Barytes market in China

Earlier Report Observations

Chinese barytes production began the period at a high level of 2.9 million tons in 2018, supported by established state-owned producers like Shaanxi Fuhua Chemical and sustained demand from key downstream sectors such as coatings, plastics, and rubber. Output then contracted significantly over the next two years, falling to 1.7 million tons by 2020. This decline coincided with a broader industry shift towards higher-value products, including ultra-fine precipitated barium sulfate, driven by increased R&D investment from major firms and evolving policy focus on environmental and safety standards, which may have constrained some conventional production.

The market showed a partial recovery in 2021, with production rising to 2.1 million tons. This upturn was facilitated by capacity expansions and high utilization rates at leading companies, exemplified by Redstar Development operating at 116.1% of its capacity. However, production moderated again in 2022 to 1.9 million tons. This followed the implementation of stricter environmental and safety regulations across the sector, coupled with adjusted demand from the coatings industry due to volatility in the real estate market, though renovation projects provided some counterbalancing demand.

In the later years, the industry landscape remained competitive and concentrated among major players. The market saw continuous development of diversified product segments, including high-gloss and nano precipitated barium sulfate, catering to rising consumer demand for high-quality and eco-friendly materials. While comprehensive volume data is unavailable post-2022, factors such as ongoing environmental supervision, stable export performance, and the influence of global supply chains continued to shape the sector's operations and product development trajectory through 2024.

Production barytes in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, China was the leading producer of barytes from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of barytes, 2017-2020

World map of production of barytes, 2017-2020

Barytes production in China fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 1 700 K t, down 26.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 45.2%, with an average annual decline of 18.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports barytes from China

Exports in kind, K t

Barytes exports from China decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 541 K t, a sharp 51.9% drop from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 73.2%, with an average annual decrease of 35.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia were the top destinations for barytes exports in volume terms, accounting for 55.1%, 11.7%, and 6.6% of total flows, respectively. Together, they made up 73.4% of all exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Barytes exports from China declined for the third year running. In 2020, export value stood at 88.2 M $ US, 37.7% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 56.8%, with an average annual decline of 24.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Italy were the main destinations for barytes exports in value terms, contributing 41.0%, 15.9%, and 4.6% of total flows, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 61.6% of all export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020

Imports barytes to China

Imports in kind, K t

Import levels showed significant fluctuations during this period. In 2017, imports hit a low of 87 K t, then surged to a peak of 118 K t in 2019—a 683.1% increase. By 2020, imports fell back to 87 K t, marking a 26.1% decline from 2019. Overall, import volume varied by 10.8 times between the high in 2019 and the low in 2017.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, barytes imports to China were primarily sourced from Laos and Myanmar, which together accounted for 88.6% of total import volume. Other countries played a minor role in the import structure.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The market experienced volatility over the observed period. In 2017, import value was at its lowest, then rose to a peak of 9.5 M $ US in 2019—a 365.8% increase. By 2020, import value dropped to 8.8 M $ US, a 7.5% decrease from the previous year. The peak-to-trough ratio between 2019 and 2017 was 7.4 times.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Laos, Spain, and Myanmar were the key suppliers of barytes to China in value terms, with shares of 65.7%, 7.5%, and 7.0%, respectively. Together, they made up 80.2% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020