Barytes market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

The UK barytes market underwent a substantial contraction between 2018 and 2021, with its total volume falling from over 130 000 t to approximately 77 600 t. This decline was mirrored by a drop in domestic production from 64 000 t to 37 700 t and a simultaneous reduction in imports.

The market stabilized at around 77 000 t in 2022. This coincided with stringent environmental regulations on heavy metals and mining, which promoted synthetic and eco-friendly barium sulfate products. Growth in the automotive coatings industry and rising demand from the pharmaceuticals sector also provided support, contributing to the halt in the previous downward trend.

Beyond 2022, available trade data shows a sharp fall in imports to 16 200 t in 2023, followed by a partial recovery to 24 400 t by 2025, while exports remained at zero after 2020.

Production barytes in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, the United Kingdom ranked as the 15th largest producer of barytes globally.

Top producers of barytes, 2018-2021

World map of production of barytes, 2018-2021

In 2021, the United Kingdom produced 37 716 tonnes of barytes, marking a significant year-over-year decline of 36.3%. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 41.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, though it remained at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports barytes from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Export volumes fluctuated 2.2-fold, reaching their lowest point in 2019 and peaking in 2020. In 2020, the United Kingdom exported 3 320 tonnes of barytes, representing a substantial 115.3% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 542 tonnes, with the largest decline of 34.4% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Angola (14.7% of exports in kind), Saudi Arabia (13.6%), and Turkey (8.4%) were the largest buyers of barytes from the United Kingdom, though they did not dominate the market. Together, these three countries accounted for 36.8% of total exports in kind, with numerous smaller partners making up the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility throughout these years. The value of exports varied 1.8-fold between 2018 and 2019. In 2020, foreign barytes supplies from the United Kingdom amounted to 1 532 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 58.0% increase from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 969 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 44.7% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018-2021, the United Kingdom's barytes exports had a diverse buyer portfolio. Saudi Arabia (15.5% of exports in value terms), the United States (11.8%), and Norway (11.3%) were the top contributors, but together they represented only 38.7% of total export value. Many other countries held smaller, yet notable shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports barytes to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, barytes deliveries to the United Kingdom increased in 2021. The country imported 39 900 tonnes of barytes that year, equivalent to a 9.7% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 42.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.7%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 36 370 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 37.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands and Morocco clearly dominated the partner structure for imports in kind, while other countries collectively accounted for the remaining share.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, barytes imports to the United Kingdom rebounded in 2021. The import value reached 9 917 thousand US dollars that year, showing a solid 17.8% increase versus the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 40.4%, equating to an annualized rate of -15.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 8 415 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 31.5% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, three key markets—the Netherlands, Morocco, and Norway—remained central to imports in value terms, together accounting for 79.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021