Silicon dioxide market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

Belgium's silicon dioxide market volume showed considerable volatility between 2018 and 2024. After starting at 238.6 thousand tons in 2018, it dipped to 203.6 thousand tons in 2020 before surging to a peak of 279.6 thousand tons in 2021. This was followed by a sharp contraction to 200.3 thousand tons in 2022 and a further decline to 153.6 thousand tons in 2023. The market stabilized slightly in 2024, reaching 160.2 thousand tons.

In 2024, the market's modest recovery was supported by strong per capita consumption growth, with Belgium ranking second globally in market value at approximately $690 million. European and Belgian regulatory developments, such as the REACH amendment restricting certain siloxanes and regional decrees on carbon dioxide transportation and building energy performance, also shaped the industrial environment for silicon dioxide.

Production silicon dioxide in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Belgium, the output value of silicon dioxide reached 124.8 million US dollars in 2020, marking a sharp increase of 51.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 67.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 18.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. Production hit its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with an 8.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Belgium produced 195.8 thousand tonnes of silicon dioxide, representing a dramatic rise of 778.6% from the year before.

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

Exports silicon dioxide from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, silicon dioxide exports from Belgium amounted to 17,290 tonnes, down by 42.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 42.4%, corresponding to an annualized decline of 16.8%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 30,017 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 4.2% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium's silicon dioxide exports in kind were widely distributed across partner countries. France accounted for 14.6% of exports, Slovakia for 13.5%, and the United Kingdom for 11.7%. Together, these three countries represented only 39.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Silicon dioxide exports from Belgium declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 50,966 thousand US dollars, down by 34.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 40.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.0%.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 indicates a diversified set of trading partners. Germany accounted for 14.1% of export value, France for 9.7%, and the Netherlands for 7.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented only 31.6% of total flows, while the remaining 68.4% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports silicon dioxide to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Silicon dioxide imports into Belgium declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 25,070 tonnes, down by 27.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 28.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 10.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 37,015 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 6.0% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and China remained the main suppliers of silicon dioxide to Belgium in terms of volume. The Netherlands accounted for 25.7% of imports, Germany for 24.2%, and China for 19.5%. Together, these three countries formed 69.3% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Silicon dioxide imports into Belgium declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Belgium imported 43,306 thousand US dollars worth of silicon dioxide, showing a substantial decrease of 15.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 27.8%, corresponding to an annualized decline of 10.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, China, and the United Kingdom led the structure of imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 47.0% of import value, China for 12.3%, and the United Kingdom for 10.3%. Together, these three countries represented 69.6% of total import flows.

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

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