Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Oceania

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for kaolin and kaolinic clays in Oceania fell sharply in 2019 to 175.2 thousand tons from 253.3 thousand tons in 2018. Despite the introduction of Imerys S.A.'s EType™ hyper-platy kaolin product line for paper applications that year, the decline reflected broader industry challenges. The market rebounded in 2020 to 218.9 thousand tons, supported by acquisitions such as Sibelco's purchase of Ukrainian clay producers and EICL Limited's full acquisition of Kaolin India Private Limited, which expanded regional production capabilities.

Growth continued through 2021 and 2022, with the market reaching 229.8 thousand tons and then 243.6 thousand tons. This expansion was fueled by strong demand from the Asia-Pacific region, which accounts for half of global kaolin consumption, and by rising use of kaolin in fibreglass for automotive and aerospace sectors. Emerging applications in high-purity alumina for telecommunications and electronics also contributed. Meanwhile, global supply chain disruptions posed constraints, but increasing quality standards in ceramics and construction bolstered demand. Looking ahead, Sibelco announced a major greenfield expansion plan for clays production from 2024, and LB Minerals Ltd. revealed plans to boost output to 120 thousand tons of enriched kaolin in Western Australia.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in Oceania

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

Following two consecutive years of decline, Oceania's production of kaolin and kaolinic clays rebounded in 2020. The region produced 221.1 thousand tons that year, representing a significant 24.1% year-over-year increase. However, looking at the broader 2017-2020 period, production actually fell by 17.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 178.2 thousand tons, which also saw the steepest annual decline of 31.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of contraction, the value of kaolin and kaolinic clays production in Oceania showed recovery in 2020. Output was valued at 103.2 million US dollars that year, marking a solid 13.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the full 2017-2020 timeframe, however, production value declined by 24.6%, translating to an annualized decrease of 9.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 90.9 million US dollars, which also experienced the most substantial annual drop of 30.8%.

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

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from Oceania

Exports in kind, t

Oceania's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined for the third straight year in 2020. The region shipped 15 136 tons that year, representing a 13.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 32.5%, with a compound annual decline rate of 12.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Japan, and Thailand were significant buyers of Oceania's kaolin and kaolinic clays, accounting for 19.2%, 13.2%, and 7.6% of export volumes respectively. However, their combined share reached only 39.9% of total exports, with the remaining 60.1% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

For the third consecutive year, Oceania's export value of kaolin and kaolinic clays decreased in 2020. Exports totaled 7 062 thousand US dollars that year, down 20.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value declined by 38.2%, with a compound annual decrease of 14.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Oceania's kaolin and kaolinic clays exports in value terms were spread across a diverse range of countries. China, Japan, and the United States were the leading destinations, accounting for 16.4%, 12.9%, and 7.7% of export value respectively. Together, these three markets represented just 37.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to Oceania

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Oceania imported 12 866 tons of kaolin and kaolinic clays, showing a notable 11.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import volumes declined by 12%, equivalent to an annualized decrease of 4.2%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 8.8%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the United States, China, and Germany were Oceania's primary suppliers of kaolin and kaolinic clays by volume. The United States accounted for 55.8% of imports, followed by China at 11.1% and Germany at 4.2%. Together, these three countries supplied 71.1% of Oceania's total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Oceania's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays increased for the second consecutive year in 2020. The region imported goods valued at 7 712 thousand US dollars, representing a modest 3.4% increase compared to 2019. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 6 606 thousand US dollars, which also saw the steepest annual decline of 15.9%. The most significant annual increase occurred in 2019 at 12.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, China, and Germany were Oceania's main suppliers of kaolin and kaolinic clays by value. The United States accounted for 59.2% of import value, followed by China at 9.6% and Germany at 7.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 76.2% of Oceania's total import value during this period.

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

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