Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for kaolin and kaulinic clays in Asia saw substantial growth in volume from 10.3 million tons in 2018 to 16.9 million tons in 2022, with its value rising from $1.97 billion to $3.38 billion over the same period. This expansion was interrupted only in 2021 when physical volume dipped slightly, likely influenced by the ongoing digital transformation which continued to reduce demand for kaolin in traditional paper manufacturing. The broader growth trajectory, however, was supported by the emergence of new, higher-value applications.

A key driver from 2021 onward was the increasing consumption of kaolin in the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries, fueled by demand for natural ingredients. Concurrently, demand from the paints and coatings segment, linked to construction activity, provided steady support for market value. This shift toward these growing segments helped offset the persistent decline in the paper sector, explaining the market's overall resilience and value growth even when volume faced temporary pressure.

Industry dynamics were marked by consolidation among major global producers, such as the acquisition of assets by Thiele Kaolin Company, reflecting a trend of asset repositioning. By 2024, consumption in Asia was reported to be rising again, indicating the sustained influence of these newer industrial applications on the market's direction.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of kaolin and kaolinic clays, 2017-2020

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

Kaolin and kaolinic clays production in Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Asia produced 15 649 K t of kaolin and kaolinic clays, representing a 5.2% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 94.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 24.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Kaolin and kaolinic clays production in Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output of kaolin and kaolinic clays in Asia was valued at 2 676 M $ US, marking a 12.1% rise from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 112.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.5%.

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

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of kaolin and kaolinic clays from Asia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 595 K t, showing a solid increase of 13.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 53.2%, with a CAGR of 15.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 001 K t, which saw the largest decline of 3.9%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 40.6% rise.

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

The partner structure of exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented, with Asia (not elsewhere specified) accounting for 29.1% of exports, Italy for 6.2%, and Spain for 3.9%. Together, these three accounted for only 39.3% of total flows, and no single country held a dominant share.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exported kaolin and kaolinic clays volumes from Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 272.7 M $ US, up by 20.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 67.6%, with a CAGR of 18.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest group of buyers of kaolin and kaolinic clays from Asia included Asia (not elsewhere specified) with 8.2% of exports in value terms, Italy with 1.5%, and Egypt with 1.1%. However, their combined contribution was limited to 10.8% of total exports in value terms, reflecting a diversified country structure.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, imported kaolin and kaolinic clays volumes in Asia totaled 1 992 K t, showing no significant change compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 10%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 991 K t, which saw the largest decline of 16.5%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 2 384 K t, with the largest increase of 7.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of kaolin and kaolinic clays to Asia were the United States with 35.4% of imports in kind, the United Kingdom with 10.0%, and Ukraine with 5.2%. Together, they comprised 50.6% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of kaolin and kaolinic clays to Asia have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 517.1 M $ US, corresponding to a moderate drop of 6.3% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 13%, with a CAGR of -4.6%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 632.2 M $ US, which saw the largest increase of 6.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 12.7% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States with 44.1% of imports in value terms, the United Kingdom with 10.1%, and Brazil with 3.2% remained the leading destinations in the country structure of imports in value terms, with a combined share of 57.4% of total flows.

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

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