Barytes market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the barytes market volume in MERCOSUR experienced significant fluctuations. After stable levels around 290-300 thousand tons in 2018-2019, the market sharply contracted to 164.5 thousand tons in 2020. This decline coincided with increased competition from major global exporters such as India and China, which may have limited import supplies to the region. In the following two years, the market recovered, reaching 327.7 thousand tons in 2022, reflecting improved trade conditions and raw material availability.

In 2023-2024, barytes imports into MERCOSUR continued to grow, reaching 321.3 thousand tons in 2024, indicating sustained demand. This growth was supported by global trends, including rapid economic development and increased consumption in industries such as paints, coatings, automotive, and electronics. Simultaneously, the deepening regional integration of MERCOSUR, for example, Bolivia's accession in 2024, created potential opportunities for changes in trade flows within the bloc.

Production barytes in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barytes, 2017-2020

World map of production of barytes, 2017-2020

MERCOSUR's barytes production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 100.0 K t of barytes, marking a 3.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 5.6%, with an average annual decline of 1.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 107.2 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 1.2% during this timeframe.

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

Exports barytes from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume occurred in 2020 at 0.4 K t, representing a sharp 55.8% drop from the previous year. In contrast, the highest volume was reached in 2019 at 0.8 K t, which also recorded the largest increase of 111.5%. The difference between these peak and trough levels was 2.3 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Peru, Mexico, and Bolivia remained the top buyers of barytes from MERCOSUR. Peru accounted for 22.1% of exports in kind, Mexico for 13.1%, and Bolivia for 7.7%. Together, these three countries represented 42.9% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 127 K $ US, while the highest was in 2019 at 246 K $ US, reflecting a 1.9-fold gap. In 2020, MERCOSUR's barytes export value stood at 146 K $ US, showing a decline of 40.7% compared to 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 93.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia were the main markets for MERCOSUR's barytes exports in value terms. Mexico represented 23.1% of exports, Peru 13.8%, and Bolivia 3.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 39.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports barytes to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, foreign barytes supplies to MERCOSUR declined. In 2020, import volume was 64.9 K t, equivalent to a 67.0% year-over-year decrease. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 61.6%, with an average annual decline of 27.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 196.5 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Morocco, Bolivia, and China were the key partners for MERCOSUR's barytes imports in kind. Morocco accounted for 47.3% of imports, Bolivia for 21.4%, and China for 16.0%. Together, these three countries represented 84.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Barytes deliveries to MERCOSUR declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 10 122 K $ US, down by 65.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 62.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 27.8%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 32 420 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 20.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco, Bolivia, and China formed the key group of partners for MERCOSUR's barytes imports in value terms. Morocco represented 35.0% of imports, Bolivia 20.3%, and China 20.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 75.3% of total import flows.

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

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