Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The kaolin and kaolinic clays market in China experienced a period of substantial expansion from 2018 to 2020, with its volume surging from 4.1 million tons to over 8 million tons. This rapid growth was primarily fueled by the industry's shift toward high-value processing and diversification into new applications. Enhanced deep-processing technologies allowed producers to increase output and cater to rising demand from sectors like advanced ceramics and, notably, medical kaolin, whose consumption saw explosive growth. Simultaneously, ongoing environmental enforcement and supply-side reforms consolidated production among larger, compliant operators, supporting overall market volume growth despite initial pressures on supply.

Market growth stabilized after 2020, with volume reaching 8.1 million tons in 2021 and experiencing a slight decline to 7.8 million tons in 2022. During this period, strong domestic demand continued, particularly from the ceramics sector, which accounted for over half of kaolin consumption, and from the paper industry. However, increased export volumes, which rose to 1.2 million tons in 2022, redirected a portion of the stable domestic production abroad, leading to a modest contraction in the domestic market size. The industry was simultaneously marked by corporate developments, such as the transformation of Longyan Kaolin into a joint-stock company, focusing on R&D and standard-setting to enhance product value.

In the following years, the industry's trajectory was characterized by a focus on technological sophistication and environmental compliance. Major players reported revenue growth and invested in numerous R&D projects, securing patents for advanced processing techniques. While comprehensive market volume data beyond 2022 is unavailable, trade figures indicate sustained activity; both imports and exports increased by 2024, reflecting ongoing international engagement. The market continued to be driven by diversified downstream demand from rubber, plastics, coatings, and the persistent growth in high-grade ceramics, supported by policies encouraging green and efficient production methods.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

China held the top position globally for kaolin and kaolinic clays production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of kaolin and kaolinic clays, 2017-2020

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

China's production of kaolin and kaolinic clays grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 8 427 K t, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 22.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production surged by 163.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 38.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

China's production of kaolin and kaolinic clays expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the value of this output stood at 1 237 M $ US, reflecting a sharp rise of 57.3% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value jumped by 288.7%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 57.2%.

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

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from China

Exports in kind, K t

China's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays fell for the third straight year. In 2020, exports totaled 964 K t, down 5.8% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 15.8%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 5.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for China's kaolin and kaolinic clays exports in volume terms were Asia, not elsewhere specified (43.3% of exports), South Korea (7.8%), and Vietnam (7.8%). Together, these markets accounted for 58.8% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

China's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in value terms rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 141.5 M $ US, up 20.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 24.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 7.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 113.0 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 0.7%.

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

The export partner structure in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diverse, with Asia, not elsewhere specified (12.4% of exports), Vietnam (11.5%), and South Korea (9.6%) collectively making up 33.4% of total flows. No single country dominated the market.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to China

Imports in kind, K t

China's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in volume terms decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 661 K t, a 9.4% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 9.2%, with an annualized rate of 3.0%. The peak volume was in 2018 at 661 K t, which also experienced the largest increase of 23.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States (65.2% of imports), Malaysia (9.4%), and Brazil (8.0%) were the leading suppliers of kaolin and kaolinic clays to China in volume terms, together representing 82.7% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

China's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 125.9 M $ US, a substantial decrease of 12.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value rose by 5.3%, equating to an annualized growth of 1.7%. The highest value was in 2018 at 154.7 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 29.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary suppliers of kaolin and kaolinic clays to China in value terms were the United States (67.0% of imports), Japan (8.8%), and Brazil (7.4%). These three countries accounted for 83.2% of total import value.

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

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