Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in France

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the French kaolin market volume fluctuated, starting at 150.7 thousand tons in 2018. Growth to 187.5 thousand tons in 2019 coincided with the publication of an updated BRGM memorandum, which highlighted the diversification of kaolin applications, including its use in high-performance white concrete, broadening demand. In 2020, market volume decreased to 165.9 thousand tons, while market value increased to $40.1 million, reflecting the influence of quality parameters such as whiteness and fineness on prices, as noted in that year's industry summary.

The market rebounded sharply in 2021, with volume rising to 216.6 thousand tons and value reaching $50.2 million. This was followed by a correction in 2022, when volume declined to 182.7 thousand tons and value stabilized at $49.5 million.

In the later years from 2023 to 2024, the market continued to be shaped by growing demand from sectors like cosmetics, high-performance coatings, plastics, and rubber. Major producer Imerys expanded its washed kaolin supply capacity in China, indirectly influencing the French market, while product innovations and diversification into construction applications sustained consumption trends.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, France ranked as the 22nd largest global producer 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

France's production of kaolin and kaolinic clays rebounded in 2020 after a two-year decline. Output reached 231.6 K t, marking a modest year-on-year increase of 5.3%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 6.5%, with an average annual decline of 2.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 220.0 K t, which represented the largest drop of 10.1% during this timeframe.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following a two-year downturn, France's production value for kaolin and kaolinic clays rose in 2020. The output was valued at 55 799 K $ US, showing a significant 16.5% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 11.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest value occurred in 2019 at 47 913 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 2.5%.

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

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from France

Exports in kind, K t

Kaolin and kaolinic clays exports from France fell for the second consecutive year in 2020. Shipments totaled 213.7 K t, down 2.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 15.8%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 5.6%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 273.4 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 7.7%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 19.9% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France's export structure for kaolin and kaolinic clays remained highly fragmented. Italy accounted for 16.9% of exports, Spain for 14.1%, and Germany for 9.2%. Together, these three countries represented just 40.2% of total export flows, with no single partner holding a dominant share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, France's kaolin and kaolinic clays exports were valued at 51 503 K $ US, representing an 8.0% increase from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 47 692 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 13.1%. The highest value occurred in 2018 at 54 881 K $ US.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the value-based export structure for kaolin and kaolinic clays showed a scattered distribution. Italy contributed 17.7% of export value, Spain 14.0%, and Germany 9.6%. Collectively, these three partners accounted for only 41.3% of total flows, with no country emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to France

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, France's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined in 2020. Import volumes reached 148.0 K t, reflecting a substantial 20.6% year-on-year drop. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 14.5%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 5.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 186.5 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 3.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia, the United Kingdom, and Belgium were the leading sources for France's kaolin and kaolinic clays imports by volume. Czechia accounted for 22.4% of imports, the United Kingdom for 21.0%, and Belgium for 20.0%. Together, these three countries comprised 63.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

France's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined for the second straight year in 2020. Import value totaled 35 815 K $ US, down 7.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 10.7%, equating to an annualized decrease of 3.7%. The peak import value was recorded in 2018 at 45 901 K $ US, which saw the largest increase of 14.4%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 15.9% decline.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Czechia consistently led France's import structure for kaolin and kaolinic clays by value. The United Kingdom accounted for 27.8% of import value, Belgium for 22.4%, and Czechia for 13.7%. Collectively, these three partners represented 63.9% of total import flows.

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

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