Uzbekistan Among Asia’s Top Five Exporters of Expanded Clay

Uzbekistan has become one of Asia’s top five exporters of expanded clay, exfoliated vermiculite, and foamed slag, according to a new report by IndexBox titled «Asia – Expanded Clays – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.» In 2024, the country accounted for about 4.5% of regional exports, or roughly 3,500–4,000 tonnes.

Fastest Growth in the Region

IndexBox data shows that Uzbekistan recorded the fastest export growth rate in Asia. Between 2013 and 2024, its average annual export volume rose by 135.5%, while export value increased by 125.4%. This surge reflects the rapid development of the country’s expanded clay production and its growing role as a supplier of energy-efficient construction materials amid a booming building sector.

Lowest Export Price in Asia

In 2024, the average export price of Uzbek expanded clay stood at just $128 per tonne, the lowest in the region. For comparison, the United Arab Emirates sold at $1,335 per tonne, China at around $600, and the regional average was $689. The competitive pricing has made Uzbekistan’s expanded clay an attractive option for cost-conscious construction markets, driving demand abroad.

Market Context

The total Asian market for expanded clay, exfoliated vermiculite, and foamed slag reached 8.2 mln tonnes in 2024. China remains the largest producer and consumer, accounting for 42% of the total, followed by India and Japan. The regional average export price dropped by 21% year-on-year to $689 per tonne, highlighting broader price adjustments across the market.

Kursiv also reports that the head of Kazakhstan’s Cement and Concrete Producers Association QazCem, Erbol Akimbayev, has claimed that Uzbekistan’s Cabinet of Ministers issued a confidential order in July that disrupted cement exports to the country.