Silica and quartz sands market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish silica and quartz sands market experienced several shifts between 2018 and 2021. Initially, robust demand from the construction and glass industries supported a high market volume of 4 798 thousand tonnes in 2018, aided by the presence of major producers like Saint-Gobain's Industrias del Cuarzo. After a decline to 3 913 thousand tonnes in 2019, the market recovered to 3 995 thousand tonnes in 2020 as growing solar energy and sustainable construction sectors boosted demand, despite supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. This recovery accelerated in 2021, with volume surging to 4 763 thousand tonnes, driven by increased use of silica sand in photovoltaic glass and solar panel manufacturing.

From 2022 onward, the market faced headwinds. Volume dropped to 4 256 thousand tonnes in 2022 due to global logistics crises and rising energy prices, which increased costs and constrained availability. European policy changes affecting mineral mining and exports also played a role. In 2023, the market stabilized at around 4 192 thousand tonnes, but 2024 saw a sharp contraction to 3 195 thousand tonnes. In value terms, the market peaked at 78.9 million US dollars in 2023 before falling to 61.8 million US dollars in 2024, reflecting price fluctuations independent of volume movements.

Production silica and quartz sands in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Silica and quartz sands production in Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 49 464 K $ US, marking a 2.7% year-on-year decrease. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with production reaching 60 421 K $ US, a 22.5% rise. However, the following year saw the most significant decline, as production fell by 15.8% in 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Spain produced 3 995 K t of silica and quartz sands, showing a modest 2.5% increase compared to the previous year. The maximum production volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 819 K t, representing a 19.1% increase. Conversely, 2019 saw the lowest output at 3 897 K t, with a 19.1% decline.

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

Exports silica and quartz sands from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Silica and quartz sands exports from Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 116.9 K t, a modest 7.5% decrease compared to 2019. The peak was in 2018 at 161.7 K t, reflecting a 17.1% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 21.8% drop. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 15.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Portugal, and France were the main buyers of silica and quartz sands from Spain. Italy accounted for 38.9% of exports in kind, Portugal for 26.5%, and France for 12.3%. Together, these three countries comprised 77.7% of total exports in kind.

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

After a two-year decline, Spain's silica and quartz sands exports increased in value. In 2020, exports reached 9 993 K $ US, a 16.1% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 606 K $ US, with a 22.5% decline. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 11%, with a CAGR of -3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Italy, and France formed the main cluster of markets for Spain's silica and quartz sands exports in value terms. Portugal accounted for 31.6% of exports, Italy for 24.4%, and France for 10.7%. Together, these three countries represented 66.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports silica and quartz sands to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, silica and quartz sands imports into Spain declined. In 2020, imports totaled 116.9 K t, reflecting an 18.0% year-on-year contraction. The peak was in 2019 at 142.6 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 37.2% rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 14.2%, equating to a 4.5% annualized growth rate.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal played a leading role in Spain's silica and quartz sands imports in kind, accounting for 79.1% of total flows. The remainder was distributed across other trading partners.

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

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. In 2020, Spain's silica and quartz sands imports stood at 10 890 K $ US, an 8.9% decrease compared to the previous year. The peak was in 2018 at 20 119 K $ US, with a 95.0% increase, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 40.6%. The period registered a trough in 2017 and a peak in 2018, showing a 1.9-fold variation.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Belgium, and France were consistently the main sources for Spain's silica and quartz sands imports in value terms. Portugal accounted for 57.9% of imports, Belgium for 13.7%, and France for 10.0%. Together, these three countries comprised 81.6% 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