Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in GCC

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for kaolin and kaolinic clays in the GCC fluctuated between 2018 and 2022, falling to 556 thousand tons in 2020 before recovering to 823 thousand tons by 2022. This recovery in 2022 was supported by rising demand from the construction sector and related industries across the region.

In subsequent years, imports remained a key supply source, reaching 650 thousand tons in 2024. Regional production in the Middle East, including the GCC, stayed stable, while exports from the region grew, reflecting sustained market activity.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in GCC

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

After two years of decline, kaolin and kaolinic clays production in the GCC region rebounded. In 2020, production reached 271.3 K t, marking a 3.9% increase from the previous year. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 36.1%, with an average annual decline of 13.9%. The lowest point was in 2019 at 261.1 K t, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 23.2% decrease.

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

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from GCC

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes showed significant volatility during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the GCC exported 4.7 K t of kaolin and kaolinic clays, down 8.9% from 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 6.3 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 18.1% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018, surging by 108.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for kaolin and kaolinic clays exports from the GCC were Iran, India, and Afghanistan. Iran accounted for 26.6% of exports in kind, India for 11.8%, and Afghanistan for 1.4%. Together, these three countries represented 39.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market displayed notable volatility over the observed years. Values reached their lowest in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a two-fold gap between these extremes. In 2020, cross-border shipments of kaolin and kaolinic clays from the GCC amounted to 887 K $ US, a 2.0% decrease from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 660 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 45.5% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 99.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iran, India, and Djibouti were the leading destinations for exports in value terms. Iran held 56.2% of the export value, India 15.0%, and Djibouti 3.1%. Combined, these three countries made up 74.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to GCC

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports were at their lowest in 2017 and highest in 2018, with a 2.7-fold variation. In 2020, the GCC imported 289.0 K t of kaolin and kaolinic clays, a sharp 48.6% decline from 2019. The peak import volume was in 2018 at 567.2 K t, with the largest increase that year of 172.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, the United Kingdom, and Iran were the core sources for imports in kind. India contributed 58.4% of imports, the United Kingdom 9.9%, and Iran 6.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 75.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of kaolin and kaolinic clays to the GCC declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 46 763 K $ US, showing a substantial 12.8% reduction compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 28.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 8.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 46 763 K $ US, with the largest increase that year of 52.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, India, the United Kingdom, and China formed the core group of markets for imports in value terms. India represented 24.6% of import value, the United Kingdom 21.4%, and China 10.8%. Collectively, these three countries made up 56.8% of total import flows.

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

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