Key points in the global feldspar market
To prepare this report, the Minerallum team reviewed and connected USGS production data, WITS–Comtrade customs statistics, European Commission resources and Moroccan institutional publications.
The 2025 and 2026 editions of the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries provide the general statistical framework used to read production estimates and recent developments in nonfuel mineral markets [2–3].
Our analysis identifies five main conclusions:
- Feldspar demand continues to be driven mainly by glass and ceramics.
- Mine production is concentrated among several major countries, with India, Turkey and Iran leading the 2024 data.
- The exporter ranking does not exactly reproduce the producer ranking.
- Morocco has a meaningful position in global supply and strongly increased its declared exports between 2020 and 2024.
- The value of a flow depends on more than tonnage: grade, processing, documentation and destination can substantially change unit value.
The market should therefore be read across three separate levels:
| Level | What it measures | Useful question |
|---|---|---|
| Mine production | Quantity mined or produced by country | Where is supply capacity located? |
| Processing | Crushing, sorting, treatment, milling and micronisation | Which industrial grade is actually available? |
| International trade | Volumes and values declared to customs | Which flows connect producers and consuming markets? |
Confusing these levels leads to incomplete conclusions. A country may produce a large quantity and consume an important share domestically. Another may export a more highly processed product with a higher unit value.
What is the feldspathic-minerals market?
The word feldspar describes a family of aluminosilicates containing varying amounts of potassium, sodium or calcium [1].
Industrial statistics can use several terms:
- feldspar;
- potassium feldspar;
- sodium feldspar;
- mixed feldspar;
- feldspar rock or lumps;
- ground feldspar;
- feldspar powder;
- micronised feldspar;
- feldspathic minerals;
- nepheline syenite, which may be tracked separately or grouped in selected production statistics.
The comparison basis must therefore be identified precisely.
Production and trade do not always cover the same scope
USGS country pages can refer to feldspar and nepheline syenite together, depending on the statistical context. The WITS trade data used here cover HS code 252910 - Felspar.
This difference in scope explains why a production table should not be mechanically compared with an export table.
A customs code does not describe grade
An HS code tracks a commercial flow, but it does not necessarily specify:
- Na₂O and K₂O;
- Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂;
- mineral phases;
- particle size;
- whiteness;
- moisture;
- milling level;
- packaging;
- compliance with a ceramic or glass specification.
Two tonnes declared under the same code can therefore represent very different industrial products.
The European Commission Raw Materials Information System feldspar profile complements this reading with production, concentration and trade indicators across the value chain [16].
Main end uses: glass and ceramics
The USGS identifies glass and ceramics as the principal feldspar uses [1].
Glass
In glassmaking, feldspar supplies alumina. This contributes to the hardness, durability and chemical-corrosion resistance of the finished glass.
Demand is connected to markets including:
- flat glass;
- glass packaging;
- fibreglass;
- technical glass;
- construction;
- automotive;
- energy and equipment.
Ceramics
In ceramics, feldspar acts as a flux. It promotes the formation of a glassy phase and lowers the vitrification temperature of the body.
Applications include:
- tiles;
- porcelain stoneware;
- sanitaryware;
- tableware;
- porcelain;
- glazes;
- electrical and technical ceramics.
For a detailed discussion of composition, particle size and firing, our report on feldspar powder for ceramics explains the main industrial selection criteria.
Why downstream activity matters
The feldspar market does not move independently of its consuming industries.
It depends on:
- construction and renovation;
- tile and sanitaryware production;
- glass demand;
- energy costs;
- firing temperatures and cycle duration;
- plant utilisation;
- formulation substitutions;
- environmental requirements;
- raw-material inventories.
The European Commission identifies high energy prices and reliance on selected non-EU raw materials among the challenges facing the ceramic industry [15].
Global production: what the 2024 data show
USGS data position several major producers for 2024.
| Country | Documented rank or position | Estimated share of global production |
|---|---|---|
| India | 1st | 19% |
| Turkey | 2nd | 17% |
| Iran | 3rd | 12% |
| Italy | 5th | 7.1% |
| Thailand | 6th | 6.1% |
| Morocco | 8th | 2.3% |
Together, these six countries represent at least 63.5% of estimated global production according to the published shares [4–9].
Documented shares of global feldspar production in 2024
Comparison of USGS-published shares for six major producers.
India
India ranks first worldwide with an estimated 19% share [4].
