Quicklime market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The quicklime market in Greece showed strong overall growth between 2018 and 2024, with market volume expanding from 82.9 thousand tons to 143.4 thousand tons. This upward trend was interrupted by a contraction in 2019, when volume fell to 72.6 thousand tons, but a sustained recovery began in 2020.

Market growth accelerated notably from 2021 onward, peaking at 145.8 thousand tons in 2023—an increase of more than 75% compared to the 2018 level. The following year saw a slight stabilization, with volume easing to 143.4 thousand tons. In value terms, the market rose from $5.5 million to $15.8 million, reflecting both higher volumes and increased prices.

Domestic production grew consistently throughout the period, from 93.4 thousand tons to 154.3 thousand tons, forming the backbone of market supply. Imports, though modest, became a steady source after 2019, while exports also increased, indicating robust sector activity.

Production quicklime in Greece

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Greece's quicklime production rebounded in 2020. Output was valued at 6 459 thousand US dollars, marking a solid 13.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 32.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 5 694 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 34.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year drop, quicklime production in Greece increased in 2020. The country produced 96.2 thousand tons, representing a strong 10.1% advance relative to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 25.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.3%. The minimum output was recorded in 2019 at 87.4 thousand tons, and the largest decline took place in 2018 at 27.7%.

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

Exports quicklime from Greece

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Greece exported 13 336 tons of quicklime, experiencing a robust 15.5% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 21%, equating to a 6.6% annualized rate. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 10 593 tons, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 15 780 tons. The largest increase was observed in 2019 at 49.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia and Albania together accounted for 80.4% of Greece's total quicklime exports in volume terms. Other countries formed a diversified but less significant portion of the export structure.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Greece's quicklime export value amounted to 1 025 thousand US dollars in 2020, down by 9.2% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 37.8%, corresponding to an 11.3% annualized growth rate. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 730 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was reached in 2019 at 1 128 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 54.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, North Macedonia remained the primary destination for Greek quicklime exports in value terms, accounting for 70.9% of the total. The remaining export value was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports quicklime to Greece

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during this period. In 2020, Greece imported 2 972 tons of quicklime, marking an abrupt 211.0% increase compared to 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at just 22 tons, with the largest decline that year at 93.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 4,321.1%. From the peak in 2020 to the trough in 2018, import volumes varied by a factor of 138.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkey and Croatia were the key partners for Greece's quicklime imports in volume terms, together representing 93.6% of total flows. Other countries accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. In 2020, Greece's quicklime import value totaled 356 thousand US dollars, rising by 270.1% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 9 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 72.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 1,008.3%. From the high in 2020 to the low in 2018, import values varied by a factor of 41.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Turkey and Croatia clearly dominated Greece's quicklime import structure in value terms, while other countries together formed the remaining share.

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

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