Gypsum, Anhydrite And Limestone Market

The global gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone market is projected to grow in both volume and value terms by 2030. China, Spain, and Russia are among the top consumers and producers in the market. India, Bangladesh, and Japan are key importers. Limestone flux, limestone, and calcareous stone are the major exported products. Import and export prices vary by product type and country of origin. Overall, the market is expected to see continued growth in the coming years.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for gypsum, anhydrite and limestone worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.4% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 1,643M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.7% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $197.4B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Gypsum, Anhydrite And Limestone

In 2022, the amount of gypsum, anhydrite and limestone consumed worldwide contracted slightly to 1,475M tons, declining by -1.7% against 2021 figures. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Global consumption peaked at 1,500M tons in 2021, and then shrank in the following year.

The global gypsum, anhydrite and limestone market size shrank to $159.8B in 2022, approximately equating the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Global consumption peaked at $161.2B in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

Consumption By Country

China (261M tons) remains the largest gypsum, anhydrite and limestone consuming country worldwide, comprising approx. 18% of total volume. Moreover, gypsum, anhydrite and limestone consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, Spain (93M tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Russia (81M tons), with a 5.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in China totaled +1.9%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Spain (+43.6% per year) and Russia (+1.6% per year).

In value terms, the largest gypsum, anhydrite and limestone markets worldwide were Bangladesh ($33B), Nigeria ($23.9B) and China ($9B), with a combined 41% share of the global market. Indonesia, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, India, Spain, Brazil, Japan and Canada lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 8.7%.

Spain, with a CAGR of +38.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of market size among the main consuming countries over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2022, the highest levels of gypsum, anhydrite and limestone per capita consumption was registered in Spain (1,959 kg per person), followed by Turkey (794 kg per person), Canada (580 kg per person) and Russia (565 kg per person), while the world average per capita consumption of gypsum, anhydrite and limestone was estimated at 186 kg per person.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of the gypsum, anhydrite and limestone per capita consumption in Spain amounted to +43.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Turkey (+0.6% per year) and Canada (-1.4% per year).

Production

World Production of Gypsum, Anhydrite And Limestone

In 2022, the amount of gypsum, anhydrite and limestone produced worldwide fell to 1,469M tons, approximately mirroring 2021 figures. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the production volume increased by 13%. Over the period under review, global production attained the peak volume at 1,487M tons in 2021, and then shrank in the following year.

In value terms, gypsum, anhydrite and limestone production amounted to $140.3B in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 13%. Over the period under review, global production hit record highs at $143.4B in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production By Country

China (260M tons) remains the largest gypsum, anhydrite and limestone producing country worldwide, accounting for 18% of total volume. Moreover, gypsum, anhydrite and limestone production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Spain (104M tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Russia (81M tons), with a 5.5% share.

In China, gypsum, anhydrite and limestone production increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Spain (+32.3% per year) and Russia (+1.5% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Gypsum, Anhydrite And Limestone

In 2022, global gypsum, anhydrite and limestone imports amounted to 103M tons, leveling off at 2021. Over the period under review, total imports indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +7.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +27.0% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 25% against the previous year. Global imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, gypsum, anhydrite and limestone imports stood at $2.7B in 2022. Overall, total imports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +37.2% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports By Country

India was the key importer of gypsum, anhydrite and limestone in the world, with the volume of imports finishing at 34M tons, which was approx. 33% of total imports in 2022. Bangladesh (13M tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 12% share, followed by the United States (6.3%) and Taiwan (Chinese) (5.9%). The following importers - Germany (3.2M tons), the United Arab Emirates (2.8M tons), South Korea (2.8M tons), Indonesia (2.6M tons), Japan (2.6M tons), Kuwait (2.2M tons) and Malaysia (1.8M tons) - together made up 17% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to gypsum, anhydrite and limestone imports into India stood at +10.7%. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (+18.5%), Bangladesh (+16.5%), Malaysia (+13.6%), Taiwan (Chinese) (+7.9%), the United States (+6.8%), Germany (+5.2%), Indonesia (+3.3%), South Korea (+2.8%) and Kuwait (+1.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the world, with a CAGR of +18.5% from 2012-2022. Japan experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. While the share of India (+7.8 p.p.), Bangladesh (+6.8 p.p.), Kuwait (+2.1 p.p.) and the United Arab Emirates (+1.7 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2012-2022, the share of South Korea (-1.6 p.p.) and Japan (-2.5 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, India ($809M) constitutes the largest market for imported gypsum, anhydrite and limestone worldwide, comprising 29% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Bangladesh ($184M), with a 6.7% share of global imports. It was followed by Japan, with a 5.9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in India stood at +10.0%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Bangladesh (+11.9% per year) and Japan (+3.3% per year).

