As an industrial island country, Singapore relies heavily on trade and import, especially natural resources. Most kaolin in Singapore is sourced from other countries, making it a potential destination for kaolin business. Ensure you understand the country’s potential in kaolin trade before participating in the business.

Overview of the Kaolin Market in Singapore

Singapore’s economy relies heavily on tech, trade, and industry, and it needs a huge amount of kaolin to fulfill manufacturers’ needs. The country is a part of the kaolin market trend in the Asia Pacific, which shows positive growth due to the rise of development (construction), manufacturing, and lifestyle trends like skincare.

Singapore imports kaolin from around the world, but in 2018, the largest kaolin imports came from Malaysia, the United States, and the UK. The total market value of kaolin imports in Singapore reached around USD2.5 million. Singapore has also started importing kaolin from neighboring Indonesia.

Recent kaolin imports in Singapore showed a slight decrease to a flat trend since 2019, while the export declined. The global economy is expected to face challenges from pandemics, conflicts, and inflation rates. However, Asia Pacific countries still show a relatively bright potential despite similar challenges, so there is still huge potential for kaolin trade with Singapore.

Kaolin Uses in Singapore

Example of the use of kaolin in singapore

Kaolin in Singapore is used for numerous purposes, especially in construction, manufacturing, and trade. Here are some examples:

1. Beauty and Skincare Products

Kaolin is widely used in the making of beauty and skincare products. Its absorbent quality is perfect for products for oily or acne-prone skin. Kaolin is usually added into facial mask cream, cleansing foam, and non-greasy sunscreen. 

Kaolin is also added to some deodorants, soap, exfoliation products, and cosmetics like face powder, eye shadow, and lipstick. Kaolin products usually create soft, matte, non-glossy effects on the skin or lip’s surface.

Skincare product manufacturers and small cosmetic businesses in Singapore use cosmetic-grade kaolin in bulk.

2. Construction

Singapore’s rapid development requires strong, versatile, and affordable material, and kaolin fulfills all the requirements. Kaolin is mixed with other materials to create aggregate or filler. Kaolin is also used as bricks because they melt at higher temperatures than regular bricks.

Related: 5 Kaolin Uses in Construction (Low Environmental Impact)

3. Paint and Pigment

Kaolin is used to create a matte/non-glossy look using paint. It also helps with dispersion and improves brightness, making the color look more prominent. Kaolin is also used in pigment for a similar effect in crafts such as pottery and ceramics.

Related: All You Need to Know about Kaolin Clay as Paints & Coatings

4. Paper and Paperboard

Businesses in Singapore depend on constant supplies of paper and paperboard. Kaolin coating gives the paper better opacity and brightness. It also helps paper absorb ink, improving the result of writing or printing. Similar effects can be seen on paperboards, such as the ones used for packaging.

Related: Kaolin in Paper Industry, the Current Production Trend

5. Pharmaceutical Products

Singapore has big and small pharmaceutical companies, and kaolin is used in many pharmaceutical products. It is a filler for capsules and an active ingredient to alleviate several conditions, from diarrhea to mouth sores.

Related: Kaolin in Pharmacognosy: What Practitioners Do with It?

6. Plastic and Rubber Products

Plastic and rubber manufacturers often use clay products like kaolin as filler ingredients. Kaolin can also reinforce the structure and create an attractive sheen on the surface of products such as plastic sheets and bags. Kaolin’s high tolerance to heat compared to various other filler materials helps industries create durable products.

The Future of Kaolin in Singapore

When it comes to raw kaolin, Singapore mostly depends on exports. Even with the slightly declining market in kaolin, business owners can still find potential to sell kaolin products to Singapore. The relatively strong market in the Asia Pacific region also opens opportunities to invest in kaolin shipment, especially for manufacturing and construction businesses in Singapore.

Interested in starting a kaolin business and shipping to Singapore? Yukami can be a good partner in supplying kaolin. Based in Indonesia and with over 30 years of experience, Yukami provides high-quality kaolin and kaolin derivatives for industry purposes. With competitive prices and guaranteed industrial-grade products, Yukami has the best offers for anyone interested in the kaolin business.

As an island country with significant trade and industry values, Singapore is one of the most potential destinations for the kaolin market. Kaolin in Singapore is a sought-out material with diverse uses in many industries. Contact Yukami to get your supply and start a profitable business selling kaolin to Singapore.