Refractories Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Volume (2024) | 55.16 Million tons |
| Market Volume (2029) | 67.08 Million tons |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 3.99 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Refractories Market Analysis
The Refractories Market size is estimated at 55.16 Million tons in 2024, and is expected to reach 67.08 Million tons by 2029, at a CAGR of 3.99% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Due to COVID-19, numerous countries were in lockdown, significantly affecting the global economy and economic and industrial activities were temporarily halted. The refractories market also witnessed repercussions in production and demand from the end-user industries, such as iron and steel, cement, energy and chemicals, ceramics, etc. However, in the post-pandemic period, the end-user industries are growing because of the demand for products after economies open up.
- The significant demand for refractories in the iron and steel industry, along with increasing requirements from the cement and energy sectors, is driving the growth of the refractories market.
- Environmental and health concerns, along with the resulting guidelines and regulations, impact market dynamics and partially constrain industry operations in the refractories market.
- Increasing investments and research focused on the recycling of refractories present significant opportunities for growth in the refractories market.
- The Asia-Pacific region is projected to lead the market, with China, India, and Japan accounting for the majority of its share during the forecast period.
Refractories Market Trends
Increasing Demand from the Iron and Steel Industry
- Refractories are essential in the iron and steel industry, protecting high-temperature equipment and processes. They shield blast furnace components, such as the hearth and bosh, from extreme heat and corrosive slag. Basic Oxygen Furnaces (BOFs) and Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs) rely on these linings to withstand the challenges of steelmaking.
- In 2023, global production of usable iron ore reached an estimated 2.5 billion metric tons, according to the United States Geological Survey. Australia led with 960 million metric tons, accounting for 56.4% of the world's iron ore exports, valued at USD 91 billion.
- According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India set a record by increasing its iron ore production to 282 million tons in 2023, a nearly 14% rise from the previous year. Odisha, contributing 56% of India's ore, boosted its output by 18% to 159 million tons. The top eight mining firms in India collectively exceeded 20 million tons in production.
- According to provisional data from the World Steel Association, global crude steel production reached 1,715.12 million tons (mt) from January to November 2023, marking a year-on-year growth of 0.5%. Production hit 145.5 million tons in November alone, reflecting a 3.3% increase from the previous year.
- In conclusion, the iron and steel industry is witnessing significant growth in both production and demand, underscoring the vital role of refractories and the importance of iron ore supply in supporting this expansion.
Asia-Pacific region to Dominate the Market
- In the Asia-Pacific region, China stands out as the largest economy and a major player in global manufacturing and production. Its abundant supply of raw materials enables China to dominate the refractories market in both consumption and production.
- As the world's leading steel producer, China accounted for over half of global output, with the World Steel Association reporting steel production remained stable at approximately 1,019.1 million tons in 2023, consistent with 2022 figures.
- Additionally, a report from a research institute under the China National Petroleum Corporation revealed that China's annual oil refining capacity increased to 936 million tons in 2023, while refined oil consumption rose by 9.5% year-on-year to 399 million tons.
- In India, the World Steel Association noted a remarkable 11.80% increase in crude steel production for 2023, reaching 140.2 million tons, up from 124.4 million tons in 2022. Notably, October 2024 alone recorded steel production of 12.5 million tons, reflecting a 1.7% increase from the previous year.
- In February 2024, the JSW Group announced plans for a steel plant in Jagatsinghpur, Odisha, with a significant investment of USD 7.8 billion (Rs. 65,000 crore), targeting an annual production of 13.2 million tons. Concurrently, AMNS India is investing USD 7.4 billion in capacity expansion and value-added initiatives across upstream and downstream sectors, indicating a positive market outlook.
- Japan, the third-largest producer of crude steel, experienced a 2.5% decline in steel output in 2023, with production dropping to 87.0 million tons from 89.2 million tons in 2022. In October 2024, steel production was recorded at 6.9 million tons, marking a 7.8% decrease from the previous year.
- On a positive note, JFE Steel is securing funding to construct a significant electric arc furnace (EAF) at its West Japan Works in Kurashiki, set to replace the existing blast furnace No. 2, with commissioning anticipated in the fiscal year 2027/2028, starting April 1, 2027.
- In conclusion, the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, is experiencing dynamic growth in the steel and refractories markets, despite challenges in Japan, highlighting the region's critical role in the global industrial landscape.
Refractories Industry Overview
The refractories market is highly fragmented in nature. The major players (not in any particular order) include RHI Magnesita N.V., Krosaki Harima Corporation, Puyang Refractories Group Co., Ltd, Chosun Refractories, and Shinagawa Refractories Co., Ltd, among others.
Refractories Market Leaders
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RHI Magnesita N.V.
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Chosun Refractories
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Krosaki Harima Corporation
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Puyang Refractories Group Co., Ltd.
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Shinagawa Refractories Co., Ltd.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Refractories Market News
- October 2024: Shinagawa Refractories Co., Ltd. has acquired the entire issued share capital of Gouda Refractories B.V. from Andus Group B.V. Gouda Refractories, based in the Netherlands, is a prominent manufacturer of alumina refractories and offers a range of refractory services.
- March 2024: RHI Magnesita N.V. declared its plan to purchase Resco Group, valuing the deal at an enterprise value of up to USD 430 million. Resco Group, headquartered in the United States, specializes in producing alumina monolithics and offers diverse refractories. These include both basic and non-basic types, shaped and unshaped, catering to industries such as petrochemicals, cement, aluminum, and steel-making.
