Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for kaolin and kaolinic clays in Chile showed considerable variation from 2018 to 2022. It began at 100 469 t in 2018, fell sharply to 44 971 t in 2019, then recovered to 59 765 t by 2021 before decreasing to 50 970 t in 2022.

Regulatory developments in 2022 introduced new factors affecting the market. The general approval of the Soil Framework Law Project by the Senate set the stage for future land-use regulations impacting mining, while Ministry of Mining Decree 30 updated specific mining rules. These measures, alongside ongoing environmental compliance requirements, likely contributed to the contraction in production and overall market volume that year.

Prior to this period, in 2017, regional mining authorities in Bío Bío had initiated efforts to reposition kaolin as a mineral with high industrial potential for ceramics and construction, which may have sustained some industry focus. Imports consistently supplied a portion of the market, though exports remained minimal throughout.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of kaolin and kaolinic clays, 2018-2021

World map of production of kaolin and kaolinic clays, 2018-2021

Chile's production of kaolin and kaolinic clays has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 49 533 tonnes, which represents a 27.7% rise compared to 2020. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, overall production actually fell by 43.9%, averaging an annual decline of 17.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 34 801 tonnes, which also saw the sharpest drop of 60.6% that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from Chile

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of kaolin and kaolinic clays from Chile showed significant volatility during the observed period. They reached their highest point in 2018 and fell to their lowest in 2020, with a dramatic 7.2-fold difference between these years. In 2021, exports rebounded to 33 tonnes, marking a substantial increase of 106.2% from the previous year. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2020 at just 16 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 69.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina and Peru were the dominant destinations for Chile's kaolin and kaolinic clay exports, together accounting for 88.8% of total export volumes. The remaining 11.2% was distributed among various other countries, each with relatively minor contributions.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Chile's kaolin and kaolinic clay exports exhibited notable volatility over the observed period. Export values peaked in 2018 and dropped to their lowest point in 2020, showing a 9.7-fold amplitude between these years. In 2021, exports amounted to 46 thousand US dollars, which is a remarkable 273.6% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 12 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 69.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Peru and Argentina were the primary destinations for Chile's kaolin and kaolinic clay exports in value terms, jointly representing 93.2% of total export flows. The remaining 6.8% was shared among other markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to Chile

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Chile imported 10 265 tonnes of kaolin and kaolinic clays, which was a 5.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, total imports declined by 16.7%, averaging an annual reduction of 5.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 222 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 17.1%. In contrast, imports saw their biggest increase in 2020, rising by 5.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Argentina, and Peru were the leading sources of kaolin and kaolinic clay imports to Chile in volume terms. The United States accounted for 64.8% of imports, followed by Argentina at 13.3% and Peru at 12.0%. Together, these three countries represented 90.1% of total import flows, with the remainder coming from other markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of Chile's kaolin and kaolinic clay imports has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 5 879 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 7.5% increase from the previous year. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 4 965 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 15.6%. Conversely, the largest increase occurred in 2020, with a growth of 10.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout the 2018–2021 period, the United States dominated Chile's kaolin and kaolinic clay imports in value terms, holding a substantial 77.2% share of total import flows. Other markets contributed the remaining 22.8%, with comparatively smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021