Natural sands market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the natural sands market in Spain saw a steady expansion, with physical volume rising from 47 374 тыс. т to 48 978 тыс. т and market value increasing from 260 млн $ US to 305.7 млн $ US, indicating consistent underlying demand.

A notable surge occurred in 2023, as market volume peaked at 52 463 тыс. т and value reached 334.4 млн $ US. This growth coincided with high inflation and a sharp 33% rise in construction material costs, which drove prices upward. Concurrent pressure from a housing sector crisis accelerated sand scarcity, though consumption levels remained firm.

In 2024, the market experienced a correction, with volume dipping slightly to 51 922 тыс. т and value declining to 298.2 млн $ US. The continued influence of global inflation and the real estate downturn, coupled with a growing governmental focus on natural resource conservation and circular economy principles, contributed to this moderated activity.

Production natural sands in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's natural sands production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 266.6 million US dollars, marking a 5.2% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 25%, which translates to an annualized rate of 7.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Spain's natural sands production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 48 591 thousand tonnes were produced, up by 1.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 21%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.6%.

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

Exports natural sands from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Spain's natural sands exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 434.2 thousand tonnes, down by 15.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 7.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 537.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 13.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Spain's natural sands exports in kind were Andorra, accounting for 36.8% of exports, Gibraltar with 16.2%, and Portugal at 15.7%. Together, these three countries formed a cluster representing 68.7% 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

Spain's natural sands exports in value terms remained broadly stable year-on-year in 2020, totaling 18 736 thousand US dollars. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 8%, corresponding to an annualized rate of -2.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 18 633 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 15.9% that year. In contrast, the highest value occurred in 2018 at 22 157 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 8.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the principal buyers of Spain's natural sands in value terms were Portugal, representing 35.5% of exports, France at 15.4%, and Italy with 12.6%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 63.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports natural sands to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's natural sands imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 350.6 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 19.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 19.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.0%. The peak import volume was in 2018 at 450.3 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 3.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Morocco and Portugal were the primary sources for Spain's natural sands imports in kind, jointly accounting for 83.9% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

Spain's natural sands imports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 17 010 thousand US dollars, reflecting a reduction of 21.2% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 22.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 32 252 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 47.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 33.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the key partners for Spain's natural sands imports in value terms were Portugal, representing 34.6% of imports, Morocco at 13.6%, and South Africa with 11.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 59.4% of total import flows.

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

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