Silica and quartz sands market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the Dutch silica and quartz sands market dropped significantly from 13 056 thousand tons in 2018 to 8 775 thousand tons in 2019. This decline coincided with the tightening of safety regulations for respirable crystalline silica dust, which increased compliance costs and temporarily reduced activity in key consuming industries like glass manufacturing and construction.

Market volume recovered to 9 861 thousand tons in 2020 and reached 12 605 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was supported by rising demand for silica sand as infill material for artificial grass fields, as well as its broad use in ceramics, chemicals, and metal foundries. Increased imports and production also contributed to the market expansion.

Throughout the period, the market remained highly concentrated, with Sibelco holding over 90% of domestic quartz sand extraction. Long-term factors such as the transition to a circular economy and upcoming stricter reporting rules for hazardous substances are shaping the industry's regulatory environment.

Production silica and quartz sands in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The Netherlands has seen its silica and quartz sands production increase for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 149.4 million US dollars, marking a 25.3% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 21.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 6.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 119.0 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year being 3.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Silica and quartz sands production in the Netherlands has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 11 775 thousand tonnes, showing a substantial 22.8% increase compared to 2020. However, from 2018 to 2021, overall production decreased by 9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 8 327 thousand tonnes, and the largest decline that year was 35.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports silica and quartz sands from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

Exported volumes of silica and quartz sands from the Netherlands have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 449 thousand tonnes, up by 6.5% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 8.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.7%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 373 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year being 10.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 13.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium and Germany clearly dominated the partner structure for exports in kind, while other countries together accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Silica and quartz sands deliveries from the Netherlands have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 47 501 thousand US dollars, representing a measured loss of 6.4% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 9.2%, which equates to an annualized rate of 3.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom continued to lead as the top buyers of silica and quartz sands from the Netherlands in value terms. Belgium accounted for 50.4% of exports, Germany for 20.6%, and the United Kingdom for 9.7%, jointly taking 80.7% of total exports in value.

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

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

Imports silica and quartz sands to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2021, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2021, the Netherlands' volume of silica and quartz sands imports amounted to 1 278 thousand tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 85.1% over the past year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 15.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, imports in kind of silica and quartz sands to the Netherlands were largely oriented towards Germany and Belgium. Their combined share reached 86.8% of total flows, with other destinations playing a secondary role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year contraction, the Netherlands' volume of silica and quartz sands imports has increased. In 2021, imports reached 43 766 thousand US dollars, up by 7.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 40 697 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium and Germany jointly absorbed 83.6% of total imports in value terms of silica and quartz sands to the Netherlands, with the rest of the volume scattered across smaller markets.

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

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