From 2013 to 2019, US swelling bentonite sales experienced considerable annual fluctuations, with significant declines particularly in 2015 and 2016. Although there was a slight recovery in 2017, the general trend from 2013 to 2019 displayed a regression in volumes due to inconsistent market conditions and demand.
Between 2020 and 2023, the market continued to show negative growth, albeit at a slower pace from previous periods, with 2023 levels at 3.07 million metric tons. The average variation per year over the past five years, reflected by a CAGR of -2.28%, shows a persistent, albeit gradual, decline in sales.
Forecasts for the next five years predict a further decline in bentonite volumes, with a CAGR of -2.08%, projecting a 9.97% total drop by 2028. The downward trend continues to suggest a declining market.
Future trends to watch for include potential shifts in the construction and oil drilling markets, technological advancements in alternative materials, and global trade dynamics that could either mitigate or exacerbate the ongoing decrease in swelling bentonite demand.
