Kaolin Global Market Report 2024

The kaolin market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $14.67 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to consumer preference shifts towards natural products, globalization and trade expansion, rise in agricultural usage, environmentally sustainable alternatives, growing cosmetic applications. Major trends in the forecast period include nanotechnology applications, r&d for innovative applications, bio-ceramics and medical uses, kaolin-based filtration systems, inclusion in polymers and composites.

The kaolin market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $9.37 billion in 2023 to $10.29 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to several factors, including industrialization and urbanization, which have driven demand across various sectors. The ceramic industry's demand has been a significant contributor, alongside growth in the paper industry. Increased construction activities have also played a role, as well as the use of ceramics in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. These combined factors have contributed to the overall growth in the historic period.

The kaolin market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $14.67 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to shifts in consumer preferences towards natural products, globalization and the expansion of trade, increased usage in agriculture, the demand for environmentally sustainable alternatives, and the growing applications of ceramics in cosmetics. Major trends expected in this period include the application of nanotechnology, research and development for innovative applications, the use of bio-ceramics and medical applications, the use of kaolin-based filtration systems, and the inclusion of ceramics in polymers and composites.

Increasing demand for paper and ceramic products is anticipated to boost the kaolin market. Ceramics, whether made of metal or non-metal compounds, are products that are shaped and hardened by heating at high temperatures. Meanwhile, paper products encompass items such as paper napkins, towels, and corrugated papers made from various materials such as sugar cane waste, flax, bamboo, wood, linen rags, cotton, and wheat straw. The use of kaolin coating enhances the appearance of ceramics and paper by modifying their gloss, smoothness, brightness, opacity, and printability. For example, a November 2021 article by the International Energy Agency (IEA), a France-based autonomous intergovernmental organization, projected a 1.5% annual growth in global paper and paperboard output until 2030. Hence, the increasing demand for paper and ceramic products is expected to be a driving force for the kaolin market.

The rising construction industry, encompassing planning, design, and execution of physical structures, is anticipated to bolster the kaolin market. Kaolin plays a crucial role in premium ceramics and porcelain used in construction, valued for enhancing characteristics such as whiteness and strength, particularly in tiles and sanitaryware. Notably, statistics from the UK's Office for National Statistics in February 2022 revealed an unprecedented annual growth of 12.7% in the construction sector in 2021. Additionally, monthly construction output volume and quarterly production exhibited positive increases, primarily driven by growth in new work and repair/maintenance activities. These trends signify the construction industry's growth, thereby augmenting the demand for kaolin in construction-related applications.

The kaolin market is witnessing a significant trend towards facility expansion as manufacturers aim to bolster the mining sector's growth and meet rising market demands. An illustrative example of this trend occurred in May 2023 when the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the Kaolin Ore Processing Plant in Alkaleri. This initiative signifies a strategic pivot from simply exporting raw materials to exporting processed materials, highlighting the emphasis on value addition for increased profitability. The government's proactive approach involves encouraging stakeholder participation to fully tap into Nigeria's abundant mineral potential. This strategic move aims to create a considerable number of direct and indirect job opportunities, foster wealth generation, and contribute significantly to bolstering the national GDP.

Major companies in the Kaolin market are employing a strategic partnership approach to supply green hydrogen. Strategic partnerships involve companies leveraging each other's strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits and success. For example, in May 2023, Carlton Power, a UK-based energy development company, formed a partnership with Imerys, a France-based kaolin manufacturer, and Sibelco, a Belgium-based kaolin manufacturing company. The collaboration aims to provide green hydrogen fuel for the clay mining operations located within a five-mile radius of Carlton's Langage Green Hydrogen project. Imerys and Sibelco have committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decade, with hydrogen playing a key role in their sustainability initiatives. The green hydrogen produced at Langage will be transported through an underground pipeline to support Sibelco's Cornwood operation and Imerys' Lee Moor operation. Both facilities are involved in the production of kaolin used in the brick, ceramics, and tile industries.

In November 2021, BASF SE, a Germany-based chemical company, reached an agreement to sell its kaolin minerals business to KaMin LLC for an undisclosed sum. This strategic move is expected to enhance KaMin's global offerings by integrating BASF's calcine portfolio with KaMin's hydrous products, providing a comprehensive suite of kaolin-based performance mineral solutions to its distributor partners and customers worldwide.

Major companies operating in the kaolin market report are Ma'aden Wa'ad Al Shamal Phosphate Company, Imerys S.A., Ashapura Group, Sibelco Group, Thiele Kaolin Company, Arcilla Mining & Land Company LLC, Quarzwerke Group, KaMin LLC, Burgess Pigment Company, G&W Mineral Resources, Ashok Alco-Chem Limited, Kentucky-Tennessee Clay Company (K-T Clay), Edgar Minerals Inc., Quimialmel S.A., Shree Ram Group of Industries, LB Minerals s.r.o., Keramost a.s., EPK Group, Advanced Primary Minerals Corporation, Altech Chemicals Ltd., WA Kaolin Ltd., English Indian Clays Ltd., I-Minerals Inc., Sedlecký Kaolin a.s., Bentonit União Nordeste S/A, South African Kaolin Group, Satintone Inc., UMA Group of Kaolin Companies. Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the kaolin market in 2023. The regions covered in the kaolin market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Kaolin is available in two primary types such as synthetic and natural. Synthetic kaolin is a laboratory-manufactured clay used in various industrial applications and medical purposes. It can undergo processes such as water-washing, air-floating, calcining, delaminating, surface-modifying, or remain unprocessed. The main end-users of kaolin include industries such as ceramics, fiberglass, paints and coatings, rubber, adhesives and sealants, plastics, and other sectors such as personal care and healthcare, and agriculture.

The kaolin market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $9.37 billion in 2023 to $10.29 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to industrialization and urbanization, ceramic industry demand, paper industry growth, rise in construction activities, cosmetics and pharmaceutical usage.

The countries covered in the kaolin market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The kaolin market consists of sales of white kaolin, yellow kaolin, pink kaolin, and red kaolin. 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.