Its market combines a large mining base, a developed ceramic industry and exports directed mainly towards Asia. WITS records 918,499 tonnes exported in 2024 for 65.40 million dollars [10].
Turkey
Turkey represents 17% of global production documented by the USGS and ranks second [5].
It also appears as the leading global exporter by value and volume in the 2024 WITS data, with about 5.204 million tonnes and 260.61 million dollars [10].
This position reflects a combination of resources, preparation capacity and proximity to major ceramic clusters.
Iran
Iran ranks third with an estimated 12% share of world production [6].
Its importance is clear in mine production, although its position in declared international trade does not necessarily match this rank because of domestic consumption and the structure of its trade.
Italy and Thailand
Italy represents 7.1% of global production and ranks fifth [7]. This position is consistent with its ceramic industry and specialised value chains.
Thailand ranks sixth with 6.1% [8]. WITS records almost 958,172 tonnes exported in 2024 [10].
Morocco
Morocco ranks eighth for feldspar and nepheline syenite, with an estimated 2.3% share [9].
This production share can appear lower than the observed trade volumes because the data systems, product groupings, reporting periods and estimation methods are not identical. Production and exports must therefore remain complementary views.
Global trade: leading exporters in 2024
The WITS database based on UN Comtrade ranks the leading exporters declared under HS 252910 as follows [10]:
| Exporter | 2024 volume | 2024 value | Calculated average customs value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 5.204 Mt | $260.61m | $50.1/t |
| South Africa | 0.250 Mt | $91.88m | $368.1/t |
| India | 0.918 Mt | $65.40m | $71.2/t |
| Thailand | 0.958 Mt | $30.12m | $31.4/t |
| Morocco | 1.035 Mt | $27.45m | $26.5/t |
Export volumes of five major exporters in 2024
Declared volumes under HS 252910, expressed in million tonnes.
Why do unit values differ?
The calculated average value per tonne varies widely between countries.
This can reflect:
- raw, crushed or ground feldspar;
- purity and composition;
- particle size;
- treatment and separation;
- packaging;
- destination;
- specialised small lots or bulk cargoes;
- costs included in the customs value;
- statistical structure and data quality.
An average customs value is therefore not a list price. Our report on feldspar price explains how to move from a statistical value to a usable commercial comparison.
Morocco’s trade position
For the national context, Morocco’s Office des Changes provides an official database for consulting and extracting import and export statistics by product, country and customs nomenclature [14]. The detailed values below remain based on WITS–UN Comtrade to preserve a consistent international comparison base.
WITS data show very strong growth in Morocco’s declared exports.
| Year | Export volume | Declared value | Calculated average value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 99,218 t | $2.67m | $26.9/t |
| 2023 | 648,379 t | $17.32m | $26.7/t |
| 2024 | 1,035,490 t | $27.45m | $26.5/t |
Between 2020 and 2024:
- volume increased by about 10.4 times;
- declared value increased by about 10.3 times;
- calculated average value remained close to $27/t.
Between 2023 and 2024 alone:
- volume increased by approximately 59.7%;
- value increased by approximately 58.5%.
Development of Moroccan feldspar exports
Volumes declared under HS 252910 for three reference years.
Very strong concentration towards Spain
The 2024 trade data record approximately:
- 1.020 million tonnes of Moroccan feldspar directed to Spain;
- 27.05 million dollars in declared value [13].
This represents approximately 98.6% of Morocco’s total export volume under this code in 2024.
The concentration demonstrates the importance of the Morocco–Spain corridor, consistent with:
- geographic proximity;
- maritime flows;
- the presence of a ceramic industry in Spain;
- demand for mineral raw materials;
- logistics economies on large volumes.
It also suggests two distinct market objectives:
- consolidate flows towards the Iberian cluster;
- progressively develop other destinations and higher-value products.
The second conclusion is an inference from our analysis of the flows rather than a figure directly published by one source.
What determines actual competitiveness?
Geological availability alone does not create a durable market position.
Deposit quality
Purchasers may examine:
- chemical composition;
- Na₂O/K₂O balance;
- iron and titanium;
- mineralogy;
- colour;
- homogeneity;
- quartz, mica and accessory minerals.
Preparation capacity
Product value also depends on available operations:
- selective extraction;
- crushing;
- washing;
- sorting;
- magnetic separation;
- drying;
- milling;
- micronisation;
- blending and homogenisation.
Lot-to-lot control
A ceramic or glass plant generally requires consistent material.
