According to recently released figures from Chinese Customs, China’s exports of refractory products were 2.099m. tonnes in 2008, accounting for a 38.5% increase over 2007. Their value increased by 57.41% to $1,296m. over the previous year.
Of the main consuming markets for refractories by global output, China accounts for 36% steel production, 50% cement production, 25% nonferrous metals production, and 40% of glass production. The accompanying charts show the target markets for Chinese refractories by country.
Unsurprisingly, the Customs figures also confirmed the continuing decline of Chinese refractory raw materials exports (such as bauxite, magnesite). This has been driven by government measures such as export quota restrictions, increasing export...