Slaked market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Portuguese slaked lime market volume grew from 74 876 tonnes to 85 345 tonnes. This expansion was supported by the presence of established national producers like Qualical and Maxical, which invested in production innovation, rigorous quality control, and offered products compliant with European REACH regulations. Concurrently, rising demand from the construction and agriculture sectors, which use hydrated lime for mortars and soil correction, provided a steady outlet for increased supply. The market contracted to 77 127 tonnes in 2020, a decline indirectly linked to the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption of supply chains and broader economic activity.

Market volume recovered modestly to 78 648 tonnes in 2021 and rose more significantly to 83 337 tonnes in 2022. During this period, domestic producers maintained their focus on quality, innovation, and customer service, reinforcing product acceptance. Furthermore, the broader global market growth for hydrated lime, driven by infrastructure and environmental applications, resonated in Portugal. The continued relevance of European regulatory standards like REACH ensured market access and fostered demand for certified, high-quality products from these key sectors.

In the following years, the physical market volume adjusted to 78 261 tonnes in 2023 and stabilized at 77 440 tonnes in 2024. Over the same period, the market's value demonstrated a different trajectory, increasing consistently from 6 979 thousand US dollars in 2018 to a peak of 10 958 thousand US dollars in 2023, before a slight correction to 10 462 thousand US dollars in 2024, reflecting shifts in product mix, quality, or pricing dynamics beyond pure volume changes.

Production slaked in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Portugal, the output value of slaked lime reached 8 391 thousand US dollars in 2021, marking a slight increase of 0.9% compared to the previous year. Production grew by 12.3% between 2018 and 2021, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 560 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 14.5%. In contrast, the most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 2.9%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Portugal's slaked lime production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 84 961 tonnes, which is 9.2% lower than in 2020. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 2.7%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The peak production was in 2019, reaching 96 614 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 16.8% recorded that same year.

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

Exports slaked from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Portugal's cross-border shipments of slaked lime declined. In 2021, exports amounted to 11 761 tonnes, representing a decrease of 44.4% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The highest export volume was in 2020 at 21 162 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 41.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, slaked lime from Portugal was primarily shipped to Spain, which accounted for 97.9% of total exports in volume terms.

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

Following a two-year increase, slaked lime shipments from Portugal to abroad declined. In 2021, exports stood at 1 077 thousand US dollars, down by 36.7% year-on-year. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 702 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 26.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain nearly fully determined the geographical structure of Portugal's slaked lime exports in value terms, holding a share of 95.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports slaked to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal's imported volumes of slaked lime stood at 5 448 tonnes, showing a significant increase of 15.8% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 49.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 14.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 5.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 35.8%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the country structure of Portugal's slaked lime imports in volume terms was primarily shaped by Spain and France, which together accounted for 99.8% of total 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

Slaked lime shipments to Portugal from abroad increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Portugal imported 1 046 thousand US dollars worth of slaked lime, up by 35.1% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 78%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the country structure of Portugal's slaked lime imports in value terms was dominated by Spain, which accounted for 86.8% of total flows, while other destinations remained relatively small.

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

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