Magnesite market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite) in Western Europe fluctuated significantly between 2018 and 2022. It started at 1 164 тыс. т in 2018, fell to 1 012 тыс. т in 2019, then recovered to 1 139 тыс. т by 2021 before dropping sharply to 943 тыс. т in 2022.

After a 13% contraction in 2019, the market rebounded by 10% in 2020 and grew a further 2% in 2021. The steep 17% decline in 2022 brought market volume below 1 000 тыс. т, marking the lowest point in the period.

By 2024, new regulatory and consumer trends began shaping demand. The EU authorized the use of magnesium carbonate in infant formula under Regulation EU 2024/387, opening a new food-sector application. Simultaneously, the rise of clean-label products and plant-based meat alternatives in Europe boosted consumption of magnesite as a natural mineral texturizer.

Production magnesite in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of magnesite, 2017-2020

World map of production of magnesite, 2017-2020

In 2020, Western Europe produced 1 109 K t of magnesite, marking a significant increase of 12.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 984 K t, while the highest was in 2018 at 1 157 K t. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 15.0%, whereas the largest increase was observed in 2018, rising by 14.2%.

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

Exports magnesite from Western Europe

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, magnesite exports from Western Europe totaled 3 076 t, showing a modest increase of 2.7% over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 18.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 967 t. The most significant decline happened in 2019, falling by 24.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, surging by 52.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom were the top buyers of magnesite from Western Europe, accounting for 14.0%, 7.5%, and 3.8% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 25.3% of total exports, but this share was not dominant, as the market included numerous smaller partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Western Europe exported magnesite worth 2 719 K $ US, reflecting a sharp increase of 58.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports in value terms grew by 76.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.8%. The most notable decline was recorded in 2019, dropping by 20.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, magnesite exports in value terms from Western Europe were relatively evenly distributed. Italy, Vietnam, and Slovakia were key destinations, contributing 9.9%, 7.5%, and 7.2% of exports in value, respectively. Combined, they accounted for only 24.6% of total flows, indicating a diverse range of trading partners.

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

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

Imports magnesite to Western Europe

Imports in kind, t

The import trend for magnesite in Western Europe was unstable during this period. In 2020, imports amounted to 8 501 t, representing a sharp decline of 72.6% from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 31 075 t, while the lowest was in 2020. The gap between these years was 3.7-fold, with the largest increase occurring in 2019, rising by 177.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Spain, and Turkey were among the leading suppliers of magnesite to Western Europe, accounting for 15.7%, 12.8%, and 10.8% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 39.3% of total imports, but this indicates a broadly diversified partner base, with many other countries involved.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes in magnesite imports to Western Europe, pointing to a volatile market. In 2020, imports reached 8 230 K $ US, reflecting a decrease of 42.1% year-over-year. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 14 221 K $ US, while the trough was in 2017. The difference between these years was 3.1-fold, with the largest increase occurring in 2019, up by 151.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, the country composition of magnesite imports in value terms to Western Europe was dispersed. Poland, China, and Spain were significant suppliers, contributing 19.2%, 8.8%, and 7.3% of imports in value, respectively. Together, they formed just 35.3% of total flows, with the remaining 64.7% spread across a wide range of other destinations.

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

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