In 2023, South Africa's bentonite production stood at 193.62 thousand metric tons. Over the past two years, there has been a consistent upward trend with a year-on-year variation of 2.69% in 2022 and 2.57% in 2023. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last five years (2018-2023) was measured at 2.84%, illustrating a moderate and stable growth in the bentonite sector.
Historically, bentonite production in South Africa has shown significant fluctuations. From a marked decline between 2013 and 2016 to a period of recovery and growth from 2016 onwards, the sector has experienced both challenges and expansions. The negative year-on-year variations in specific years, such as the major dip in 2020 by 14.54%, were followed by rebounds like the 23.89% increase in 2021.
Future trends predict a continued steady growth. Forecasts for the upcoming five years (2024-2028) indicate a potential 10.06% growth rate, translating to a forecasted CAGR of 1.94%. This suggests a positive growth trajectory, albeit at a slightly slower pace compared to previous years. Factors to watch include advancements in production technology, changes in market demand, regulatory impacts, and global economic conditions that could influence bentonite production.
