Quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The Austrian market for quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime experienced notable fluctuations between 2019 and 2021. Market volume fell by over 17% to 402.2 thousand tons in 2020, primarily due to a sharp 69% increase in exports which reached 169.7 thousand tons. This surge in outward shipments coincided with a modest 2% rise in domestic production to 505.2 thousand tons and a 27% drop in imports. The market rebounded strongly in 2021, expanding by 34% to reach 539.2 thousand tons. This recovery was driven by a significant 21% jump in production to 609.8 thousand tons, which more than offset a continued decline in imports.

Over the broader period from 2018 to 2024, Austria's trade patterns showed clear directional shifts. Imports of lime products fell steadily from 84.9 thousand tons in 2018 to just 32.7 thousand tons in 2024, representing a contraction of more than 60%. Export volumes, while more volatile, remained at elevated levels compared to 2018, peaking in 2020 before settling at 89.5 thousand tons in 2024. These sustained trade flows contributed to a net exporter position for the country in most years.

In value terms, the market followed a similar path, with its worth dipping slightly to 46.6 million $ US in 2020 before growing by 35% to 62.9 million $ US in 2021. The increase in market value outpaced the growth in volume, suggesting changes in product mix or price levels during the period of recovery.

Production quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime in Austria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Austria's production of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime was valued at 53 132 thousand US dollars, marking a 6.5% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 6.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Austria produced 505.2 thousand tonnes of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime, showing a slight gain of 1.9% compared to 2019.

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

Exports quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime from Austria

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime from Austria increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 169.7 thousand tonnes, up by 69.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 60.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 17.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 95.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 9.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Hungary, and Slovenia were the principal destinations for Austria's exports in kind. Germany accounted for 48.2% of exports, Hungary for 19.5%, and Slovenia for 16.6%, collectively making up 84.2% of total export 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

The value of exports for quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime from Austria increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 12 321 thousand US dollars, a 52.6% rise year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 59.4%, with an annualized rate of 16.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 7 381 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Slovenia, and Hungary formed the main cluster of markets for Austria's exports in value terms. Germany contributed 52.0% of export value, Slovenia 14.9%, and Hungary 12.6%, together accounting for 79.5% of total export 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, slaked lime and hydraulic lime to Austria

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year uptick, imports of quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime into Austria declined. In 2020, imports reached 66.7 thousand tonnes, down by 27.4% from the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 6.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 91.9 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase of 35.1% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and Czechia remained the main sources for Austria's imports in kind, jointly accounting for 82.1% of total import flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

The value of imports for quicklime, slaked lime, and hydraulic lime into Austria declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 5 799 thousand US dollars, a 2.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports fell by 11%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Czechia, and Italy made the biggest contributions to Austria's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 53.4% of import value, Czechia for 20.2%, and Italy for 15.4%, collectively representing 89.0% of total import flows.

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

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