Feldspar market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the Egyptian feldspar market was underpinned by the presence of the Nile Mining Company, which held key exploitation contracts for high and medium-grade potassium feldspar deposits in the Eastern Desert, solidifying its role as a major domestic producer. The high purity and excellent chemical properties of Egyptian feldspar also enhanced its appeal in global markets. Market volume grew to 323 thousand tons in 2019 before contracting to 281.5 thousand tons in 2020.

From 2021 to 2022, market volume continued to decline, reaching 266.5 thousand tons. However, the market value surged to 37.6 million US dollars in 2022, reflecting a substantial increase in prices even as physical volumes fell.

Later in the period, government initiatives such as the February 2023 announcement to offer shares in 32 state-owned companies, potentially including mining sector firms, began to shape the market environment. A 2024 scientific study demonstrated new applications for Egyptian feldspar in alkali-activated concrete, opening potential demand segments, while ongoing export promotion efforts and the continuation of export duties on mineral ores influenced production and trade dynamics.

Production feldspar in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt ranked 19th globally in feldspar production volume.

Top producers of feldspar, 2017-2020

World map of production of feldspar, 2017-2020

In 2020, Egypt produced 200.0 K t of feldspar, down 13.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 13%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 0.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Egypt's feldspar production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 19 394 K $ US, a significant drop of 19.3% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 15.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 24 119 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 4.8%.

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

Exports feldspar from Egypt

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached a low of 1 t in 2019 and a high of 98 t in 2018, showing a 185-fold variation. In 2020, Egypt exported 3 t of feldspar, a sharp increase of 415.4% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 99.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon (35.6% of exports in kind), Sudan (34.6%), and Jordan (22.2%) were the top destinations, together accounting for 92.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed volatility over the period. Exports hit a minimum of 0.1 K $ US in 2019 and a maximum of 10 K $ US in 2018, with a 185-fold difference. In 2020, Egypt exported 0.3 K $ US of feldspar, a sharp uptick of 378.2% from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019, at 99.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Sudan (35.3% of exports in value terms), Lebanon (34.6%), and Jordan (22.6%) were the main markets, together making up 92.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports feldspar to Egypt

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Egypt's feldspar imports totaled 81 481 t, a reduction of 12.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 9.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.4%. The minimum was 79 255 t in 2018, and the maximum was 92 985 t in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 12.4%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 17.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey accounted for 76.8% of total imports in kind, with the remaining volume distributed among many countries with smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Egypt's feldspar imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 9 161 K $ US, a modest uptick of 10.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 7.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The minimum value was 7 362 K $ US in 2018, which also saw the largest decline of 13.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 13.1%.

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

Over 2017-2020, Turkey consistently represented 76.9% of total imports in value terms, indicating high market concentration, while the rest was shared among other countries.

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

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