Clays market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

The clay market in Lithuania exhibited steady growth from 2018 to 2022, with market volume expanding from 388 thousand tonnes to 497 thousand tonnes. This expansion was underpinned by the country's substantial clay resources, predominantly Quaternary clay located near the surface, which allows for relatively straightforward and cost-effective extraction. Major quarries in Šiauliai, Kaunas, Utena, and Marijampolė counties provided a consistent raw material supply for the construction industry, the primary consumer of clays.

After reaching a peak in 2022, the market volume contracted sharply to 387 thousand tonnes in 2023 and further to 136 thousand tonnes in 2024. This downturn marked a significant reversal following several years of growth.

Production clays in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Lithuania's clay production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output of clays was valued at 1 739 thousand US dollars, marking a 10.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 12.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.1%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Clay production in Lithuania has risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, 452.0 thousand tonnes of clays were produced, showing a modest increase of 6.4% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production expanded by 22.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%.

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

Exports clays from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, clay shipments from Lithuania to abroad have increased. In 2021, exports reached 1 948 tonnes, reflecting a moderate gain of 6.4% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 14.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 5.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 831 tonnes, with the largest decline of 15.7% occurring in that same year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the leading destinations for clay exports from Lithuania in volume terms were Latvia, accounting for 27.3% of exports, Estonia with 24.4%, and Russia at 14.1%. Together, these three countries represented 65.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Lithuania exported 1 230 thousand US dollars worth of clays in 2021, reflecting a small uptick of 2.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 1 198 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 1 328 thousand US dollars. The largest decline of 9.8% occurred in 2020, and the largest increase of 5.8% was in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the largest buyers of clays from Lithuania in value terms were Russia, representing 27.5% of exports, Uzbekistan at 20.4%, and Latvia with 16.4%. Together, these three countries formed 64.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports clays to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, imported clay volumes in Lithuania have increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 16 655 tonnes, representing a strong gain of 15.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 20.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 7.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 14 423 tonnes, and the largest decline of 23.1% occurred in 2019.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Czechia, Poland, and Sweden formed the core group of markets for clay imports in volume terms. Czechia accounted for 42.1% of imports, Poland for 11.5%, and Sweden for 11.0%, together representing 64.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year drop, clay deliveries to Lithuania have increased. In 2021, Lithuania imported 4 462 thousand US dollars worth of clays, amounting to a substantial rise of 15.6% versus the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 3 858 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline of 7.8% occurred in 2019.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Czechia, Germany, and Poland remained the key partners for clay imports in value terms. Czechia accounted for 34.2% of imports, Germany for 12.5%, and Poland for 9.5%, together making up 56.3% of total import flows.

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

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