Sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates expanded in physical volume to 52 966 t in 2019, supported by increased domestic production capacity. This growth followed the 2018 inauguration of Quimialmel's new plant, which added unique technology for aluminium ingot and silicate production, boosting output for national and international industrial sectors.

Market volume then contracted, falling to 39 060 t by 2023. This decline coincided with a broader 9.4% drop in Portugal's aluminium industrial production that year. Meanwhile, rising aluminium prices contributed to a significant increase in the market's value, which reached 22.8 million US dollars in 2023 compared to 17.2 million in 2020.

In the later period, the market context was shaped by continued upward pressure on aluminium prices and strategic national initiatives like the Portugal 2030 plan, which focuses on decarbonization and digital transition. Investments in circular economy models, including new facilities for producing recycled aluminium, also emerged as relevant factors for the industrial landscape.

Production sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2020, Portugal's production of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates was valued at 685.3 K $ US, marking a 21.0% decline from 2019. Over the 2018-2020 period, production fell by 13.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 867.4 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 9.5%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2020, Portugal produced 7 494 tonnes of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates, representing a 19.7% drop from the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 15.6%, with a CAGR of 5.5%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 9 336 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 5.1%.

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

Exports sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Portugal's exports of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 7 152 tonnes, showing a modest 3.8% rise from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports declined by 33.2%, with a CAGR of 12.6%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 5 939 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 44.5%. In contrast, 2020 recorded the largest increase of 16.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Angola and Spain were the dominant markets for Portugal's exports in kind, together accounting for 96.8% of total flows, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

After two years of decline, Portugal's exports of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates rebounded. In 2021, export value reached 2 484 K $ US, a sharp 44.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 16.5%, with a CAGR of 5.8%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 1 720 K $ US, while 2019 saw the largest decline of 37.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Angola (49.8% of export value), Spain (29.5%), and South Africa (5.9%) were the main destinations for Portugal's sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates exports in value terms, collectively representing 85.2% 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 sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Portugal's imports of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates increased. In 2021, imports totaled 51 729 tonnes, a solid 12.7% rise from the previous year. The lowest volume was in 2020 at 45 894 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 7.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain accounted for 77.7% of Portugal's imports in kind of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates, with the rest distributed among various smaller markets.

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

After two years of decline, Portugal's imports of sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates rose. In 2021, imports were valued at 18 189 K $ US, a steep 42.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 8.4%, with a CAGR of 2.7%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 18 189 K $ US, while 2019 saw the largest decline of 12.8%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Spain (40.8% of import value), Turkey (23.5%), and Russia (10.0%) remained the key sources for Portugal's imports in value terms, together comprising 74.3% of total flows.

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

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