Market research

Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Americas

Release date: Mar 29, 2026

Submission: 15 minutes after payment

Research period: 2017-2025

Report language:

Report language:

Submission method: to your account

File format: docx, xlsx

Single Report

$500

Instant access to detailed data on one specific market
Ideal for one-off tasks: niche assessments, presentations, investment decisions
Available in Excel and Word in 15 minutes after purchase
Cheaper than subscription, but each market requires a separate purchase

Best if you know exactly what you need

Buy a single report

Platform Subscription

from$600

Complete and unlimited data access across products and regions
Includes continuous data updates during subscription period
Download reports instantly in Word, and Excel formats
More cost-effective for multiple markets or regular analysis

Ideal for regular data users

View pricing plans

"Americas" region includes following countries:

Bermuda

Canada

Greenland

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

the United States

Argentina

Bolivia

Bouvet Island

Brazil

Chile

Colombia

Ecuador

Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

French Guiana

Guyana

Paraguay

Peru

Suriname

Uruguay

Venezuela

Belize

Costa Rica

El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

Mexico

Nicaragua

Panama

Antigua and Barbuda

the Bahamas

Barbados

British Virgin Islands

Cayman Islands

Cuba

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Grenada

Guadeloupe

Haiti

Jamaica

Martinique

Montserrat

Curacao

Aruba

Saint Maarten (Dutch part)

Bonaire

Puerto Rico

Saint-Barthélemy

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Anguilla

Saint Lucia

Saint-Martin (French Part)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

Turks and Caicos Islands

United States Virgin Islands

Earlier Report Observations

The market for kaolin and kaolinic clays in the Americas experienced fluctuations between 2018 and 2020. Market volume declined from 7 101 thousand tons in 2018 to 6 062 thousand tons in 2019, then rebounded to 7 994 thousand tons in 2020. In value terms, it fell from $1 226 million to $1 034 million, before rising to $1 351 million over the same period.

In 2021, market volume dropped again to 6 654 thousand tons ($1 256 million), and further to 6 366 thousand tons in 2022, though the market value increased to $1 382 million. During this phase, U.S. policies aimed at stimulating green energy sectors were anticipated to boost demand for kaolin, particularly in ceramics and solar applications. Additionally, the market saw consolidation with Thiele Kaolin Company acquiring certain assets from Imerys Performance Minerals in June 2022, and KaMin LLC completing the purchase of BASF SE's kaolin minerals business in September 2022, expanding its North American supply capacity for paper and packaging.

Entering 2023 and 2024, industry players responded to cost pressures. KaMin LLC and CADAM announced price increases effective January 2024, citing inflation, higher mining costs, stricter environmental regulations, and elevated electricity rates. Imerys introduced a kaolin processing modification in June 2024 that significantly reduces water usage, reflecting a technological shift toward sustainability. Moreover, Sibelco announced a planned $500 million greenfield expansion from 2024 to 2027 to increase production capacity in North America, aiming to meet future demand driven by ceramics, paints & coatings, and paper industries.

