Chalk and dolomite market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian chalk and dolomite market began the period with a production volume of 5 452 thousand tons in 2018, a year marked by the exceptional profitability and market dominance of Dolomit Kft., which achieved a 41% profit margin and distributed high dividends. Output then declined to 4 501 thousand tons in 2019, a period during which Dolomit Kft. maintained its strong position through supply contracts for major state infrastructure projects, such as the Belgrade-Budapest railway construction. Production fell further to 3 805 thousand tons in 2020.

A recovery followed in 2021, with production rising to 4 087 thousand tons, supported by Dolomit Kft.'s continued activity as a key supplier in state procurement processes. This growth extended into 2022, where output reached 4 398 thousand tons.

The market shifted in 2023 as production decreased to 4 076 thousand tons. That year, Dolomit Kft. reported record revenue, while Murobán Kft.—a company owned by a relative of the prime minister—emerged as a strengthened new competitor in the sector. By 2024, production had declined to 3 568 thousand tons.

Production chalk and dolomite in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of decline, chalk and dolomite production in Hungary rebounded. In 2021, output reached 30 594 K $ US, marking a 17.9% increase compared to the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 20%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 25 946 K $ US, following the largest decline of 24.4% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Following two years of decrease, Hungary's chalk and dolomite production saw an upturn. In 2021, the country produced 4 087 K t, representing a 7.4% rise from the year before. From 2018 to 2021, overall production dropped by 25.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 9.2%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 3 805 K t, after the most significant drop of 17.4% occurred in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports chalk and dolomite from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Hungary's chalk and dolomite exports experienced a decline. In 2021, exports totaled 28 t, reflecting a sharp decrease of 63.8% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 60.2%, with an annualized rate of -26.5%. The peak was reached in 2020 at 77 t, following the largest increase of 9.0% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Romania, and North Macedonia dominated Hungary's chalk and dolomite exports in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 50.6% of exports, Romania for 28.3%, and North Macedonia for 7.0%. Together, these three countries represented 85.9% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Chalk and dolomite shipments from Hungary declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 21 K $ US, which is 35.5% lower than the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 67.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -31.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Romania, the Netherlands, and North Macedonia were the principal buyers of Hungarian chalk and dolomite in value terms. Romania accounted for 43.7% of exports, the Netherlands for 28.8%, and North Macedonia for 10.2%. Collectively, they represented 82.7% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports chalk and dolomite to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Foreign chalk and dolomite supplies to Hungary increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 21 464 t, indicating a 47.3% rise compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 88.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

During 2018-2021, Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria were the main sources for Hungary's chalk and dolomite imports in kind. Slovenia contributed 58.9% of imports, Croatia 12.9%, and Austria 9.0%. Together, these three markets accounted for 80.8% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Chalk and dolomite deliveries to Hungary rose for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 2 525 K $ US, which is 60.5% higher than the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 74.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.4%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria formed the core group of markets for Hungary's chalk and dolomite imports in value terms. Slovenia accounted for 38.7% of imports, Croatia for 13.7%, and Austria for 12.9%. Collectively, they represented 65.4% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021