During Global Slag Live 3rd Seminar on June 2021, Sylvie Doutres, partner of DSG Consultants, spoke about trade flows of granulated slag (GBFS) and ground granulated slag (GGBFS or GGBS) in Euro-Med for 2020.She also gave some key trends for 2021.
In 2020, we estimated at 5.6Mt blast furnace slag exported (granulated and ground granulated) from Euro-Med area (seaborne and inland). A decline by 10% compared to 2019.
Seven countries represented 90% of this volume. Including Germany (where 80% export are inland), Italy, Spain, Netherlands, France and, outside EU28, Turkey and Ukraine (where 100% exports are inland). Turkey has improved slag exports since 2019 compared to european exporting countries.
Major importing countries in Western Europe (UK, Belgium, France, Spain, Ireland and Netherlands) received in 2020 about 3Mt of granulated slag (GBFS). An increased volume by 20% with regards to 2019. These imports should increase again in 2021 and reach 3.2Mt.
Sourcing from non-EU28, mainly from Turkey and Japan, has became major sourcing to W. Europe (52% of their imports in 2020). This trend should be confirmed over 2021. This is due to the rising demand for slag and an European production under carbon constraints.
Selecting far-distance sourcing has an impact on the port and maritime logistics. Bigger vessels to massify mean expanded storage facilities and an efficient unloading equipment. Logistics issues that Ports and shippers must take into account in their slag supply chains.
To find the full presentation, connect here.
