Limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone market in Ireland

Earlier Report Observations

The Irish market for limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone showed considerable variation from 2018 to 2024. After reaching 4 491 thousand tons in 2019, total market volume fell sharply to 2 967 thousand tons in 2020. A sustained recovery followed, with the market climbing to 4 266 thousand tons by 2022 before a slight contraction in 2023.

Market volume surged to 4 996 thousand tons in 2024, supported by a concurrent recovery in the broader European limestone sector. After a multi-year decline, rising European consumption and production for cement and construction materials provided a favorable backdrop, contributing to increased production and market activity in Ireland that year.

Production limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone in Ireland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Ireland, the production value of limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone reached 66 351 thousand US dollars in 2020, showing a robust 10.5% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 60 034 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.4%, translating to an annualized rate of 3.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two years of growth, limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone production in Ireland declined. In 2020, output was 2 913 thousand tonnes, marking a dramatic 34.3% decrease from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 4 430 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 17.6%. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 17.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.2%.

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

Exports limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone from Ireland

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Ireland exported 408 tonnes of limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone in 2020, down 7.7% from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 442 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 72.9%. From 2017 to 2019, exports showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of 2.5 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of exports in kind was characterized by a strong dominance of the United Kingdom, which accounted for 77.6% of total flows, while other partners held relatively minor shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Ireland's export value of limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 122 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a 9.4% rise over the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 69 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 17.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 60.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 44.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom and Switzerland dominated exports in value terms, together accounting for 88.0% of total flows, with other destinations making smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Imports limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone to Ireland

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone imports into Ireland declined. In 2020, imports totaled 54 501 tonnes, reflecting a 10.0% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 60 564 tonnes, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 10.2%. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 3.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom remained the almost exclusive supplier of limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone to Ireland, with a share of 93.7% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Ireland's import value of limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone was recorded at 3 415 thousand US dollars, representing a controlled 9.3% increase relative to the prior year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 512 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 36.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 11.0%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 32.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for imports in value terms was centered on the United Kingdom, whose share amounted to 75.5% of total flows, while other markets formed a less significant perimeter.

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

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