Africa: Zinc Market 2024

Zinc Market Size in Africa

For the third consecutive year, the African zinc market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 10% to $X in 2021. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Zinc Production in Africa

In value terms, zinc production expanded to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 31% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2019; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Zinc Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of zinc decreased by -29.8% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after three years of growth. Overall, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when exports increased by 43%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, zinc exports fell markedly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 52% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Burkina Faso prevails in exports structure, resulting at X tons, which was approx. 93% of total exports in 2021. Congo (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to zinc exports from Burkina Faso stood at +46.9%. At the same time, Congo (+82.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Congo emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +82.7% from 2012-2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Burkina Faso and Congo increased by +90 and +3.2 percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Burkina Faso ($X) remains the largest zinc supplier in Africa, comprising 81% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Congo ($X), with an 8.1% share of total exports.

In Burkina Faso, zinc exports expanded at an average annual rate of +44.5% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, reducing by -3.5% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a drastic downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the export price increased by 52%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Congo ($X per ton), while Burkina Faso amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Congo (+0.7%).

Zinc Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2021, the amount of zinc imported in Africa expanded significantly to X tons, increasing by 6.8% against 2020. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 35%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, zinc imports soared to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 23% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

South Africa was the main importer of zinc in Africa, with the volume of imports recording X tons, which was approx. 44% of total imports in 2021. Egypt (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 16% share, followed by Kenya (8.2%), Morocco (7.6%), Tunisia (4.7%) and Algeria (4.7%). Djibouti (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

South Africa experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of zinc. At the same time, Algeria (+38.8%), Egypt (+9.4%), Tunisia (+3.9%), Morocco (+2.7%) and Djibouti (+1.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Algeria emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +38.8% from 2012-2021. Kenya experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Egypt, South Africa, Algeria and Morocco increased by +9.3, +4.7, +4.4 and +1.8 percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported zinc in Africa, comprising 39% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Egypt ($X), with an 18% share of total imports. It was followed by Kenya, with a 9.2% share.

In South Africa, zinc imports expanded at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Egypt (+12.3% per year) and Kenya (+3.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 15% against the previous year. Import price indicated tangible growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 35%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Kenya ($X per ton) and Algeria ($X per ton), while South Africa ($X per ton) and Djibouti ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kenya (+4.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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