Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for kaolin and kaolinic clays in the Caribbean started at 13 789 t in 2018, supported by a 24% rise in regional production that year which boosted material availability. However, by 2019 the market had contracted to 12 827 t and fell further to 10 914 t in 2020, reflecting a broader downturn.

In 2021, market volume rebounded to 11 946 t, aided by a sharp recovery in imports which grew by roughly 20% after a two-year slide, as regional supply channels reopened. The market then dipped again to 11 389 t in 2022, resuming its downward trend.

Import shipments surged to 15 229 t in 2023 before dropping to 12 316 t in 2024. Regional reports indicated that by 2024, production across Latin America and the Caribbean had increased by 3.7%, while consumption dipped by 1.2%, signaling shifting supply-demand dynamics.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of kaolin and kaolinic clays, 2017-2020

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

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2018 with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Caribbean produced 2 000 tonnes of kaolin and kaolinic clays, representing a 4.8% decrease from the previous year. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 700 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 22.2% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with an 80.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, showing a 3.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Caribbean exported 34 tonnes of kaolin and kaolinic clays, marking a sharp 73.7% decline compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 131 tonnes, with the largest increase that year reaching 208.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner structure for kaolin and kaolinic clays was balanced rather than concentrated. Guyana accounted for 34.8% of exports in kind, France for 6.6%, and Costa Rica for 4.4%. Together, these three countries represented 45.9% of total export flows, while many other countries accounted for the remaining 54.1%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Exports in value terms bottomed in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Caribbean's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays were valued at 43 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 41.5% decline compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 88 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year reaching 91.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Guyana, France, and Costa Rica remained the main markets for Caribbean's kaolin and kaolinic clay exports in value terms. Guyana accounted for 37.3% of export value, France for 6.9%, and Costa Rica for 3.4%. Together, these three countries represented 47.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

Caribbean's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 8 949 tonnes, representing a significant 17.6% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 35.9%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 13.8%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States dominated imports in kind, accounting for 70.1% of total volume. The remaining imports were distributed among many countries, each with smaller individual shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Caribbean's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 4 352 thousand US dollars, down by 26.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 33%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States concentrated most imports in value terms, accounting for 71.8% of total flows. The remaining imports were fragmented among other markets with smaller shares.

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

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