Magnesite market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

Canadian magnesite production increased significantly from 150 thousand tons in 2018 to 200 thousand tons by 2021, before stabilizing in 2022. This growth was interrupted by a temporary dip in 2020, with market size following a similar trajectory and reaching nearly 200 thousand tons by 2022. Trade flows shifted notably, as import volumes fell steadily over the period while exports began in 2021, reducing net domestic availability.

The market's underlying demand is supported by strong consumption in pharmaceutical applications, particularly for antacids and excipients, driven by health awareness in North America. Concurrently, the food processing sector's preference for natural, clean-label ingredients has boosted demand for food-grade magnesium carbonate. These sustained drivers helped the market recover and maintain volume after the 2020 contraction.

Evolving regulatory trends in packaging and labeling across North America, emphasizing environmental claims and recyclability, have also shaped product requirements. Furthermore, industrial applications in sectors like construction and materials continue to utilize magnesium carbonate for its lightweight and eco-friendly properties, contributing to steady market fundamentals through the period.

Production magnesite in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada was one of the world's leading magnesite producers, ranking 13th globally by production volume.

Top producers of magnesite, 2017-2020

World map of production of magnesite, 2017-2020

In 2020, Canada produced 160.0 K t of magnesite, marking an 11.1% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 6.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 180.0 K t, which represented the largest annual increase of 20.0%.

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

Exports magnesite from Canada

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 0.0 t, then surged to 4 t in 2020, representing a dramatic year-over-year increase of 120,666.7%. The peak occurred in 2017, with a staggering 34652-fold difference between the high and low points. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 100.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Brazil, and Japan were the top destinations for Canada's magnesite exports by volume. The United States accounted for 56.8% of exports, Brazil for 22.5%, and Japan for 13.3%, together making up 92.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their minimum in 2019 at 0.1 K $ US, then rose to 4 K $ US in 2020, a substantial 2,523.4% increase from the previous year. The maximum was recorded in 2017, with a 262-fold variation between the peak and trough. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 99.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and Brazil remained Canada's primary buyers of magnesite in value terms, jointly accounting for 80.3% of total exports. The remaining share was distributed among various other countries.

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

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

Imports magnesite to Canada

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Canada's magnesite import volume declined. Imports peaked in 2019 at 1 893 t, then fell to 681 t in 2020, a sharp 64.0% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 36.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.2%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 57.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and the United States were the main suppliers of magnesite to Canada by volume, together representing 93.0% of total imports. Other countries contributed smaller, fragmented shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year rise, Canada's magnesite import volume declined. Imports reached their highest point in 2019 at 1 335 K $ US, then dropped to 1 065 K $ US in 2020, a solid 20.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 47.7%, with an annualized rate of 13.9%. The largest increase was in 2018 at 60.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, China and the United States dominated Canada's magnesite imports in value terms, accounting for 93.7% of the total. Other countries formed a diverse but less significant portion of imports.

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

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