Table of content

1. Disclaimer
2. Terms of use of the report
3. Product codes in the statistical classifications used in the report
4. Key Market Indicators and Trends
1. 4.1. Key Market Indicators
  1. 4.1.1. In kind
    1. 4.1.1.1. Production, 2018-2022
    2. 4.1.1.2. Imports, 2018-2024
    3. 4.1.1.3. Exports, 2018-2024
    4. 4.1.1.4. Market size, 2018-2022
  2. 4.1.2. In value
    1. 4.1.2.1. Production, 2018-2022
    2. 4.1.2.2. Imports, 2018-2024
    3. 4.1.2.3. Exports, 2018-2024
    4. 4.1.2.4. Market size, 2018-2022
2. 4.2. Market Trends and Factors
5. Production
1. 5.1. Production in Americas
  1. 5.1.1. Annual dynamics of production in Americas in kind, 2018-2022, K t
2. 5.2. Global production by Country, 2018-2022
  1. 5.2.1. Annual dynamics of production by country in kind, 2018-2022, K t
  2. 5.2.2. Structure of production by countries in kind, 2018-2022
  3. 5.2.3. Dynamics of peoduction structure by countries in kind, 2018-2022
6. Exports
1. 6.1. Exports (Direct Data*)
  1. 6.1.1. Exports - Total information
  2. 6.1.2. Exports in kind, K t
    1. 6.1.2.1. Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bermuda in kind, 2018-2024, K t
    2. 6.1.2.2. Dynamics of product's exports in kind from Bermuda by countries, 2018-2024, K t
    3. 6.1.2.3. Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2024
  3. 6.1.3. Exports in value, M $ US
    1. 6.1.3.1. Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bermuda in value, 2018-2024, M $ US
    2. 6.1.3.2. Dynamics of product's exports in value from Bermuda by countries, 2018-2024, M $ US
    3. 6.1.3.3. Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2024
  4. 6.1.4. Average price of product's exports, $ US/t
    1. 6.1.4.1. Annual dynamics of average price of product's exports from Bermuda, 2018-2024, $ US/t
    2. 6.1.4.2. Dynamics of average price of product's exports from Bermuda by countries, 2018-2024, $ US/t
2. 6.2. Exports (Mirror Data)
  1. 6.2.1. Exports - Total information
  2. 6.2.2. Exports in kind, K t
    1. 6.2.2.1. Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bermuda in kind, 2018-2024, K t
    2. 6.2.2.2. Dynamics of product's exports in kind from Bermuda by countries, 2018-2024, K t
    3. 6.2.2.3. Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2024
  3. 6.2.3. Exports in value, M $ US
    1. 6.2.3.1. Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bermuda in value, 2018-2024, M $ US
    2. 6.2.3.2. Dynamics of product's exports in value from Bermuda by countries, 2018-2024, M $ US
    3. 6.2.3.3. Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2024
  4. 6.2.4. Average price of product's exports, $ US/t
    1. 6.2.4.1. Annual dynamics of average price of product's exports from Bermuda, 2018-2024, $ US/t
    2. 6.2.4.2. Dynamics of average price of product's exports from Bermuda by countries, 2018-2024, $ US/t
7. Imports
1. 7.1. Imports (Direct Data*)
  1. 7.1.1. Imports - Total information
  2. 7.1.2. Imports in kind, K t
    1. 7.1.2.1. Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bermuda in kind, 2018-2024, K t
    2. 7.1.2.2. Dynamics of product's imports in kind to Bermuda by countries, 2018-2024, K t
    3. 7.1.2.3. Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2024
  3. 7.1.3. Imports in value, M $ US
    1. 7.1.3.1. Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bermuda in value, 2018-2024, M $ US
    2. 7.1.3.2. Dynamics of product's imports in value to Bermuda by countries, 2018-2024, M $ US
    3. 7.1.3.3. Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2024
  4. 7.1.4. Average price of product's imports, $ US/t
    1. 7.1.4.1. Annual dynamics of average price of product's imports to Bermuda, 2018-2024, $ US/t
    2. 7.1.4.2. Dynamics of average price of product's imports to Bermuda by countries, 2018-2024, $ US/t
2. 7.2. Imports (Mirror Data)
  1. 7.2.1. Imports - Total information
  2. 7.2.2. Imports in kind, K t
    1. 7.2.2.1. Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bermuda in kind, 2018-2024, K t
    2. 7.2.2.2. Dynamics of product's imports in kind to Bermuda by countries, 2018-2024, K t
    3. 7.2.2.3. Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2024
  3. 7.2.3. Imports in value, M $ US
    1. 7.2.3.1. Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bermuda in value, 2018-2024, M $ US
    2. 7.2.3.2. Dynamics of product's imports in value to Bermuda by countries, 2018-2024, M $ US
    3. 7.2.3.3. Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2024
  4. 7.2.4. Average price of product's imports, $ US/t
    1. 7.2.4.1. Annual dynamics of average price of product's imports to Bermuda, 2018-2024, $ US/t
    2. 7.2.4.2. Dynamics of average price of product's imports to Bermuda by countries, 2018-2024, $ US/t
8. Trade balance
1. 8.1. Trade balance (Direct Data)
  1. 8.1.1. In kind, K t
  2. 8.1.2. In value, M $ US
2. 8.2. Trade balance (Mirror Data)
  1. 8.2.1. In kind, K t
  2. 8.2.2. In value, M $ US
9. Top buying and selling countries, 2018-2024
1. 9.1. Direct Data
  1. 9.1.1. Import in Value by Countries-buyers
  2. 9.1.2. Export in Value by Countries-suppliers
2. 9.2. Mirror Data
  1. 9.2.1. Import in Value by Countries-buyers
  2. 9.2.2. Export in Value by Countries-suppliers

