Lime market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The lime market in Denmark experienced substantial growth from 2018 to 2024, with volume more than doubling from 97.8 thousand tons to 196.0 thousand tons. This expansion was driven by two major surges, first in 2020 when volume jumped by over 20% to 126.7 thousand tons, and again in 2022 with a nearly 39% increase to 169.3 thousand tons. A slight dip in volume occurred in 2021, but the overall trajectory remained strongly upward.

In value terms, the market grew even more sharply, rising from 12.5 million US dollars to 31.9 million US dollars, indicating significant price increases or a shift toward higher-value products. This growth was underpinned by a steep rise in imports, which climbed from 43.1 thousand tons in 2018 to 117.1 thousand tons in 2024, becoming a dominant component of supply. Domestic production also expanded steadily over the period, from 60.3 thousand tons to 87.8 thousand tons.

By 2024, the market volume showed signs of stabilization at a high level, with a minor correction to 196.0 thousand tons. The market value, however, continued to edge upward, reaching 31.9 million US dollars, suggesting sustained demand and firm pricing despite the plateau in physical consumption.

Production lime in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Lime production in Denmark increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output of lime was valued at 13 229 thousand US dollars, marking a robust rise of 19.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 35.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 10.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 9 318 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 4.6%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020, reaching 19.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Denmark's lime production volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, 78 137 tonnes of lime were produced in Denmark, corresponding to a solid advance of 11.5% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 29.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports lime from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Denmark's lime exports declined. In 2021, Denmark exported 9 089 tonnes of lime, which is 18.2% lower compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 60.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 11 109 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 51.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Norway, Finland, and Sweden were the main destinations for Denmark's lime exports in kind. Norway accounted for 45.2% of exports, Finland for 23.6%, and Sweden for 23.4%, with these three countries together representing 92.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year advance, lime exports from Denmark declined. In 2021, the export volume reached 2 459 thousand US dollars, which is 8.4% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 26.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 686 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 28.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Norway, Finland, and Sweden were the principal destinations for Denmark's lime exports in value terms. Norway accounted for 55.1% of exports, Finland for 16.4%, and Sweden for 15.0%, with these three countries jointly accounting for 86.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports lime to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Denmark's lime import volumes declined. In 2021, Denmark imported 53 000 tonnes of lime, representing a 21.8% decrease versus the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 22.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 67 735 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 30.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Sweden and Germany together accounted for 88.6% of Denmark's total lime imports in kind, while other countries formed a diversified but less significant portion.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, Denmark's volume of lime imports declined. In 2021, imports amounted to 5 249 thousand US dollars, showing a fall of 18.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 12.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 6 446 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 17.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Sweden and Germany formed a dominant pair of markets for Denmark's lime imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 85.6% of total flows, whereas other countries represented the residual share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021