Inorganic Catalyst Global Market Report 2025

The inorganic catalyst market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $26.81 billion in 2024 to $27.6 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to shift in chemical manufacturing practices, focus on catalytic efficiency, industrial automation, global market expansion, research and development.

The inorganic catalyst market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $33.58 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to industrial growth and expansion, demand in energy sector, rising demand for specialty chemicals, focus on sustainable practices. Major trends in the forecast period include industry digitization and automation, increased environmental regulations, shift towards sustainable chemistry, rising demand in petrochemical industry, advancements in nanotechnology.

The forecast of 5% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.4% from the previous estimate for this market. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US by disrupting supply chains for industrial catalysts, heavily sourced from Germany and Japan, potentially delaying chemical manufacturing processes. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The increasing demand for petroleum and petrochemical products is anticipated to drive the growth of the inorganic catalysts market in the coming years. Petrochemicals, which are chemical products derived from crude oil and petroleum, rely heavily on inorganic catalysts like zeolite to enhance yield and efficiency in production. For example, in August 2023, the International Energy Agency (IEA), a France-based intergovernmental organization, reported a rise in global oil demand by 2.2 million barrels per day (mb/d), bringing total demand to around 102 mb/d. This surge is largely fueled by a strong recovery in China’s petrochemical industry, which is projected to contribute nearly 60% of the demand increase. As a result, the growing demand for petroleum and petrochemical products is boosting the inorganic catalysts market.

The inorganic catalysts market is further driven by the expanding automotive industry. In this sector, inorganic catalysts are essential for promoting cleaner and more efficient vehicle operation. They contribute to improved performance and reduced emissions, aligning with the industry's emphasis on sustainability. The Global Electric Vehicle Outlook report indicates robust growth in electric vehicle sales, reaching over 10 million units in 2022, with a projected 35% increase to 14 million units in the coming year. Therefore, the burgeoning automotive industry is a significant driver for the inorganic catalysts market.

Technological advancements are emerging as a key trend in the inorganic catalysts market. Leading companies are introducing innovative technologies, such as tri-metal catalyst technology, to maintain their market position. For example, in October 2023, Grace & Co, a US-based chemical company, introduced PARAGON™ FCC catalyst technology. This technology integrates a rare-earth-based Vanadium (V) trap into high matrix surface area FCC catalytic solutions. With PARAGON™ technology, refiners can expand their FCC operational range and enhance their flexibility in processing different types of feedstock, leading to increased profitability.

Inorganic catalysts are heterogeneous catalysts comprising metals and their oxides, designed to replicate the functions of natural catalysts. These catalysts possess an inorganic structure and may not necessarily contain carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen molecules.

The primary types of inorganic catalysts include zeolites, metals, chemical compounds, and other varieties. Zeolite is a pure inorganic material manufactured through hydrothermal synthesis. It finds applications in various industries such as petroleum refining, chemical synthesis, polymers and petrochemicals, and environmental purposes.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The escalating U.S. tariffs and rising trade tensions in spring 2025 are expected to significantly affect the chemicals sector, which is facing a disproportionate impact - particularly from tariffs on petrochemicals and intermediates, where affordable domestic alternatives are limited. Specialty chemical producers, who rely heavily on Chinese raw materials, are encountering production disruptions. Meanwhile, fertilizer manufacturers are seeing their profit margins squeezed due to tariffs on phosphate imports. In response, companies are increasing investments in R&D for bio-based alternatives, forming procurement alliances to strengthen purchasing power, and relocating production to tariff-neutral countries like Saudi Arabia.

The inorganic catalyst market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides inorganic catalyst market statistics, including inorganic catalyst industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an inorganic catalyst market share, detailed inorganic catalyst market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the inorganic catalyst industry. This inorganic catalyst 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.

Leading companies in the inorganic catalysts market are also focusing on advancements like catalyst shaping technology. Catalyst shaping technology involves designing and manufacturing catalysts with specific forms and structures to enhance their performance and efficiency. For instance, in September 2022, BASF SE, a Germany-based chemical company, launched X3D, a groundbreaking catalyst-shaping technology. X3D technology incorporates a unique additive manufacturing process based on 3D printing, creating an open structure that reduces pressure drop across reactors while increasing surface area, significantly improving catalytic performance. BASF’s X3D technology is applicable to various catalytic materials, including base and precious metal catalysts and carrier materials.

In April 2022, SABIC's acquisition of Clariant, for an undisclosed amount, provides SABIC complete ownership of Scientific Design, a leading licensor of high-performance process technologies and catalyst producer, further consolidating their position in the inorganic catalysts market. Clariant, based in Switzerland, is a chemical company with a notable presence in the market.

Major companies operating in the inorganic catalyst market include 3M Company, Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj, Lydall Performance Materials India LLP, Nordic Air Filtration A/S, Sandler AG, Sefar AG, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies India Private Limited, Eaton Corporation Public Limited Company., Donaldson Company Inc., Alfa Laval India Private Limited, Lenntech B.V, W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., Hengst SE & Co. KG., BASF SE, Johnson Matthey plc, W.R. Grace & Co., Clariant AG, Albemarle Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, Solvay S.A., Cataler Corporation, Umicore N.V., Axens S.A., Haldor Topsoe A/S, JGC C&C Co. Ltd., Zeolyst International Inc., Ceramisphere Pty Ltd., Applied Catalysts LLC, CRI Catalyst Company LP, KNT Group, INTERCAT Inc., Silbond Corporation, SACHEM Europe B.V.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the inorganic catalyst market share in 2024. The regions covered in the inorganic catalyst market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

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

The inorganic catalysts market consists of sales of metal oxides and aluminum alkyl. 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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