Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in New Zealand, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

New Zealand's kaolin and kaolinic clays market was historically centered around major production facilities in the Auckland region, where the largest clay pits and brick-making operations were located. This concentrated industrial base supported stable annual production volumes of approximately 51,000 tonnes between 2018 and 2020. During this period, the total market volume grew from 47,689 tonnes to 53,669 tonnes. A key development in 2020 was promising research highlighting the potential of low-grade kaolin as a high-performance supplement for low-carbon concrete, which pointed to emerging demand opportunities in sustainable construction materials and likely contributed to the market expansion.

After reaching its peak in 2020, the domestic market volume contracted to 46,418 tonnes in 2021 and fell further to 43,666 tonnes in 2022. This decline coincided with a significant reduction in import volumes and a concurrent rise in exports, which collectively reduced the net material available for local consumption.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of kaolin and kaolinic clays, 2018-2021

World map of production of kaolin and kaolinic clays, 2018-2021

In 2021, New Zealand produced 51 000 tonnes of kaolin and kaolinic clays, showing broad stability compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 50 569 tonnes. That year saw the largest decline of 1.6%, while 2020 experienced the biggest increase of 0.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, kaolin and kaolinic clays production in New Zealand increased in value. In 2021, output was valued at 33 985 thousand US dollars, representing a modest gain of 6.8% compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 31 819 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 3.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of decrease, New Zealand's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays rebounded in volume. In 2021, the country exported 9 951 tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 69.9% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 7.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 5 859 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 25.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the geographical structure of exports in volume terms was highly diversified. Japan (10.6% of exports), the United States (10.4%), and Bangladesh (10.3%) together accounted for just 31.3% of total flows, while the remaining 68.7% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during this period, with a 1.8-fold variation between the peak in 2021 and the low in 2020. In 2021, New Zealand's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays reached 6 631 thousand US dollars, reflecting an 81.4% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 3 655 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 28.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, exports in value terms relied on a wide range of partner countries. The United States (12.8% of exports), Japan (12.5%), and Indonesia (10.5%) together accounted for only 35.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, kaolin and kaolinic clays imports into New Zealand declined in volume. In 2021, the country imported 5 369 tonnes, marking an abrupt drop of 37.0% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 3.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 8 527 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 33.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States (44.4% of imports), Australia (30.7%), and China (14.4%) formed the main group of sources for kaolin and kaolinic clays imports into New Zealand, with a combined share of 89.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year increase, New Zealand's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined in value. In 2021, imports totaled 2 650 thousand US dollars, constituting a steep drop of 25.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 9.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 3 552 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 29.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018–2021, the United States (44.2% of imports), Australia (25.5%), and China (14.5%) remained the key partners for imports in value terms, together accounting for 84.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021