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in Americas

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of kaolin and kaolinic clays, 2017-2020

Source: SHEV.io

World map of production of kaolin and kaolinic clays, 2017-2020

Source: SHEV.io

In the Americas, production of kaolin and kaolinic clays reached 8 696 K t in 2020, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 24.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 46.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 13.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 14.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 36.9%.

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

Parameter		2018	2019	2020	CAGR
1	Change from last year	36.9%	(14.0%)	24.2%	13.5%

Source: SHEV.io

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of kaolin and kaolinic clays in the Americas was valued at 1 286 M $ US, showing a substantial rise of 31.8% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 53.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4%. The largest decline was observed in 2019, at 17.2%, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 41.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Americas in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Parameter		2018	2019	2020	CAGR
1	Change from last year	41.0%	(17.2%)	31.8%	15.4%

Source: SHEV.io

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from Americas

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays from the Americas declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the Americas exported 872 K t, representing a robust year-over-year decline of 22.3%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 34.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -13.0%.

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

Parameter		2018	2019	2020	CAGR
1	Change from last year	(8.3%)	(7.7%)	(22.3%)	(13.0%)

Source: SHEV.io

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for exports in kind were Belgium, accounting for 40.0% of exports, Italy with 8.5%, and Finland with 8.2%. Together, these three countries formed a cluster representing 56.8% of total export flows.

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

Source: SHEV.io

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

Source: SHEV.io

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays from the Americas declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 129.0 M $ US, showing a 17.6% decline compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 30.8%, equating to an annualized rate of -11.6%.

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

Parameter		2018	2019	2020	CAGR
1	Change from last year	(5.5%)	(11.2%)	(17.6%)	(11.6%)

Source: SHEV.io

In the period from 2017 to 2020, the primary markets for exports in value terms were Belgium, with 36.1% of exports, Italy at 9.9%, and Finland at 8.3%. This cluster accounted for a combined share of 54.4% of total export flows.

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

Source: SHEV.io

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

Source: SHEV.io

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to Americas

Imports in kind, K t

The market for imports in kind showed volatility during these years. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 4.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the volume of kaolin and kaolinic clays imports into the Americas was 170 K t, which is 6.7% less than the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 75.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 2.2%.

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

Parameter		2018	2019	2020	CAGR
1	Change from last year	(75.4%)	2.2%	(6.7%)	(38.4%)

Source: SHEV.io

An analysis of imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. The United Kingdom accounted for 4.7% of imports, France for 1.3%, and China for 1.1%. Together, these three countries contributed only 7.1% of total flows, with the remaining 92.9% coming from other partners.

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

Source: SHEV.io

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

Source: SHEV.io

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays into the Americas declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 193.6 M $ US, showing a limited fall of 9.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 8.4%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 223.0 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 5.5%.

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

Parameter		2018	2019	2020	CAGR
1	Change from last year	5.5%	(3.8%)	(9.7%)	(2.9%)

Source: SHEV.io

From 2017 to 2020, the portfolio of suppliers for kaolin and kaolinic clays to the Americas was broad. The United Kingdom accounted for 4.1% of imports in value terms, China for 1.7%, and France for 1.6%. Together, these three countries contributed only 7.4% of total imports, while many other countries had smaller but non-negligible shares.

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

Source: SHEV.io

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

Source: SHEV.io