MERCOSUR: Zinc Market 2024

Zinc Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR zinc market was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. The total consumption indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.3% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Zinc Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, zinc production expanded to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, showed prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 62%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Zinc Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the amount of zinc exported in MERCOSUR totaled X tons, approximately mirroring 2020. Overall, exports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 11%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, zinc exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated temperate growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -9.6% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 39%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Peru was the main exporting country with an export of around X tons, which accounted for 82% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Brazil (X tons), comprising an 18% share of total exports.

Peru experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of zinc. Brazil experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. Peru (+2.3 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Peru ($X) remains the largest zinc supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 84% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Brazil ($X), with a 16% share of total exports.

In Peru, zinc exports increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 21% against the previous year. Export price indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.3% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 49%. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Peru ($X per ton), while Brazil amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Peru (+5.6%).

Zinc Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in purchases abroad of zinc, when their volume increased by 29% to X tons. Total imports indicated a mild expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 44% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

In value terms, zinc imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports recorded a resilient increase. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Brazil (X tons) was the major importer of zinc, committing 45% of total imports. Argentina (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Colombia (X tons) and Chile (X tons). All these countries together held approx. 50% share of total imports. Ecuador (X tons) held a little share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Argentina (with a CAGR of +19.8%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, Brazil ($X), Argentina ($X) and Colombia ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 87% share of total imports.

In terms of the main importing countries, Argentina, with a CAGR of +24.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 25% against the previous year. Import price indicated notable growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 39% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Ecuador ($X per ton) and Argentina ($X per ton), while Brazil ($X per ton) and Colombia ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Colombia (+4.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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