Refractories Global Market Report 2024

The refractories market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $27.64 billion in 2023 to $28.83 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3%. TThe historical period's growth can be linked to the industrial revolution and the rise of steel production, expansion in the iron and steel industries, advancements in cement and glass industries, the proliferation of non-ferrous metal production, and the increased demand from chemical and petrochemical industries.

The refractories market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $33.29 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%. The projected growth in the forecast period can be ascribed to the increase in infrastructure development, advancements in refractory design and application techniques, the expansion of market presence in emerging economies, the adoption of high-temperature materials, and a shift towards sustainable refractories. Key trends expected during the forecast period encompass heightened demand in the steel industry, an upsurge in cement production, increased production of non-ferrous metals, technological advancements in refractory materials, and the expansion of the market in developing economies.

The refractories market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the surging demand for iron and steel. This demand is primarily fueled by the expansion of infrastructure projects and the continuous growth of the car and railway industries. The increasing need for energy-efficient steel-making techniques further contributes to the growing demand for refractories. These materials play a vital role in lining furnace working interfaces and backup zones during the manufacturing of iron and steel. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), steel consumption is anticipated to increase by 17% to reach 110 million tons in FY22, primarily due to heightened construction activity. Consequently, the escalating demand for steel and iron is a key factor propelling the refractories market.

The growth in the cement industry is set to drive the refractories market forward. The cement industry encompasses companies and activities involved in the production, manufacturing, and distribution of cement, a crucial building material. Refractories, such as high-temperature resistant bricks and linings, are integral in kilns and furnaces within the cement industry to withstand extreme temperatures and chemical reactions, ensuring efficient and durable production of cement clinker through the heating and processing of raw materials. For example, in 2022, the United States Geological Survey, a US-based government agency, projects a slight expansion in Portland cement production in the United States to 92 million tons, with an increase in masonry cement production to 2.5 million tons. As a result, the rising production in the cement industry serves as a significant driver for the refractories market.

Technological advancement stands out as a prominent trend in the refractories market, with the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for enhanced efficiency in production. In-situ analysis generates images and data, which are then utilized in ML models. These models offer valuable insights, enabling companies to make precise predictions regarding the operational lifespan of refractories. They also provide optimal conditions, including temperature, inside the reactor for achieving the desired product - whether it be steel, glass, or cement - while minimizing the refractory layer. RHI Magnesita N.V., an Austria-based supplier of refractory products and services, employs AI through its Automated Process Optimization (APO) system. This system gathers comprehensive data on specific manufacturing processes, facilitating predictions related to refractory material maintenance and replacement.

Major players in the refractories market are concentrating on product innovation, exemplified by the development of refractory metal powders for additive manufacturing. Refractory metals, characterized by exceptionally high melting points and resistance to wear and corrosion, have become a focus for innovation. In September 2021, 6K Additive, a US-based advanced material company, introduced refractory metal powders for additive manufacturing. These powders target high-value materials such as tungsten, rhenium, tungsten or rhenium, and niobium-based powders. Refractory metals, especially tungsten and rhenium, are well-suited for additive manufacturing applications due to their elevated melting points. These materials are sought after in industries such as aerospace, defense, and medical for their high-temperature and high-strength capabilities.

In January 2023, RHI Magnesita N.V., a UK-based refractory manufacturing company, executed the acquisition of Dalmia Bharat Refractories Limited (DBRL) for an undisclosed amount. This strategic move is aimed at expanding the product and service portfolio, allowing for a more extensive range of offerings to an expanded customer base. DBRL, based in India, offers comprehensive services, including refractory design and layout for greenfield applications, along with end-to-end refractory products, solutions, and services. The acquisition positions RHI Magnesita to provide enhanced offerings and serve customers in over 40 countries.

Major companies operating in the refractories market report are Saint-Gobain SA, Kyocera, AGC Group, Murata Manufacturing, Corning Incorporated, The NSG Group, Imerys, RHI Magnesita GmbH, Vesuvius, Minerals Technologies Inc., Shinagawa Refractories Co. Ltd., Morgan Advanced Materials, Calderys, CoorsTek, Puyang Refractories Group Co. Ltd., Harbisonwalker International, Dalmia-OCL, Resco Products Inc., Intocast AG, Allied Mineral Products, Zircar Refractories Ltd., Chosun Refractories, Schott AG, Magnezit Group, IFGL Refractories Ltd., Krosaki Harima Corporation, Orient Refractories Limited, Refratechnik, Refractarios Alfran, A.P. Green Industries Inc.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the refractories market in 2023. The regions covered in the refractories market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the refractories market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Refractories, crucial in various industries, primarily come in two types shaped and unshaped refractories. Shaped refractories, known as bricks, have predetermined forms, classified into regular and unique shapes. Refractories can be acidic, neutral, or basic, with minerals such as bauxite, alumina, kaolin, magnesia, graphite, and zircon. End-users of refractories span industries such as iron and steel, power generation, non-ferrous metals, cement, glass, and others.

The refractories market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides refractories market statistics, including refractories industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a refractories market share, detailed refractories market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the refractories industry. This refractories market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The refractories market consists of sales of alumina, silica, and magnesia. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.