Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for kaolin and kaolinic clays in Egypt contracted from 387 тыс. т in 2018 to 338 тыс. т in 2022, with the steepest decline occurring through 2020 before stabilizing near 337 тыс. т. Conversely, the market's value expanded significantly from $87.6 million to $109 million over the same period, pointing to higher unit prices or a shift in the product mix toward more valuable grades.

A key development in mid-2021 was Thiele Kaolin Company's acquisition of specific kaolin assets from Imerys Performance Minerals in North America, signaling global industry consolidation which can affect supply chains and pricing. That same year, the emergence of kaolin in cosmetics, driven by millennial demand for natural ingredients, created a new growth segment that supported market value despite flat volume.

By 2024, regional dynamics showed strengthened demand, as consumption across the MENA region rose by 5.8% to 4.5 million tons. This regional growth, fueled by the paper, ceramics, and construction industries, provided a supportive backdrop for Egypt's position in the kaolin trade.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt ranked 23rd globally in the production of kaolin and kaolinic clays.

Top producers of kaolin and kaolinic clays, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Egypt produced 230.0 K t of kaolin and kaolinic clays, showing minimal change compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 230.0 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 0.9% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 0.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following a two-year increase, Egypt's production of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined in value. In 2020, output was valued at 49 392 K $ US, representing a moderate drop of 7.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 12.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 53 238 K $ US, with the largest increase that year at 15.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Egypt in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from Egypt

Exports in kind, K t

Egypt's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 16.0 K t, down by 5.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 10%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.4%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 22.4 K t, with the largest decline in 2019 at 24.8% and the largest increase in 2018 at 26.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Italy, and Tunisia consistently led Egypt's export structure in kind, accounting for 45.6%, 10.5%, and 8.1% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 64.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Egypt's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 3 430 K $ US, reflecting a robust fall of 12.2% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports increased by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 505 K $ US, with the largest decline in 2019 at 13.3% and the largest increase in 2018 at 34.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain, Italy, and Tunisia formed the core group of markets for Egypt's exports in value terms, accounting for 44.6%, 10.9%, and 8.3% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 63.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to Egypt

Imports in kind, K t

Egypt's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 123.4 K t, constituting a fall of 15.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 28.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 10.6%. The peak import volume was in 2018 at 179.4 K t, with the largest decline in 2019 at 18.2% and the largest increase in 2018 at 3.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Ukraine—together accounted for 58.4% of Egypt's total imports in kind of kaolin and kaolinic clays.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Egypt's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume was recorded at 36 603 K $ US, which is 7.9% less than a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 20.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 7.4%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Ukraine were the primary suppliers of kaolin and kaolinic clays to Egypt in value terms, accounting for 33.1%, 14.1%, and 11.2% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 58.4% of total imports.

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

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