Barytes market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The natural barium sulphate market in Northern Europe saw a substantial contraction in volume from 2018 to 2022, falling from 258.7 thousand tons to 185.2 thousand tons. This decline was not linear, with a notable drop in 2020 followed by a slight recovery in 2021 before a sharper fall in 2022. The overall reduction reflected a significant downturn in both domestic output and import volumes over the period.

Domestic production more than halved, decreasing from 73.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 37.3 thousand tons in 2022. Imports, which constitute the largest supply source, also trended downward, falling from 198.8 thousand tons to 149.3 thousand tons in the same span. Consequently, the supply side contraction was the primary driver behind the shrinking market size, as exports remained a relatively minor factor.

Trade data for 2023 and 2024 shows a continued adjustment in supply chains. Imports fell further to 138.9 thousand tons in 2023 before partially recovering to 156.0 thousand tons in 2024. Over the same two years, exports increased from 4.0 thousand tons to 8.2 thousand tons, indicating a shift in trade balances for the region.

Production barytes in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of barytes, 2017-2020

World map of production of barytes, 2017-2020

In 2020, Northern Europe produced 59 221 tonnes of barytes, which remained virtually unchanged from the 59 205 tonnes recorded in 2019. The lowest production level during this period was observed in 2019, which also saw the largest annual decline of 19.7%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 27.8%, representing an average annual decrease of 10.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Northern Europe's barytes production value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 46.4 million US dollars, marking a 20.5% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 57.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -24.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports barytes from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Barytes exports from Northern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 9.3 thousand tonnes, down 27.4% from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 13.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 17.2%. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 21.4%, with a CAGR of -7.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated barytes exports from Northern Europe. Hungary accounted for 15.0% of exports in kind, while Kuwait and the Netherlands each contributed 8.8%. Together, these three countries represented 32.6% of total exports, with the remaining volume distributed among numerous smaller partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Northern Europe exported 4 256 thousand US dollars worth of barytes in 2020, a 30.6% decrease from the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 9 628 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 100.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the steepest decline of 36.3%. Overall, export values varied 2.3-fold from the 2018 high to the 2020 low.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated barytes exports in value terms. Hungary accounted for 16.6% of export value, Kuwait for 12.2%, and Norway for 5.1%. Collectively, these three partners represented 33.9% of total exports, with the remainder spread across many smaller markets.

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

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

Imports barytes to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Barytes imports into Northern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 9.3 thousand tonnes, a 16.2% decrease from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 198.8 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 24.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 3.1%, with a CAGR of 1.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, two markets dominated barytes imports into Northern Europe: the Netherlands and Morocco together accounted for 87.7% of total imports in kind. The remaining volume was distributed across a wide range of other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Barytes import values into Northern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 33 640 thousand US dollars, representing a 13.4% reduction compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 42 951 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 26.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands, Morocco, and Turkey formed the key group of partners for barytes imports into Northern Europe in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 54.7% of import value, Morocco for 20.4%, and Turkey for 6.4%. Together, these three countries represented 81.5% of total import flows.

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

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