Calcium carbonate market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Swedish calcium carbonate market volume grew from 345 thousand tonnes to 385 thousand tonnes. This expansion was supported by the product's diverse applications in agricultural lime, food additives, cosmetics, and construction materials, as well as the market's stable structure dominated by major producers like Nordkalk. Furthermore, an increasing industrial focus on sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint, highlighted by initiatives such as the Net Zero Industry and Metals & Minerals programs, began influencing the lime industry and likely stimulated demand for calcium carbonate in greener applications.

Following the 2020 peak, the market volume contracted significantly to 266 thousand tonnes in 2021 and continued to decline to 223 thousand tonnes by 2023. A recovery began in 2024, with the market reaching 249 thousand tonnes. This rebound was partly driven by new EU environmental regulations, including rules for single-use plastics and littering fees effective from January 2024, which enhanced the appeal of calcium carbonate as a sustainable alternative in packaging. Concurrently, the updated CLP regulation on hazardous substance classification and the CSRD directive on sustainability reporting introduced new handling and marketing requirements for chemical products, further shaping market conditions.

Production calcium carbonate in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Sweden, the output value of calcium carbonate reached 49 695 K $ US in 2020, marking a 1.7% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 48 841 K $ US, while the maximum occurred in 2018 at 49 787 K $ US. The largest decline was observed in 2019, with a drop of 1.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Sweden's calcium carbonate production grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 344.0 K t, which represents a 1.6% increase year-over-year. The minimum production was recorded in 2018 at 334.1 K t, with the largest decline that year at 3.3%.

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

Exports calcium carbonate from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Market behavior showed significant volatility during these years. The lowest export volume occurred in 2018 at 51 t, while the highest was in 2017, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 91 times. In 2020, Sweden's calcium carbonate exports reached 188 t, reflecting a dramatic rise of 190.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 98.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden's calcium carbonate exports in kind were almost entirely concentrated in Belgium, which accounted for 93.2% of the total.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports bottomed in 2019 at 56 K $ US and peaked in 2017, with a difference of 13.7 times between these years. In 2020, Sweden exported 134 K $ US of calcium carbonate, corresponding to a steep increase of 138.7% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 90.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the principal destinations for Sweden's calcium carbonate exports in value terms were Belgium (69.1%), Norway (9.3%), and Poland (7.3%), jointly accounting for 85.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports calcium carbonate to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 10 960 t and peaked in 2020, with a 3.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Sweden's calcium carbonate import volume stood at 41 514 t, marking a sharp advance of 108.3% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 24.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway and Belgium continued to lead as the main markets for Sweden's calcium carbonate imports in kind, together accounting for 88.3% of total flows, while other partners played a supplementary role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Sweden's calcium carbonate import value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 5 936 K $ US, representing a sharp gain of 34.1% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 25.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 4 242 K $ US, and the largest decline occurred that year at 10.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium (61.6% of imports in value terms), Norway (14.1%), and Denmark (11.2%) continued to head the list of suppliers of calcium carbonate to Sweden, jointly taking 86.9% of total imports in value terms.

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

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