Limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The physical volume of Austria's market for limestone flux, limestone and other calcareous stone used in lime and cement manufacture declined from 592 thousand tons in 2018 to 528 thousand tons in 2023. After a notable drop to 499 thousand tons in 2020, demand recovered to 580 thousand tons in 2021 but then fell again in the following years.

Measured in value, the market told a different story. Its size remained relatively stable at around $2.8 million between 2018 and 2021 before surging to $4.1 million in 2022 and reaching $4.3 million in 2023. This sharp increase in market value against a declining consumption volume indicates a substantial rise in average prices for these materials.

The domestic production of these calcareous stones, a key determinant of market supply, decreased from 1.2 million tons in 2018 to 1.1 million tons in 2023. Exports, which represent a significant portion of Austrian output, varied from year to year, influencing the volume of material available for domestic consumption.

Production limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone in Austria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Austria's production of limestone flux, limestone, and calcareous stone was valued at 8 422 thousand US dollars, marking a 65.5% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 69.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2018, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Austria produced 1 112 thousand tonnes of limestone flux, limestone, and calcareous stone, representing a 77.8% increase from 2019.

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

Exports limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone from Austria

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, the volume of limestone flux, limestone, and calcareous stone exported from Austria began to rise. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 536.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 10.9%. In 2020, exports reached 614.8 thousand tonnes, reflecting a strong uptick of 14.5% compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market structure was highly concentrated, with Germany alone accounting for 99.9% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of limestone flux, limestone, and calcareous stone from Austria increased for the third consecutive year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 13.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%. In 2020, exports totaled 5 966 thousand US dollars, showing a modest rise of 6.8% from 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was by far the main destination for Austria's exports of limestone flux, limestone, and calcareous stone in value terms, accounting for 99.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone to Austria

Imports in kind, K t

The volume of limestone flux, limestone, and calcareous stone imported into Austria increased for the third consecutive year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 5 091 648.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3 606.4%. In 2020, Austria imported a total of 1.5 thousand tonnes, representing an abrupt increase of 51 656.3% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria's import dependence on Germany was pronounced, with this market accounting for 97.8% of total imports in volume terms of limestone flux, limestone, and calcareous stone.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest import value was recorded in 2017, while the highest stood at in 2020, reflecting a 272-fold gap. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 31.3%. In 2020, the value of limestone flux, limestone, and calcareous stone imports into Austria reached 267 thousand US dollars, which is 17 866.2% more year-on-year.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany almost fully determined the geographical structure of Austria's imports of limestone flux, limestone, and calcareous stone in value terms, with a share of 95.2% of total flows.

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

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