain, with a CAGR of +8.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

In 2022, kaolin and kaolinic clays (11M tons) represented the main type of clays, committing 42% of total imports. Clays for construction and industrial use (6.8M tons) took a 27% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by bentonite (23%) and fireclay (7.3%).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for bentonite (with a CAGR of +2.3%), while purchases for the other products experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, kaolin and kaolinic clays ($2.2B), clays for construction and industrial use ($1.2B) and bentonite ($1.1B) were the products with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together comprising 96% of global imports.

Bentonite, with a CAGR of +3.5%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Type

The average clay import price stood at $191 per ton in 2022, surging by 17% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.9%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major imported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was kaolin and kaolinic clays ($209 per ton), while the price for fireclay ($115 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by fireclay (+4.0%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

The average clay import price stood at $191 per ton in 2022, growing by 17% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.9%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($360 per ton), while Spain ($105 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Turkey (+7.1%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Clays

In 2022, global clay exports dropped to 28M tons, with a decrease of -9.4% compared with the year before. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 20% against the previous year. The global exports peaked at 30M tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, clay exports reached $4.4B in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 28% against the previous year. The global exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports By Country

The shipments of the five major exporters of clays, namely the United States, Germany, India, Turkey and China, represented more than half of total export. It was distantly followed by the UK (1.6M tons) and Ukraine (1.5M tons), together mixing up an 11% share of total exports. Brazil (1,169K tons), Portugal (936K tons), the Czech Republic (827K tons), Spain (716K tons), Romania (652K tons) and the Netherlands (576K tons) took a little share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Romania (with a CAGR of +106.8%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($1.1B), China ($691M) and the UK ($313M) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 47% share of global exports. Germany, Turkey, India, Brazil, the Netherlands, Spain, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Portugal and Romania lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 32%.

Romania, with a CAGR of +65.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports By Type

In 2022, kaolin and kaolinic clays (13M tons) represented the main type of clays, mixing up 46% of total exports. Clays for construction and industrial use (6.9M tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 25% share, followed by bentonite (21%) and fireclay (8.3%).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for bentonite (with a CAGR of +2.9%), while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, kaolin and kaolinic clays ($2B) remains the largest type of clays supplied worldwide, comprising 47% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held by bentonite ($998M), with a 23% share of global exports. It was followed by clays for construction and industrial use, with a 22% share.

For kaolin and kaolinic clays, exports expanded at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2012-2022. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: bentonite (+4.5% per year) and clays for construction and industrial use (+2.0% per year).

Export Prices By Type

The average clay export price stood at $159 per ton in 2022, with an increase of 11% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exported products. In 2022, major exported products recorded the following prices: in bentonite ($173 per ton) and fireclay ($167 per ton), while the average price for exports of clays for construction and industrial use ($138 per ton) and kaolin and kaolinic clays ($163 per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by fireclay (+7.3%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average clay export price amounted to $159 per ton, surging by 11% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($292 per ton), while Romania ($47 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+5.9%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform