Zirconium Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The zirconium market is projected to experience growth over the forecast period, driven by factors such as the expansion of foundries and refractories, the increasing number of nuclear power stations in the Asia-Pacific region, and the rising use of surface coatings. Despite challenges like reduced dependence on zircon, opportunities are anticipated in the healthcare sector and automotive industry due to stringent emission standards. The market's expansion is influenced by the significant share held by China, which is expected to grow at a rapid pace.

Market Size of Zirconium Industry

Zirconium Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Market Volume (2024) 1.69 Million tons
Market Volume (2029) 2.09 Million tons
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 4.30 %
Fastest Growing Market Asia-Pacific
Largest Market Asia-Pacific
Market Concentration High

Major Players

Zirconium Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Zirconium Market Analysis

The Zirconium Market size is estimated at 1.69 Million tons in 2024, and is expected to reach 2.09 Million tons by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.30% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

A sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases led to numerous countries resorting to lockdowns, which significantly affected the global economy. The economic and industrial activities came to a temporary halt, which led the zirconium market to witness repercussions in terms of both production and demand from end-user industries, such as iron and steel, cement, energy and chemicals, and ceramics. However, the increasing focus on developing nuclear power resources is expected to help the market achieve positive growth during the forecast period.

  • Over the medium term, the major factors driving the market's growth are the growth in foundries and refractories, the increasing number of nuclear power stations in Asia-Pacific, and the accelerating usage of surface coatings.
  • On the other hand, the reducing dependence on zircon is likely to hinder the growth of market significantly.
  • The rising demand for zirconium in the healthcare sector for orthopedics and stringent emission standards pertaining to the automotive industry are expected to create the opportunities for the market studied.
  • China dominated the market studied, accounting for a major share of the total revenue, and it is expected to witness the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

Zirconium Industry Segmentation

Zirconium is a grayish-white metal with a wide range of industrial, commercial, and scientific applications. It is the 20th most abundant element in the Earth's crust. It commonly occurs as the mineral zircon (ZrSiO4) in a silicate form. It is less frequently available as the mineral baddeleyite (natural zirconia or ZrO2) in an oxide form.

The zirconium market is segmented by occurrence type, end-user industry, and geography. By occurrence type, the market is segmented into zircon, zirconia, and other occurrence types. By application, the market is segmented into zircon flour/milled sand, zircon opacifier, refractories (zirconia), zircon chemicals, and other applications. The report also covers the size and forecast for the zirconium market in five key countries across major regions, with production across seven countries in major regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done on the basis of volume (kilotons).

Occurrence Type
Zircon
Zirconia
Other Occurrence Types
Applications
Zircon Flour/Milled Sand
Zircon Opacifier
Refractories (Zirconia)
Zircon Chemicals
Zircon Metal
Geography
Production
Australia
Brazil
China
India
Indonesia
South Africa
Ukraine
Rest of the World
Consumption
China
United States
Japan
European Union
India
Russia
Rest of the World
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Zirconium Market Size Summary

The zirconium market is poised for growth, driven by increasing demand in various sectors such as foundries, refractories, and nuclear power stations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The market experienced a temporary setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted production and demand across industries like iron and steel, cement, energy, chemicals, and ceramics. However, the focus on developing nuclear power resources is expected to bolster market growth. The healthcare sector's rising demand for zirconium in orthopedics and the need for stringent emission standards in the automotive industry present further opportunities for market expansion. Despite these positive trends, the market faces challenges due to the decreasing reliance on zircon, which could impede growth.

China plays a dominant role in the global zirconium market, accounting for a significant share of the total revenue and exhibiting the fastest growth rate. The country's status as the largest steel producer and its ambitious nuclear energy plans are key factors driving zirconium demand. The construction of new steel plants and the increase in infrastructural activities are expected to boost the consumption of zirconium in refractories and ceramics. The market is consolidated, with major players like Iluka Resources Limited, Rio Tinto, Tronox Holdings PLC, Kenmare Resources PLC, and Eramet holding significant shares. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, remains the primary consumer, with Europe also contributing to global consumption.

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Zirconium Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Drivers

      1. 1.1.1 Growth of Nuclear Power Stations in the Asia-Pacific

      2. 1.1.2 Consistent Growth in Foundries and Refractories

      3. 1.1.3 Accelerating Usage in Surface Coatings

    2. 1.2 Restraints

      1. 1.2.1 Reducing Dependence on Zircon

    3. 1.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis

    4. 1.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 1.4.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers

      3. 1.4.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products and Services

      5. 1.4.5 Degree of Competition

    5. 1.5 Import and Export

      1. 1.5.1 Trade Regulatory Policy Analysis

      2. 1.5.2 Price Trends

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size in Volume)

    1. 2.1 Occurrence Type

      1. 2.1.1 Zircon

      2. 2.1.2 Zirconia

      3. 2.1.3 Other Occurrence Types

    2. 2.2 Applications

      1. 2.2.1 Zircon Flour/Milled Sand

      2. 2.2.2 Zircon Opacifier

      3. 2.2.3 Refractories (Zirconia)

      4. 2.2.4 Zircon Chemicals

      5. 2.2.5 Zircon Metal

    3. 2.3 Geography

      1. 2.3.1 Production

        1. 2.3.1.1 Australia

        2. 2.3.1.2 Brazil

        3. 2.3.1.3 China

        4. 2.3.1.4 India

        5. 2.3.1.5 Indonesia

        6. 2.3.1.6 South Africa

        7. 2.3.1.7 Ukraine

        8. 2.3.1.8 Rest of the World

      2. 2.3.2 Consumption

        1. 2.3.2.1 China

        2. 2.3.2.2 United States

        3. 2.3.2.3 Japan

        4. 2.3.2.4 European Union

        5. 2.3.2.5 India

        6. 2.3.2.6 Russia

        7. 2.3.2.7 Rest of the World

Zirconium Market Size FAQs

The Zirconium Market size is expected to reach 1.69 million tons in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.30% to reach 2.09 million tons by 2029.

In 2024, the Zirconium Market size is expected to reach 1.69 million tons.

Zirconium Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)