Market Overview

The Saudi lime market stood at $

in 2019, picking up by

% against 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 +

% from 2007 to 2019; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2011 when the market value increased by

% year-to-year. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs in 2019 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

In value terms, lime production expanded notably to $

in 2019 estimated in export prices. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +

% from 2007 to 2019; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2011 when the production volume increased by

% year-to-year. Lime production peaked in 2019 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Consumption

In 2019, lime consumption in Saudi Arabia reached

tonnes, growing by

% on the previous year's figure. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +

% over the period from 2007 to 2019; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the consumption volume increased by

% year-to-year. Lime consumption peaked in 2019 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

The revenue of the lime market in Saudi Arabia rose rapidly to $

in 2019, with an increase of

% against 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 +

% over the period from 2007 to 2019; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2011 when the market value increased by

% year-to-year. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level in 2019 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for lime in Saudi Arabia, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +

% for the period from 2019 to

, which is projected to bring the market volume to

tonnes by the end of

.

Market Structure

Over the period under review, imports of lime in Saudi Arabia were negligibly small compared to the production volumes. Therefore, the share of imports in the total market was practically nonexistent, both in volume and in value terms. This situation has remained constant over the period under review, which means that domestic producers entirely meet the domestic demand for lime.

Trade Balance

This tangible trade surplus reflects the fact that the market remains buoyed by domestic production, and the industry is highly incorporated into the global market, which is likely to continue in the medium term.

Lime Market Overview in Saudi Arabia