Fluorspar market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The European fluorspar market showed variable dynamics from 2018 to 2022. Market volume increased from 832 thousand tons in 2018 to 984 thousand tons in 2022, peaking at 969 thousand tons in 2019 before contracting in 2020 and recovering thereafter. In value terms, the market grew from $258 million to $432 million, with the most significant rise occurring in 2022.

Market growth in 2022 was supported by the opening of the world's first HFA 152 production line by Koura in the United Kingdom, which strengthened the supply chain. Simultaneously, Europe's commitment to decarbonization and circular economy strategies increased demand for fluorspar in lithium-ion batteries, fluoropolymers, and specialty chemicals. Rising investments in electric mobility and energy-efficient construction in Germany, the UK, and France further stimulated consumption.

In subsequent years, technological advances in processing enabled the production of higher-purity fluorspar, while the adoption of blockchain in supply chains enhanced transparency. Political initiatives such as the European Raw Materials Alliance supported strategic autonomy, while sustainability and green technology continued to shape demand, particularly in the British and French markets.

Production fluorspar in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of fluorspar, 2017-2020

World map of production of fluorspar, 2017-2020

In 2020, Europe produced 377.9 K t of fluorspar, representing a 16.8% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 37.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 3.1%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, at 21.5%.

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

Exports fluorspar from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Europe's fluorspar exports amounted to 186.2 K t, marking a 50.2% improvement compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 9.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.2%. The lowest export volume was in 2019, at 123.9 K t, while the peak was in 2018, at 224.9 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 44.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, fluorspar exports from Europe were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. Turkey accounted for 22.9% of exports in kind, Egypt for 6.1%, and Morocco for 6.1%, with these three countries together making up only 35.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years, with export volumes varying 1.9 times from the low in 2017 to the high in 2018. In 2020, fluorspar deliveries from Europe reached 55.9 M $ US, showing a moderate uptick of 7.9% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018, at 73.4 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 29.5%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, at 85.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Norway, and the United States played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of fluorspar from Europe in value terms. Turkey accounted for 10.8% of exports in value, Norway for 6.4%, and the United States for 2.6%, with their combined share reaching only 19.8% of total exports in value.

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

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

Imports fluorspar to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year uptick, fluorspar shipments to Europe from abroad declined. In 2020, imports stood at 671.4 K t, indicating a solid contraction of 12.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 5.4%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.8%. The highest import volume was in 2019, at 768.9 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, Mongolia, and South Africa were the main sources for fluorspar imports to Europe in kind. Mexico accounted for 30.3% of imports, Mongolia for 23.1%, and South Africa for 7.5%, with these three countries together representing 60.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year advance, Europe's fluorspar import volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 228.9 M $ US, showing a decrease of 16.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 36.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019, at 274.3 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 32.1%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Mexico, Mongolia, and South Africa stood out as the main markets for fluorspar imports to Europe in value terms. Mexico accounted for 31.7% of imports in value, Mongolia for 14.1%, and South Africa for 8.7%, with these three countries together representing 54.5% of total import flows.

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

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