Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Eastern Europe expanded from 3.5 million tons to 5.3 million tons. This growth was driven by the entry of new players, such as the SOKA plant in Ukraine, which increased production capacity. Simultaneously, rising demand from the paper and ceramics industries boosted consumption, while new enrichment technologies improved product quality for export. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 temporarily disrupted logistics but did not halt the overall expansion.

In 2021, the market stabilized at around 5.3 million tons, partly reflecting the ongoing impact of the pandemic on supply chains. However, investments in modernizing enrichment facilities continued, laying the groundwork for the next leap. In 2022, market volume rose to 6.1 million tons, fueled by sanctions and import restrictions that stimulated domestic production and import substitution in the region.

In 2023-2024, market development continued, with record kaolin production in Russia and growing investments in enrichment technologies in Ukraine. The entry of Ukrainian companies into the European Business Association points to further integration into the European market, while consumer preferences shift toward high-quality kaolin for industrial use.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in Eastern Europe (including Northern 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 Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 6 271 K t, marking a solid 12.0% rise compared to 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 4 540 K t, which represented the largest decline of 23.5% during the period. However, 2019 saw the largest increase of 23.4%. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 5.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Kaolin and kaolinic clays production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) has increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 723.5 M $ US, showing a slight advance of 3.0% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 522.0 M $ US, which saw the largest decline of 37.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 34.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 13.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Exports in kind, K t

Foreign supplies of kaolin and kaolinic clays from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 1 325 K t, corresponding to a drop of 1.2% over the previous year. Exports peaked in 2018 at 1 457 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 35.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 8.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 23%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind of kaolin and kaolinic clays from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) were characterized by a broad spread across markets. The top destinations—Italy (14.3% of exports in kind), Germany (9.5%), and Turkey (9.0%)—together accounted for only 32.8% of total flows, indicating a diversified export structure.

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

World map of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year gain, foreign supplies of kaolin and kaolinic clays from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) declined. In 2020, exports stood at 152.8 M $ US, reflecting a limited decrease of 9.1% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 168.2 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 10.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, kaolin and kaolinic clays from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) were supplied to many different markets. Even the largest destinations—Germany, Italy, and Turkey—together represented only 33.1% of total exports in value terms, highlighting a fragmented market distribution.

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

World map of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Imports in kind, K t

Kaolin and kaolinic clays imports into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 320 K t, marking a decline of 21.9% compared to the previous year. Imports peaked in 2018 at 453 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 43.6% during the period.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind were distributed across a wide set of partner countries. The top sources—Germany (10.8% of imports in kind), the United Kingdom (6.9%), and Italy (2.1%)—jointly accounted for just 19.8% of total flows, demonstrating a highly diversified import structure.

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

World map of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of kaolin and kaolinic clays into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) reached 98.9 M $ US, representing a modest decline of 3.7% compared with 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 102.7 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 8.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The partner structure of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented. The leading countries—Germany (15.0% of imports in value terms), the United Kingdom (12.2%), and the United States (5.8%)—together accounted for only 33.1% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

World map of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020