Slaked market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for slaked lime in Slovakia expanded from 151.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 191.5 thousand tons in 2020, a 26% increase. This growth took place against the backdrop of a continuing downturn in the construction sector since 2018, which traditionally dampens demand for building materials such as slaked lime.

After reaching its peak, the market contracted over the next three years, falling to 165.6 thousand tons by 2023. The 2023 elections triggered a leadership change at the state-owned holding DMD, potentially disrupting procurement patterns in state-influenced industrial segments. Furthermore, the state's ownership of more than 120 companies, some recording substantial losses, added to economic uncertainty that likely restrained industrial demand.

A partial recovery occurred in 2024, with volume rising to 174.3 thousand tons. The Russian invasion of Ukraine continued to exert upward pressure on energy and food prices, indirectly impacting production costs and consumer spending power. Simultaneously, a rise in new retail and market-research businesses signaled heightened entrepreneurial activity, while a persistent shortage of qualified labor pushed up wage costs. These factors contributed to a 4.3% decline in the market's dollar value to 36.6 million dollars, highlighting the effect of inflationary pressures on pricing.

Production slaked in Slovakia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Slovakia's slaked production volume declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, output was valued at 20 320 K $ US, marking a slight decrease of 0.9% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 6.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 20 508 K $ US, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 6.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Slovakia's slaked production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 218.4 K t of slaked, representing a robust rise of 17.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 20.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 175.5 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 3.5% that year.

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

Exports slaked from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

Slovakia's slaked export volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 34 639 t, showing a 2.9% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 11.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland and Ukraine accounted for 80.4% of Slovakia's total slaked exports in volume terms. The remaining share was distributed among various other destinations, each contributing smaller individual amounts.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Slovakia's slaked export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 3 218 K $ US, reflecting a modest uptick of 7.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 20.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland and Ukraine consistently represented 81.2% of Slovakia's total slaked export value, indicating a highly concentrated market structure alongside numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports slaked to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

The import market showed volatility during the observed period. Import levels reached their lowest point in 2019 at 4 439 t, then surged to 7 672 t in 2020, representing a 72.8% year-over-year increase. This created a 1.7-fold difference between the two years. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 37.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia (62.3% of imports in volume), Hungary (13.5%), and Austria (11.2%) were the main sources of slaked imports to Slovakia, together accounting for 87.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of reduction, Slovakia's slaked import value increased in 2020. Imports reached 1 000 K $ US, up by 61.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 14.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 620 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 19.6% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three main markets — Czechia, Italy, and Hungary — together accounted for 82.1% of Slovakia's total slaked import value.

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

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