In 2009, the global mine production of lime decreased on the back of the unfavourable economic conditions, but the situation improved in 2010 and the world lime market set to follow an upward trend. In 2012, the overall mine production of lime registered a 2.7% YoY increase and amounted to 340 million tonnes. China is the dominant lime manufacturer; in 2012, the country captured almost 62% of the overall lime production.
Global mine production of lime broken down by country, 2012
Graymont Ltd., Mississippi Lime Co, Western Lime Corp, Missouri Lime LLC, Grupo Calidra, BrasAgro Minerals Fertilizers, Märker Kalk GmbH, and Hohenlimburger Kalkwerke GmbH are among the top lime manufacturers in the world.
Lime is not extensively traded worldwide. Traditionally, lime was regarded as a low-value bulk product, which cannot be shipped to long distances and compete with the locally produced lime. Most countries have dolomite or limestone deposits; therefore, they are able to produce lime and cover the domestic demand. Meantime, there may be some foreign in lime trade between the neighboring countries (for instance, within the European Union), or lime can be imported to the countries where the product of high quality is not available.
The world lime market is poised to witness stable growth in the short and medium-term, and it is expected to register a 3% annual increase on average in the years ahead. Asia is predicted to be the leading regional lime producer through 2017, with the highest growth rates registered in China. Meanwhile, prices are forecast to increase faster than production and experience a 6 YoY increase on average over the next four years. By the year 2017, the world lime production is anticipated to exceed 393.4 million tonnes in volume terms.
More information on the lime market can be found in the report “Lime: 2014 Market Review and Forecast”.