Inorganic Pigments Market Report 2026

The inorganic pigments market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $30.84 billion in 2025 to $32.69 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of construction and infrastructure activities, growth of plastics and polymer manufacturing, rising demand for durable coatings, availability of mineral-based raw materials, increasing use of pigments in ceramics.

The inorganic pigments market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $42.02 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for sustainable and non-toxic pigments, expansion of high-performance coatings applications, rising adoption in automotive and industrial plastics, growing focus on pigment recycling and reuse, increasing investments in advanced pigment processing. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for high-performance mineral pigments, increasing use of heat-resistant and uv-stable pigments, growing adoption in architectural and industrial coatings, expansion of application in plastics and ceramics, enhanced focus on color consistency and durability.

The growth in construction activities is driving the inorganic pigments market. Construction has been increasing due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Inorganic pigments are key components in paints and coatings used in buildings and other construction equipment, providing color while maintaining exterior durability. For instance, in August 2024, according to Eurostat, a Luxembourg-based government agency, production in construction in June 2024 increased by 1% in the euro area compared with June 2023. Therefore, rising investment in construction is supporting the growth of the inorganic pigments market.

Major companies in the inorganic pigments market are focusing on developing sustainable and high-performance pigments to improve color quality, durability, and environmental compliance in industrial applications. High-performance pigments are designed to deliver superior color strength, durability, chemical and thermal stability, and eco-friendly properties for demanding industrial uses. For instance, in February 2025, LANXESS, a Germany-based specialty chemicals company, launched its sustainable Bayferrox yellow pigments. These pigments are engineered to provide vibrant color with lower environmental impact, improved lightfastness, and enhanced dispersibility, supporting eco-friendly applications in coatings, plastics, and construction materials.

In April 2023, Cathay Industries, a Hong Kong-based chemical industry company acquired Venator's iron oxide business from Venator Materials LLC for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition Cathay aims to enhance global manufacturing capabilities by adding eight manufacturing sites and one administrative site across six countries on four continents, allowing for better customization and responsiveness to customer needs. Venator Materials LLC is a UK-based compan that provides inorganic pigments.

Major companies operating in the inorganic pigments market are BASF SE, Atul Ltd., Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co. Ltd., Lanxess AG, Huntsman Corporation, DIC Corporation, The Chemours Company, Cabot Corporation, Clariant International Ltd., Kronos Worldwide 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., TAYCA Corporation.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the inorganic pigments market in 2025. 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, South East Asia, 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, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

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.

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