Inorganic Pigments Global Market Report 2024

The inorganic pigments market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $33.53 billion in 2023 to $37.27 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1%. The expansion observed in the historical period can be attributed to factors such as growth in the construction industry, increased demand for paints and coatings, requirements from the automotive sector, the thriving plastics and packaging industry, and applications in the textile and printing sectors.

The inorganic pigments market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $54.87 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the rise in infrastructure development projects, advancements in specialty pigments, trends in the automotive industry, the adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly practices, and innovations in packaging. Notable trends expected in the forecast period include the increased use of inorganic pigments in construction materials, innovations in metallic and pearlescent pigments, a heightened emphasis on product traceability and quality control, the adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices, and a focus on customization and tailored solutions for various end-user industries.

The inorganic pigments market experiences growth driven by increased construction activities, which have surged due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Inorganic pigments play a crucial role in paints and coatings used in construction, providing color to maintain exterior durability. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's report on monthly construction spending in 2022, construction spending was anticipated to reach $1,744.8 billion in April 2022, indicating a 0.8% increase from the revised March estimate of $1,740.6 billion. Thus, the escalating expenditure on construction activities is a key factor propelling the expansion of the inorganic pigments market.

The anticipated growth of the inorganic pigment market is further fueled by the thriving textile industry. The textile industry encompasses the production and processing of fibers, yarns, textiles, and finished textile goods. Inorganic pigments find widespread use in textile dyeing and printing, providing a diverse range of colors, tints, and patterns to align with customer preferences and design trends. For example, Textile Focus reported that the value-added production of textile manufacturing in the United States was expected to be $16.59 billion in 2021, marking a 23.8% increase over the previous two decades. Additionally, the National Council of Textile Organization revealed that textile and garment shipments in the United States reached $65.8 billion in December 2022. Hence, the growing textile industry emerges as a significant driver for the inorganic pigment market.

A key trend in the inorganic pigments market is product innovation. Companies within the market are focusing on innovative products, including dispersing agents, ultra-low moisture pigments, lead-free coatings, and more, to enhance their market position. Clariant, a Switzerland-based specialty chemicals manufacturer, exemplifies this trend with the launch of its first universal polymeric dispersing agent for high-quality pigment preparations in June 2022. This innovative solution can incorporate both organic and inorganic pigments and is suitable for all water-based paint systems, offering simplicity and multifunctionality to pigment paste producers and paint manufacturers.

Major companies in the inorganic pigments market are adopting a strategic partnership approach for the distribution of inorganic color and anti-corrosive pigments. This involves leveraging each other's strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits. For instance, in January 2022, Habich GmbH, an Austria-based manufacturing company specializing in inorganic and anti-corrosive pigments, announced a distribution partnership with Profiltra BV, a Netherlands-based machinery manufacturing company. This partnership expands Profiltra's product line to include a broad spectrum of inorganic colored and anti-corrosion pigments, allowing Habich to increase its sales activity in potential markets supplied by Profiltra, including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

In June 2021, DIC Corporation, a Japan-based chemicals company, acquired BASF's global pigments business (BASF Colors & Effects) for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition combines the complementary product portfolios, manufacturing capabilities, and customer service offerings of both companies, providing customers with more adaptable solutions. BASF Colors & Effects is a Germany-based company specializing in colorants and pigments.

Major companies operating in the inorganic pigments market report are BASF SE, Atul Ltd., EI du Pont de Nemours and Company, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co. Ltd., Lanxess AG, Huntsman Corporation, DIC Corporation, The Chemours Company, Cabot Corporation, Clariant International Ltd., Kemira Oyj, Wacker Chemie AG, Kronos Worldwide Inc., Rockwood Holdings Inc., Ferro Corporation GmbH, Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha Ltd., Heubach GmbH, Tronox Limited, Sudarshan Chemical Industries Ltd., Cinkarna Celje, Cathay Industries, Venator Materials PLC, Toyal America Inc., Lomon Billions Group, Meghmani Organics Ltd., Neelikon Food Dyes & Chemicals Ltd., Kolorjet Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Triveni Interchem Pvt. Ltd., TAYCA Corporation.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the inorganic pigments market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the inorganic pigments market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the inorganic pigments market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The primary types of inorganic pigments are categorized into natural inorganic pigments and synthetic inorganic pigments. Natural inorganic pigments are extracted directly from the Earth's surface in their natural states, such as ochers and umbers. These pigments derive their color from substances such as iron oxide and hydroxide. Synthetic inorganic pigments are composed of elements such as carbon black, chromium oxide, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and others. They are employed in various industries, including plastics, paints and coatings, printing inks, glass and ceramics, cosmetics, the paper industry, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry, among other applications.

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

The inorganic pigments market consists of sales of lead oxide and cobalt blue. 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.