Imports By Type

Limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone was the largest type of gypsum, anhydrite and limestone in the world, with the volume of imports reaching 64M tons, which was approx. 65% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by gypsum and anhydrite (35M tons), comprising a 35% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key imported products, was attained by limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone (with a CAGR of +8.2%).

In value terms, the largest types of imported gypsum, anhydrite and limestone were limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone ($1.4B) and gypsum and anhydrite ($1.2B).

Among the main imported products, limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone, with a CAGR of +7.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review.

Import Prices By Type

The average gypsum, anhydrite and limestone import price stood at $27 per ton in 2022, increasing by 8.4% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a slight curtailment. Global import price peaked at $29 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was gypsum and anhydrite ($36 per ton), while the price for limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone amounted to $22 per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by gypsum and anhydrite (-0.1%).

Import Prices By Country

The average gypsum, anhydrite and limestone import price stood at $27 per ton in 2022, rising by 8.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a mild slump. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $29 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($62 per ton), while the United Arab Emirates ($10 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kuwait (+5.5%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Gypsum, Anhydrite And Limestone

In 2022, shipments abroad of gypsum, anhydrite and limestone increased by 10% to 98M tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, total exports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +7.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +20.7% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by 23%. The global exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, gypsum, anhydrite and limestone exports fell slightly to $1.7B in 2022. Overall, total exports indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +18.7% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 31% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $1.8B. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the global exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports By Country

The United Arab Emirates represented the major exporter of gypsum, anhydrite and limestone in the world, with the volume of exports finishing at 37M tons, which was approx. 38% of total exports in 2022. Oman (13M tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 13% share, followed by Spain (12%) and Thailand (6.6%). The following exporters - Japan (4.3M tons), Canada (3.5M tons), India (2.1M tons), Mexico (1.9M tons) and Iran (1.8M tons) - together made up 14% of total exports.

Exports from the United Arab Emirates increased at an average annual rate of +17.8% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Oman (+37.1%), Spain (+11.7%), Mexico (+6.8%), Iran (+6.5%) and Canada (+2.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Oman emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +37.1% from 2012-2022. India experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Japan (-1.0%) and Thailand (-3.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. The United Arab Emirates (+22 p.p.), Oman (+12 p.p.) and Spain (+3.5 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global exports, while Canada, India, Japan and Thailand saw its share reduced by -2.4%, -2.8%, -6% and -12.6% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($540M) remains the largest gypsum, anhydrite and limestone supplier worldwide, comprising 32% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Oman ($175M), with a 10% share of global exports. It was followed by Spain, with an 8.4% share.

In the United Arab Emirates, gypsum, anhydrite and limestone exports expanded at an average annual rate of +12.7% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Oman (+27.8% per year) and Spain (+10.0% per year).

Exports By Type

Limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone was the major exported product with an export of about 58M tons, which resulted at 61% of total exports. It was distantly followed by gypsum and anhydrite (37M tons), mixing up a 39% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exported products, was attained by limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone (with a CAGR of +8.6%).

In value terms, limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone ($912M) and gypsum and anhydrite ($829M) appeared to be the products with the highest levels of exports in 2022.

Limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone, with a CAGR of +7.1%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exported products over the period under review.

Export Prices By Type

The average gypsum, anhydrite and limestone export price stood at $17 per ton in 2022, shrinking by -10.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a mild contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 9.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $20 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was gypsum and anhydrite ($22 per ton), while the average price for exports of limestone flux, limestone and calcareous stone amounted to $16 per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by gypsum and anhydrite (+0.0%).

Export Prices By Country

The average gypsum, anhydrite and limestone export price stood at $17 per ton in 2022, declining by -10.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a slight curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 9.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $20 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Iran ($36 per ton), while Mexico ($9.3 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Canada (+4.8%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform