Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

The South Korean market for kaolin and kaolinic clays from 2018 to 2022 was characterized by its reliance on domestic production from Gyeongbuk, recognized for high-quality halloysite kaolin. The industry applied high-temperature calcination technology to adapt white kaolin for rubber applications, while demand stemmed from ceramics, paper, rubber, and cement sectors, despite a partial substitution trend toward calcium carbonate in papermaking.

Market volume saw fluctuations, contracting to 503.5 thousand tons in 2019 as legal definitions under the Mining Act clarified product classifications. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains in 2020, but robust domestic production and increased demand from a revitalized construction sector lifted the market to 549.8 thousand tons. Tightened environmental regulations on mining and processing, alongside new consumer-friendly packaging and labeling standards, contributed to a slight decline to 528.9 thousand tons in 2021.

In 2022, major domestic producers invested in facility expansion and new high-functional product development, supporting a market rebound to 605.7 thousand tons. This growth was further shaped by the expansion of eco-friendly processing methods, recyclable packaging, and direct impacts from international raw material price and exchange rate fluctuations on import costs.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea ranked 16th globally in the production of kaolin and kaolinic clays.

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, South Korea's production of kaolin and kaolinic clays increased in 2020. The country produced 393.2 K t that year, marking a robust rise of 23.8% compared to 2019. However, over the entire 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 45.7%, with an average annual decline of 18.4%. The lowest production was recorded in 2019 at 317.6 K t, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 49.0% decrease.

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

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from South Korea

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, South Korea's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined in 2020. The country exported 9.3 K t that year, showing a strong decrease of 24.0% compared to 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 2.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The highest export volume was in 2019 at 12.2 K t, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 24.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Japan and China remained the top markets for South Korea's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in volume terms, together accounting for 89.8% of total flows. Other partners played a supplementary role during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility from 2017 to 2020. Export volumes reached their peak in 2019 and fell to their lowest in 2020, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 2.6 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of kaolin and kaolinic clays from South Korea amounted to 1 547 K $ US, representing a reduction of 61.6% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 4 032 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 101.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Japan, and Vietnam were the main destinations for South Korea's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in value terms. China accounted for 59.3% of exports, Japan for 20.6%, and Vietnam for 5.4%, together absorbing 85.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to South Korea

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, South Korea imported 165.9 K t of kaolin and kaolinic clays, marking a strong decrease of 16.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 27%, with an average annual decline of 9.9%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 3.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and China jointly absorbed 84.5% of South Korea's total imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in volume terms. The remaining volume was distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, South Korea's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays totaled 40 624 K $ US, down by 15.1% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 22.3%, equating to an average annual decline of 8.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and China formed a dominant pair for South Korea's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in value terms, jointly accounting for 84.8% of total flows. Other countries represented the residual share.

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

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