Feldspar market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, Brazil's feldspar production and market volume increased, supported by the country's position as a major ceramic producer. The states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná, where Paraná alone accounted for 58% of national extraction, formed the core production base, with companies like Armil and Estrela do Sul influencing local supply. The ceramic industry, a key consumer, drove demand as Brazil ranked among the world's top producers of ceramic tiles.

In 2020, production and market volume fell sharply, though they rebounded in 2021. The recovery was aided by innovation in feldspar applications, such as the development of Hidropotássio, a potassium-rich product designed to compete with traditional mineral fertilizers, diversifying demand beyond ceramics.

A strong expansion occurred in 2022, with production reaching 756 thousand tons and market volume hitting 748 thousand tons. This surge was linked to Brazil's growing export role—it became the 21st largest global feldspar exporter—and the broader commercialization of potassium feldspar for ceramics, glazes, and agriculture. Additionally, the trend toward sustainable materials encouraged more efficient extraction and processing methods.

Production feldspar in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil ranked 10th globally in feldspar production.

Top producers of feldspar, 2018-2021

World map of production of feldspar, 2018-2021

In 2021, Brazil produced 491.0 K t of feldspar, marking a moderate 9.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production declined by 17.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 632.3 K t, while the lowest was in 2020 at 450.6 K t. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, with a 28.7% decrease.

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

Exports feldspar from Brazil

Exports in kind, t

Brazil's feldspar exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 2 223 t, reflecting a modest 6.7% decrease compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 11.5%, with a CAGR of -4.0%. The peak export volume was in 2019 at 2 911 t. The largest decline was in 2020 at 18.2%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 15.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Italy, and Bolivia were the key partners for Brazil's feldspar exports in kind. China accounted for 44.4% of exports, Italy for 33.6%, and Bolivia for 5.4%, collectively representing 83.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Brazil's feldspar export value declined. In 2021, exports amounted to 2 203 K $ US, showing a sharp 30.6% drop from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 42.4%, with a CAGR of 12.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 3 176 K $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 47.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy and China dominated Brazil's feldspar exports in value terms, while other markets contributed less significantly.

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

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

Imports feldspar to Brazil

Imports in kind, t

The import trend for feldspar in Brazil was unstable during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Brazil imported 1 256 t of feldspar, showing no significant change from the previous year. The maximum import volume was in 2020 at 1 257 t, and the largest increase was in 2020 at 80.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and Turkey clearly dominated Brazil's feldspar imports in kind, with other countries making up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Brazil's feldspar import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 511 K $ US, representing a 13.4% gain compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 100.2%, with a CAGR of 26.0%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Spain, Turkey, and Zimbabwe played leading roles in Brazil's feldspar imports in value terms. Spain accounted for 36.1% of imports, Turkey for 22.1%, and Zimbabwe for 19.0%, together comprising 77.2% of total import flows.

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

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