Magnesite market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish natural magnesium carbonate market volume fluctuated between 2018 and 2022, starting at 708 thousand tons in 2018, falling to 583 thousand tons in 2019, and stabilizing near 571 thousand tons in 2020. A rebound to 653 thousand tons occurred in 2021, followed by a slight decline to 631 thousand tons in 2022. In value terms, the market contracted to $133 million in 2019, held steady in 2020, then expanded to $166 million in 2021 and $190 million in 2022.

Spain emerged as a major global exporter of natural magnesium carbonate, with exports valued at $15.8 million in 2022 reinforcing its international market position. By 2023, magnesium carbonate captured over 30% of the food-grade magnesium derivatives market, driven by the food and beverage industry's use of these additives for flavor, texture, and nutritional enhancement. Key players such as Ube Industries and Magnesium Oxide Corp leveraged the growing demand for functional foods and health supplements.

Consumer preferences increasingly favored health-oriented products, with offerings adapted to include vegan, allergen-free powder and tablet formats focused on digestive, bone, and muscle health. Stringent quality and labeling regulations in Spain's food and supplement sector further influenced market development. While no major regulatory shifts were reported, industry innovation and partnerships, including those by Rudra Enterprise and Dalian Jinma Chemical Factory, pointed to ongoing market adaptation.

Production magnesite in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Spain was among the world's leading magnesite producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking 6th globally by production volume.

Top producers of magnesite, 2017-2020

World map of production of magnesite, 2017-2020

Spain's magnesite production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 626.1 K t of magnesite, down 1.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 20.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's magnesite output was valued at 146.5 M $ US, up 1.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 5.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 144.9 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 180.5 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 19.7%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 16.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports magnesite from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's magnesite export volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 60 884 t, up 10.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 378.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 68.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom were the main destinations for Spain's magnesite exports in kind. France accounted for 31.4% of exports, Ireland for 21.4%, and the United Kingdom for 18.1%, together representing 70.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Magnesite deliveries from Spain increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value totaled 14 247 K $ US, reflecting a strong rise of 13.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 470.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 78.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, France, the Netherlands, and Ireland played leading roles in Spain's magnesite exports in value terms. France accounted for 29.8% of exports, the Netherlands for 19.6%, and Ireland for 19.3%, jointly taking 68.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports magnesite to Spain

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Spain imported 5 595 t of magnesite, marking an increase of 58.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 149.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 35.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 60.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey played a leading role in Spain's magnesite imports in kind, accounting for 78.2% of total import flows, with the remainder distributed among other partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in Spain's magnesite import market from 2017 to 2020. The value varied 2.6-fold between the minimum in 2017 and the maximum in 2020. In 2020, Spain imported magnesite valued at [value_last_year] K $ US, indicating an uptick of 83.9% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 0.7%.

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

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

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