Useful data include:
- certificate of analysis;
- particle-size curve;
- XRF;
- XRD;
- moisture;
- traceability;
- reference sample;
- contractual tolerances.
Logistics
Feldspar is often a heavy product with a limited unit value.
Competitiveness depends strongly on:
- mine-to-plant distance;
- road or rail access;
- loading port;
- loading rate;
- moisture;
- net mass;
- bags, big bags or bulk;
- sea freight;
- vessel availability;
- unloading cost.
Industrial qualification
A new supplier may need to pass several stages:
- document review;
- sample;
- laboratory analysis;
- pilot trial;
- industrial lot;
- approval;
- consistency monitoring.
The market is therefore not only about finding a resource. The resource must be turned into a documented and repeatable product.
Demand factors and market risks
Construction and ceramics
Tiles, sanitaryware and glass products are connected to construction, renovation and industrial investment.
A decline in housing starts can reduce demand, while housing, infrastructure or modernisation programmes can support it.
Energy
Glass and ceramic kilns are energy intensive.
Higher gas or electricity prices can:
- reduce utilisation rates;
- accelerate the search for shorter cycles;
- change formulations;
- favour fluxes compatible with adjusted firing;
- shift production between regions.
Freight and geography
A low-unit-value product can lose competitiveness when freight increases.
Proximity between Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula therefore represents a structural advantage for selected flows, particularly at large volumes.
Substitution and formulation
Plants can adjust recipes using:
- another feldspar;
- nepheline syenite;
- recycled materials;
- cullet;
- alternative fluxes;
- different particle sizes.
Substitution is never purely commercial: it must be validated in the process.
Geographic concentration
Strong dependence on one producing country, port or customer increases exposure to disruption.
Purchasers and suppliers can reduce this risk through:
- alternative sources;
- safety stocks;
- staggered contracts;
- alternative ports;
- specifications compatible with several origins;
- quality monitoring.
How to analyse a market opportunity
For a producer or supplier
We recommend starting by:
- identifying industries present in the target country;
- understanding the grades currently imported;
- comparing available logistics;
- defining the required analyses and documents;
- preparing a representative sample;
- calculating delivered cost;
- measuring the ability to supply consistently.
For a purchaser
The review should cover:
- origin;
- annual capacity;
- product form;
- chemistry;
- mineralogy;
- particle size;
- lot-to-lot stability;
- packaging;
- logistics route;
- Incoterm;
- lead time;
- delivered cost;
- claims procedure.
For an investor
Important indicators include:
- resource and reserves;
- permits;
- grade and homogeneity;
- recovery;
- treatment investment;
- energy cost;
- water;
- infrastructure;
- proximity to customers;
- achievable price by grade;
- regulatory risks;
- production ramp-up.
What Morocco’s position makes possible
The reviewed data show three main strengths.
Morocco’s public mining-sector indicators and the 2021–2030 Plan Maroc Mines also provide the broader strategic context for responsible development, processing and value creation from national mineral resources [17].
A recognised mineral base
The USGS ranking places Morocco among significant global producers [9].
Capacity to serve high volumes
The increase from approximately 99,000 tonnes exported in 2020 to more than one million tonnes in 2024 demonstrates growth in trade flows [10–12].
Proximity to Southern Europe
The concentration towards Spain confirms the existence of a major commercial corridor [13].
Several routes can be examined to increase value creation:
- grade segmentation;
- prepared powders and defined particle sizes;
- iron reduction for selected applications;
- lot-specific documentation;
- packaging solutions;
- customer diversification;
- market development in Africa and around the Mediterranean;
- technical support for users.
These routes should be selected according to geology, available equipment and actual demand.
Conclusion: read the market beyond tonnage
Our study shows that the global feldspar market cannot be summarised by one ranking.
Production identifies the supply base
India, Turkey and Iran appear as the three leading producers in the reviewed 2024 data.
Trade reveals the real corridors
Turkey leads declared exports by volume and value, while Morocco exports more than one million tonnes.
Processing explains part of the value
Two flows under the same customs code can differ in purity, milling, particle size and packaging.
Morocco has a clear trade position
The country ranks eighth in production and its exports increased strongly, with a particularly concentrated corridor towards Spain.
The useful question is therefore not only:
“Which country produces the most feldspar?”
It becomes:
“Which origin can provide the grade, volume, consistency, documentation and delivered cost required for our application?”
Using this framework, Minerallum can connect market data with the technical and logistics requirements of a specific project.