Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the Swedish kaolin market volume stood at 265.5 thousand tons, relying entirely on imports as domestic production was minimal due to the denial of an environmental permit for kaolin mining by Svenska Kaolin AB. However, steady demand from the paper industry, which annually used several hundred thousand tons of kaolin as filler and coating material, supported the market. The ceramic community also showed growing activity, with Keramikgruppen Kaolin in Stockholm serving as a meeting place for artists and craftsmen. By 2020, production surged to 215.3 thousand tons, contributing to a rise in total market volume to 435.3 thousand tons.

After the peak in 2020, market volume declined to 350.4 thousand tons in 2021, despite growing interest in kaolin for cosmetics and skincare products due to its mild and absorbent properties. In subsequent years, environmental and permitting regulations, including requirements under the Environmental Code, continued to affect mining and production. Meanwhile, investments in ceramic art and gallery activities sustained niche demand. By 2023, the market volume had fallen to 259.8 thousand tons.

In 2024, the market volume slightly recovered to 267.5 thousand tons. Trends in digitalization and AI integration in marketing, as well as increasing demand for natural and eco-friendly products like kaolin clay within the context of sustainability and circular economy, supported this recovery.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

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

The market showed significant volatility during these years. In 2018, production volumes hit their lowest point, while they peaked in 2020, with an enormous 427-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Sweden produced 215.3 K t of kaolin and kaolinic clays, which was 10.8% lower than the previous year.

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

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from Sweden

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 0.5 K t, then peaked in 2020 at 1.6 K t, marking a 3.4-fold increase. This 2020 volume represented a sharp rise of 239.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Belgium, and Finland were the key export partners for kaolin and kaolinic clays in kind. Denmark accounted for 42.7% of exports, Belgium for 28.2%, and Finland for 10.5%, together making up 81.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited notable volatility during this period. Export values fell to their lowest point in 2019 at 355 K $ US, then peaked in 2020 at 844 K $ US, showing a 2.4-fold variation. The 2020 value represented an uptick of 137.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a decrease of 9.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Denmark, Belgium, and Norway were the principal buyers of kaolin and kaolinic clays from Sweden in value terms. Denmark accounted for 46.0% of exports, Belgium for 17.7%, and Norway for 10.7%, jointly representing 74.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to Sweden

Imports in kind, K t

Sweden's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Sweden imported 221.7 K t, which was 14.0% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 21.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the United States were the central sources for imports in kind. Together, these three markets accounted for 87.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported volumes of kaolin and kaolinic clays in Sweden declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, Sweden imported 52 423 K $ US worth, showing no significant change compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 3.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States, Belgium, and the United Kingdom were the key partners for imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 36.8% of imports, Belgium for 30.7%, and the United Kingdom for 17.3%, together making up 84.7% of total import flows.

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

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