Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the North American market for kaolin and kaolinic clays contracted in volume from 5.7 million tons to 4.7 million tons, while market value proved more volatile, peaking at $1.5 billion in 2019. This decline in physical volume occurred alongside steady demand in traditional sectors like paper and ceramics, as well as growth in newer applications such as cosmetics and paints.

Increased demand for kaolin in paper and packaging, driven by the rise of e-commerce, supported market value early in the period. Subsequent industry consolidation, notably Thiele Kaolin Company's acquisition of Imerys' North American assets in 2021-2022, strengthened the position of key players. Concurrently, growing consumer preference for natural ingredients boosted the use of kaolin in cosmetic products.

By 2023, major producers announced price increases for kaolin products, reflecting cost pressures and contributing to higher market value despite lower volumes. Global kaolin consumption showed recovery, growing by 2.9% in 2024, which indirectly supported stable demand conditions in the North American market.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in Northern America

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 America's production of kaolin and kaolinic clays has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 4 640 K t, marking a gradual decrease of 9.4% from 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually grew by 29.7%, which translates to an average annual rate of 9.1%. The peak was in 2018, with 5 350 K t produced, and that year also saw the largest increase at 49.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Northern America's production value of kaolin and kaolinic clays fell. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 317 M $ US, down 7.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 52.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 428 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 42.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from Northern America

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays from Northern America dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 3.7 K t, a slight decline of 2.8% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 27%, averaging a 10.0% annual decline. The peak was in 2018 at 7.9 K t, with the largest drop in 2019 at 52.4% and the biggest rise in 2018 at 57.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China and the United Kingdom were the primary buyers of kaolin and kaolinic clays from Northern America, together accounting for 19.0% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values of kaolin and kaolinic clays from Northern America fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 037 K $ US, a small reduction of 1.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.9%. The highest value was in 2018 at 1 812 K $ US, with the largest decline in 2019 at 42.1% and the largest increase in 2018 at 50.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and the United Kingdom remained the key partners for Northern America's kaolin and kaolinic clays exports in value terms, jointly making up 11.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to Northern America

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays into Northern America declined for the third straight year. In 2020, imports reached 188.3 K t, a significant drop of 30.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 56.8%, with an average annual decrease of 24.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Brazil was the main source for kaolin and kaolinic clays imports into Northern America, accounting for 71.7% of total imports in volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values of kaolin and kaolinic clays into Northern America decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 53 743 K $ US, down 24.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports declined by 27.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.2%. The peak was in 2018 at 75 794 K $ US, with the largest increase that year at 2.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Germany, and Bulgaria consistently led the import structure in value terms for Northern America. Brazil accounted for 56.0%, Germany for 1.4%, and Bulgaria for 0.6%, together representing 58.1% of total import flows.

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

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