Market Overview

The South African lime market rose to $

in 2019, growing 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 +

% over the period from 2007 to 2019; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2011 when the market value increased by

% y-o-y. Lime consumption peaked at $

in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2019, consumption failed to regain the momentum.

In value terms, lime production expanded slightly to $

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

% over the period from 2007 to 2019; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2011 with an increase of

% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $

. From 2012 to 2019, production growth failed to regain the momentum.

Consumption

In 2019, approx.

tonnes of quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime were consumed in South Africa; surging by

% compared with 2018. Overall, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2011 with an increase of

% y-o-y. Over the period under review, consumption reached the maximum volume at

tonnes in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2019, consumption failed to regain the momentum.

The revenue of the lime market in South Africa amounted to $

in 2019, increasing 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 +

% over the period from 2007 to 2019; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2011 with an increase of

% against the previous year. Lime consumption peaked at $

in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2019, consumption failed to regain the momentum.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for lime in South Africa, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, 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, the share of imports in terms of total lime consumption in South Africa was relatively small in physical terms, fluctuating under an

% figure. In value terms the share of imports also stood at a low figure, which means that the South Africa lime market is largely supplied by domestic manufacturers.

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 South Africa