Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Vietnam

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the Vietnamese market for kaolin and kaolinic clays gradually contracted in physical volume, falling from 182.1 thousand tons to 167.7 thousand tons. In contrast, the market's value demonstrated strong growth, rising by 35.5% to reach $57.4 million, indicating a shift toward higher-value products or increased unit prices over the period.

Domestic production volume remained constant at 100.0 thousand tons annually, but its monetary value increased steadily, reaching $27.0 million in 2022. Import volumes, which constitute a significant portion of market supply, declined from 105.8 thousand tons in 2018 to a low of 91.9 thousand tons in 2020 before a partial recovery, while export volumes fluctuated between 20.9 and 26.8 thousand tons.

Trade data for 2023 and 2024 shows notable volatility, with imports dropping sharply to 57.8 thousand tons in 2023 before surging to 130.4 thousand tons in 2024. Exports remained relatively stable during these two years, averaging around 21 thousand tons, suggesting significant adjustments in supply or demand dynamics.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in Vietnam

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

Vietnam's production of kaolin and kaolinic clays remained stable in 2020, with output at 100.0 K t showing minimal change from 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018, at 0.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Vietnam's kaolin and kaolinic clays production was valued at 22 752 K $ US, marking a robust 14.8% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 20.7%, translating to an annualized rate of 6.5%. The largest decline was observed in 2019, at 1.3%.

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

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from Vietnam

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, Vietnam's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined in 2020. The country exported 20.9 K t, reflecting a strong decrease of 15.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 8.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 24.8 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 23.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, Bangladesh, and South Korea were the principal destinations for Vietnam's kaolin and kaolinic clays exports in kind. Japan accounted for 46.5% of exports, Bangladesh for 16.0%, and South Korea for 15.5%, together representing 78.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of gains, Vietnam's kaolin and kaolinic clays export volume declined in 2020. Exports amounted to 4 755 K $ US, indicating a measured reduction of 3.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 31.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 923 K $ US, with the largest increase occurring in 2018, at 31.2%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Japan, Bangladesh, and South Korea were the primary buyers of Vietnam's kaolin and kaolinic clays in value terms. Japan represented 46.8% of exports, Bangladesh 15.9%, and South Korea 15.4%, collectively accounting for 78.0% of total exports.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to Vietnam

Imports in kind, K t

Vietnam's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Imports totaled 91.9 K t, showing a substantial decrease of 12.2% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 9%, with an annualized rate of 2.9%. The peak was in 2018 at 105.8 K t, and the largest increase also occurred in 2018, at 25.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Bulgaria, and the United States were the largest suppliers of kaolin and kaolinic clays to Vietnam in kind. China contributed 46.9% of imports, Bulgaria 7.9%, and the United States 7.4%, together forming 62.2% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Vietnam's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in value terms reached 26 480 K $ US, a slight increase of 1.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 17.5%, with a CAGR of 5.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 27 072 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, at 3.5%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 20.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for Vietnam's kaolin and kaolinic clays imports in value terms were China, Bulgaria, and the United States. China accounted for 46.8% of imports, Bulgaria for 7.9%, and the United States for 7.4%, jointly representing 62.1% of total flows.

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

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