- October 2023: RHI Magnesita N.V. acquired the refractory businesses of the Preiss-Daimler Group (“P-D Refractories”), located in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia. P-D Refractories produces alumina-based refractories tailored for industrial applications across various process industries. Their diverse product lineup includes high-alumina specialties and bricks made from bauxite, andalusite, silica, fireclay, and magnesite.
Refractories Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Drivers
4.1.1 Substantial Usage of Refractories in the Iron and Steel Industry
4.1.2 Growing Demand for Refractories from Cement and Energy Sectors
4.2 Restraints
4.2.1 Environmental and Health Risks Associated with Refractories
4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products and Services
4.4.5 Degree of Competition
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size in Volume)
5.1 Product Type
5.1.1 Non-clay Refractory
5.1.1.1 Magnesite Brick
5.1.1.2 Zirconia Brick
5.1.1.3 Silica Brick
5.1.1.4 Chromite Brick
5.1.1.5 Other Product Types (Carbides, Silicates)
5.1.2 Clay Refractory
5.1.2.1 High Alumina
5.1.2.2 Fireclay
5.1.2.3 Insulating
5.2 End-user Industry
5.2.1 Iron and Steel
5.2.2 Energy and Chemicals
5.2.3 Non-ferrous Metals
5.2.4 Cement
5.2.5 Ceramic
5.2.6 Glass
5.2.7 Other End-user Industries
5.3 Geography
5.3.1 Asia-Pacific
5.3.1.1 China
5.3.1.2 India
5.3.1.3 Japan
5.3.1.4 South Korea
5.3.1.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
5.3.2 North America
5.3.2.1 United States
5.3.2.2 Canada
5.3.2.3 Mexico
5.3.3 Europe
5.3.3.1 Germany
5.3.3.2 United Kingdom
5.3.3.3 Italy
5.3.3.4 France
5.3.3.5 Rest of Europe
5.3.4 South America
5.3.4.1 Brazil
5.3.4.2 Argentina
5.3.4.3 Rest of South America
5.3.5 Middle-east and Africa
5.3.5.1 Saudi Arabia
5.3.5.2 South Africa
5.3.5.3 Rest of Middle-East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements
6.2 Market Share (%) Analysis
6.3 Strategies Adopted by Leading Players
6.4 Company Profiles
6.4.1 Chosun Refractories
6.4.2 HWI (Platinum Equity Advisors, LLC)
6.4.3 Imerys
6.4.4 Krosaki Harima Corporation
6.4.5 Puyang Refractories Group Co., Ltd
6.4.6 Refratechnik
6.4.7 RHI Magnesita N.V.
6.4.8 Saint-Gobain
6.4.9 Shinagawa Refractories Co. Ltd
6.4.10 Vesuvius
- *List Not Exhaustive
6.5 List of Other Prominent Companies
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
7.1 Growing Investments and Research on the Recycling of Refractories
Refractories Industry Segmentation
A refractory material is resistant to decomposition by heat, pressure, or chemical attack at high temperatures and retains strength and form. For their safe, low-maintenance, and cost-effective operations, refractories are used as the primary material for internal linings in large industrial equipment.
The refractories market is segmented by product type, end-user industry, and geography. By product type, the market is segmented into non-clay refractory and clay refractory. The end-user industry segments the market into iron and steel, energy and chemicals, non-ferrous metals, cement, ceramics, glass, and other end-user industries (pulp and paper processing, lime production, vessel incineration, and heat treating). The report also covers the market size and forecasts for the refractories market in 15 countries across the major regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done on the basis of volume (tons).
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| Ceramic | |
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Refractories Market Research FAQs
How big is the Refractories Market?
The Refractories Market size is expected to reach 55.16 million tons in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 3.99% to reach 67.08 million tons by 2029.
What is the current Refractories Market size?
In 2024, the Refractories Market size is expected to reach 55.16 million tons.
Who are the key players in Refractories Market?
RHI Magnesita N.V., Chosun Refractories, Krosaki Harima Corporation, Puyang Refractories Group Co., Ltd. and Shinagawa Refractories Co., Ltd. are the major companies operating in the Refractories Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Refractories Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Refractories Market?
In 2024, the Asia Pacific accounts for the largest market share in Refractories Market.
What years does this Refractories Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Refractories Market size was estimated at 52.96 million tons. The report covers the Refractories Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Refractories Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Refractories Industry Report
The global refractories market is poised for significant growth, driven by its essential role in various industries such as iron and steel, cement, glass, non-ferrous metals, petrochemicals, and pulp and paper. Refractory products, known for their ability to withstand extreme temperatures, mechanical and thermal abrasion, and chemical corrosion, are crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and reducing costs in these sectors. The market is segmented by form, product, alkalinity, and end-use industry, with the iron and steel segment holding the largest share due to its extensive applications in furnaces, reactors, and vessels. The demand for refractories is also bolstered by the automotive industry's resurgence, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles, which increases the consumption of steel, iron, and glass. The refractories industry is expected to grow steadily, supported by innovations in refractory materials and the increasing trend of recycling refractory products to reduce production costs and environmental impact. The top refractory companies in the world continue to evolve, focusing on sustainable practices and technological advancements to meet the growing demand. Statistics for the refractories market share, size, and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports, include a market forecast outlook and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
Refractories Market Report Snapshots
