Magnesite market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the natural magnesium carbonate market in Slovakia remained stable, with production volumes around 615 thousand tons and market size around 600 thousand tons. This stability was supported by the presence of companies like CENTRALCHEM and consistent demand from the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, where magnesite is used as an anti-caking agent, acidity regulator, and absorbent.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a sharp decline, reducing production to 517 thousand tons and market size to 502 thousand tons. However, in 2021, the market recovered to 577 thousand tons of production and 540 thousand tons market size. This rebound was driven by the launch of new supplement products containing magnesium carbonate by Slovak manufacturers such as Adelle Davis, alongside growing consumer preference for natural and vegan products, which boosted demand for magnesite as a magnesium source.

In 2022, production fell again to 512 thousand tons, and market size dropped to 490 thousand tons, reflecting a downward adjustment after the previous year's recovery.

Production magnesite in Slovakia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovakia ranked as the world's 7th largest producer of magnesite by volume.

Top producers of magnesite, 2017-2020

World map of production of magnesite, 2017-2020

In 2020, Slovakia produced 516.9 K t of magnesite, which represents a 16.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 15.3%, with an average annual decline of 5.4%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 615.5 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase of 0.9% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two consecutive years of growth, Slovakia's magnesite production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 43 081 K $ US, marking an 11.8% decrease from 2019. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 48 846 K $ US, while the largest increase of 7.6% was recorded in 2018.

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

Exports magnesite from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed volatility during the observed period. From the low in 2017 to the high in 2020, volumes varied by a factor of 1.8. In 2020, Slovakia exported 15 508 t of magnesite, reflecting a strong 20.5% year-on-year improvement. The largest decline of 14.6% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 77.3% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland and Czechia were the primary destinations for Slovakia's magnesite exports in kind, together accounting for 99.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Between the minimum in 2017 and the maximum in 2020, values varied by a factor of 2.2. In 2020, magnesite exports from Slovakia amounted to 1 293 K $ US, up 26.4% from the previous year. The largest decline of 9.3% was recorded in 2019, while the largest increase of 89.1% occurred in 2018.

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

During 2017-2020, Poland and Czechia dominated Slovakia's export partner structure in value terms, with other countries collectively making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports magnesite to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Slovakia's magnesite import volume increased. In 2020, imports totaled 78 t, showing a steep 53.9% year-on-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 31.2%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 11.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 51 t, with the largest decline of 33.5% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovakia's import structure in kind was heavily concentrated on China, which accounted for 82.8% of total import flows, while other partners made up the rest.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Between the minimum in 2019 and the maximum in 2020, values varied by a factor of 9. In 2020, Slovakia's magnesite import value stood at 360 K $ US, which is 796.0% higher than in 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 40 K $ US, with the largest decline of 24.1% also occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, China (36.8% of import value), Czechia (27.4%), and Poland (25.8%) formed the core of Slovakia's import structure in value terms, together accounting for 90.0% of total import flows.

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

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