Quicklime market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Austrian quicklime market was shaped by strong demand from the state-influenced steel and construction industries, which use quicklime as an essential raw material. Market volume stood at 405.4 thousand tons in 2018, then dipped to 391.5 thousand tons in 2019 before plummeting to 301.6 thousand tons in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and production activity.

A post-pandemic recovery drove the market back to 427.7 thousand tons in 2021, as construction and steel sectors regained momentum. Volume stabilized near 419.2 thousand tons in 2022, but another sharp contraction followed in 2023, with consumption falling to 343.8 thousand tons under the pressure of the European energy crisis, which raised production costs and weighed on market conditions.

In 2024, the market recorded a slight rebound to 349.7 thousand tons, although persistent supply-chain bottlenecks and volatile energy prices continued to affect the construction industry and sourcing dynamics.

Production quicklime in Austria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Austria's quicklime output was valued at 41 094 K $ US, marking a gradual 3.9% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 2.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 2.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 4.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Austria's quicklime production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 415.1 K t of quicklime, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 411.9 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 1.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 0.4%.

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

Exports quicklime from Austria

Exports in kind, K t

Quicklime exports from Austria increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 142.7 K t, representing a steep gain of 87.9% over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 166.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the three largest markets—Germany, Hungary, and Slovenia—remained central to Austria's quicklime exports in kind, collectively accounting for 82.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Quicklime exports from Austria increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 10 260 K $ US, showing a sharp increase of 73.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 157.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 37.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany (44.1% of exports in value terms), Slovenia (17.3%), and Hungary (15.9%) formed the core of Austria's quicklime exports in value terms, together accounting for 77.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports quicklime to Austria

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports varied significantly, with a low in 2020 and a high in 2018, showing a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Austria's quicklime imports reached 29.3 K t, down by 45.8% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 59.9 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 88.9%.

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

In 2017–2020, Germany and Czechia formed a dominant pair of markets for Austria's quicklime imports in kind, jointly accounting for 93.7% of total flows, with other countries representing the residual share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of quicklime to Austria declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 276 K $ US, equivalent to an intense drop of 31.7% year-over-year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 14.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 370 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 26.0%.

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

In 2017–2020, Germany and Czechia acted as the dominant destinations for Austria's quicklime imports in value terms, jointly taking 89.9% of total flows and leaving the remaining share to other markets.

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

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