Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The kaolin market in Northern Africa reached 825 thousand tonnes in 2018, supported by the Nigerian federal government's launch of kaolin production exploration in Abuja and the presence of major international players, which sustained market activity. Volume grew to 896 thousand tonnes in 2019. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected production and distribution, leading to a decline in market size to 705 thousand tonnes.

A recovery followed in 2021, with the market rising to 718 thousand tonnes, driven by a sharp 27-32% increase in kaolin imports into Africa and steady demand from the paper, ceramics, paints, and cosmetics industries. In 2022, the market volume contracted to 667 thousand tonnes.

In subsequent years, demand factors continued to shape the market, including the rise of e-commerce boosting the need for paper packaging. Major producers announced price increases of up to 9% effective in 2024, and African kaolin consumption saw a significant 14% recovery in volume, indicating renewed market momentum.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in Northern Africa

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

Northern Africa's production of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output remained virtually unchanged from 2019 at 349.7 thousand tonnes. Production increased by 3.5% between 2017 and 2020, averaging 1.1% annually. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 350.6 thousand tonnes, which represented the largest annual increase of 2.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Northern Africa's production value of kaolin and kaolinic clays grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 75 314 thousand US dollars, marking a 12.5% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 47.9%, averaging 13.9% annually.

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

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Kaolin and kaolinic clays exports from Northern Africa declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region exported 34.0 thousand tonnes, down 27.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 28.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 57.4 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest annual increase of 20.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, kaolin and kaolinic clays exports from Northern Africa were distributed across numerous markets. Spain (5.4% of export volume), France (5.3%), and Saudi Arabia (4.2%) together accounted for only 14.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Kaolin and kaolinic clays export value in Northern Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 7 326 thousand US dollars, a significant drop of 17.8% compared to the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 9 385 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest annual increase of 30.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, kaolin and kaolinic clays from Northern Africa were exported to a wide range of markets. Spain (20.6% of export value), Italy (5.1%), and France (4.1%) together made up only 29.8% of total exports, with many smaller destinations accounting for the remaining 70.2%.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Northern Africa's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined after two years of growth. In 2020, imports totaled 389.3 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 34.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 5.4%, averaging 1.8% annually. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 591.6 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 46.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain (33.7% of import volume), the United Kingdom (21.8%), and Portugal (4.4%) remained the primary suppliers of kaolin and kaolinic clays to Northern Africa, together constituting 60.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Kaolin and kaolinic clays import value in Northern Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 61 453 thousand US dollars, down 17.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 15.1%, averaging a 5.3% annual decline. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 82 214 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest annual increase of 13.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United Kingdom (31.8% of import value), Spain (14.7%), and Portugal (8.9%) consistently served as the main sources for kaolin and kaolinic clays imports to Northern Africa, together accounting for 55.3% of total flows.

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

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