Refractory ceramic goods excluding those of siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, production of refractory ceramic goods in Portugal increased from 10 971 t to 14 217 t, while market volume grew from 12 852 t to 15 961 t. This expansion was supported by the innovative capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises in the ceramic sector and a robust industry structure with over 1,000 companies generating substantial turnover.

Market volume contracted to 11 927 t in 2020, returning close to 2018 levels. The subsequent period saw the sector confronted with a sharp rise in energy prices from 2022, pressuring production costs and leading to operational adjustments such as lay-offs.

During this time, the industry launched the 'Portugal Ceramics' brand to strengthen its export position, while key market players like Vesuvius invested significantly in research and development, introducing new specialized products for high-technology applications.

Production refractory ceramic goods in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2019, Portugal's output of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those of siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) reached its peak value of 10 094 K $ US. However, in 2020, production dropped sharply to 7 807 K $ US, marking a significant decline of 22.7% compared to the previous year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, when output surged by 31.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Portugal's production of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those of siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) peaked in 2019 at 14 217 t. In 2020, output fell steeply to 10 134 t, representing a 28.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production declined by 7.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 2.6%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019, with a growth of 29.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports refractory ceramic goods from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 at 24 t, then surged dramatically to 611 t in 2021, marking a sharp increase of 2,445.9% from the previous year. From the high in 2018 to the low in 2020, volumes varied by 28 times. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 92.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the leading destinations for Portugal's exports of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those of siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) in kind were Mexico, accounting for 42.7% of exports, Spain with 32.8%, and Angola at 9.8%. Together, these three countries represented 85.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports bottomed in 2020 at 59 K $ US, then peaked in 2021 at 748 K $ US, showing a 12.6-fold difference between these years. In 2021, export value surged by 1,161.0% compared to 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, with a drop of 71.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico, Spain, and Angola continued to be the top buyers of Portugal's refractory ceramic goods (excluding those of siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) in value terms. Mexico accounted for 31.3% of exports, Spain for 20.9%, and Angola for 15.0%, together representing 67.2% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports refractory ceramic goods to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's imports of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those of siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) in kind increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching 1 943 t, which is a 6.9% gain from the previous year. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 23.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 794 t, with the largest decline of 29.7% also occurring in that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Italy, and Germany stood out as the main sources for Portugal's imports of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those of siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) in kind. Spain accounted for 44.3% of imports, Italy for 22.1%, and Germany for 7.2%, together making up 73.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, Portugal's imports of refractory ceramic goods (excluding those of siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths) in value terms increased in 2021, reaching 9 623 K $ US, which represents a sharp advance of 26.9% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 13.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 7 583 K $ US, with the largest decline of 24.3% occurring in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In the period from 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Spain, Hungary, and Germany—together absorbed 66.8% of Portugal's total imports in value terms for refractory ceramic goods (excluding those of siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths).

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021