South Africa: Market for Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers 2024

Market Size for Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers in South Africa

In 2023, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in the South African market for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers, when its value decreased by X% to $X. Overall, consumption, however, saw modest growth. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2022, and then reduced in the following year.

Production of Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers in South Africa

In value terms, production of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers expanded slightly to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, showed a mild slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the production volume increased by X%. Over the period under review, production of reached the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers

Exports from South Africa

In 2023, shipments abroad of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers decreased by X% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after three years of growth. In general, exports recorded a perceptible decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of X%. Over the period under review, the exports of hit record highs at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2023, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, exports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers dropped rapidly to $X in 2023. Overall, exports recorded a perceptible contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2023, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Zimbabwe (X tons) was the main destination for exports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers from South Africa, with a X% share of total exports. Moreover, exports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers to Zimbabwe exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Zambia (X tons), fourfold. Lesotho (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Zimbabwe amounted to X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Zambia (X% per year) and Lesotho (X% per year).

In value terms, Zimbabwe ($X) remains the key foreign market for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers exports from South Africa, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Zambia ($X), with a X% share of total exports. It was followed by Lesotho, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value to Zimbabwe stood at X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Zambia (X% per year) and Lesotho (X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average export price for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers stood at $X per ton in 2023, growing by X% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a mild expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2022 an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2023 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Namibia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Zimbabwe (X%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Carnallite, Sylvite and Other Crude Natural Potassium Salts, Potassium Magnesium Sulphate and Mixtures of Potassic Fertilisers

Imports into South Africa

In 2023, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in supplies from abroad of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers, when their volume decreased by X% to X tons. In general, imports, however, showed a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons, and then shrank notably in the following year.

In value terms, imports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers fell dramatically to $X in 2023. Overall, imports, however, showed a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 with an increase of X% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X, and then dropped notably in the following year.

Imports by Country

The UK (X tons), Nigeria (X tons) and China (X tons) were the main suppliers of imports of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers to South Africa, together accounting for X% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2023, the biggest increases were recorded for the UK (with a CAGR of X%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers to South Africa, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Nigeria ($X), with a X% share of total imports. It was followed by the UK, with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value from the United States stood at X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Nigeria (X% per year) and the UK (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2023, the average import price for carnallite, sylvite and other crude natural potassium salts, potassium magnesium sulphate and mixtures of potassic fertilisers amounted to $X per ton, dropping by X% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a mild downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 an increase of X% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2023, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2023, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for the UK ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (X%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform