Rare earth-based catalysts, utilizing elements like cerium and lanthanum, are critical for automotive, petrochemical, and industrial applications due to their high catalytic efficiency and stability. The industry is characterized by its focus on emission control, process efficiency, and sustainable catalyst formulations. Key trends include the development of high-performance catalysts for automotive exhaust systems, the use of rare earths in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) for petrochemicals, and advancements in recycling technologies. The market is driven by stringent emission regulations, growth in petrochemical production, and demand for green catalysts. Innovations in nano-structured catalysts and sustainable sourcing are shaping the industry, supporting cleaner industrial processes.
Solvay, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, specializes in cerium-based catalysts for emission control.
Daiichi Kigenso Kagaku Kogyo, located in Osaka, Japan, manufactures catalysts for petrochemicals, focusing on efficiency.
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Market Size and Growth Forecast
The global Rare Earth-based Catalyst market was valued at USD 3.1-5.2 billion in 2024, with an estimated CAGR of 5.5%-7.5% from 2025 to 2030, driven by demand in automotive and petrochemical sectors.Regional Analysis
- North America is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0%-7.0%, with the United States leading due to automotive emission regulations.
- Europe is expected to achieve a CAGR of 4.8%-6.8%, with Germany focusing on automotive catalysts.
- Asia Pacific is anticipated to record the highest growth at 6.0%-8.0%, driven by China and India’s petrochemical industries.
- Rest of the World is expected to grow at 4.5%-6.5%, with trends toward industrial applications.
Application Analysis
- Automotive applications are estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.8%-7.8%, driven by emission control catalysts. Trends include cerium-based catalysts for diesel vehicles.
- Petrochemical applications are projected to expand at 5.5%-7.5%, focusing on FCC catalysts. Trends include high-efficiency formulations.
- Industrial applications are expected to grow at 5.0%-7.0%, emphasizing green catalysts for manufacturing.
Key Market Players
Neo Performance Materials, based in Toronto, Canada, produces rare earth catalysts for automotive and industrial applications.Solvay, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, specializes in cerium-based catalysts for emission control.
Daiichi Kigenso Kagaku Kogyo, located in Osaka, Japan, manufactures catalysts for petrochemicals, focusing on efficiency.
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
- The threat of new entrants is low. High R&D costs and supply constraints create barriers.
- The threat of substitutes is moderate. Alternative catalysts compete, but rare earths’ efficiency is unmatched.
- Buyer power is moderate. Large automotive firms negotiate, but specialized catalysts limit leverage.
- Supplier power is high. China’s REE dominance impacts supply.
- Competitive rivalry is moderate. Key players focus on sustainable formulations.
Market Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities
- Stringent emission regulations drive demand for automotive catalysts.
- Petrochemical growth offers opportunities for FCC catalysts.
- Recycling technologies enhance sustainability.
- Emerging markets provide growth potential.
Challenges
- China’s supply dominance creates risks.
- High production costs limit scalability.
- Environmental regulations increase compliance costs.
- Competition from alternative catalysts challenges market share.
Growth Trend Analysis
The Rare Earth-based Catalyst market is growing, driven by emission control and petrochemical demand. From 2017 to 2023, global REE mining grew at a 17.8% CAGR, with 2024 production at 390,000 tons. On August 21, 2024, Neo Performance Materials sold its Jiangyin and Zibo facilities to Shenghe Resources. On February 19, 2025, China proposed new REE regulations. On May 22, 2025, Honeywell acquired Johnson Matthey’s catalysts unit for $2.42 billion. These developments align with a projected CAGR of 5.5%-7.5% through 2030.This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Executive SummaryChapter 2 Abbreviation and Acronyms
Chapter 3 Preface
Chapter 4 Market Landscape
Chapter 5 Market Trend Analysis
Chapter 6 Industry Chain Analysis
Chapter 7 Latest Market Dynamics
Chapter 8 Trading Analysis
Chapter 9 Historical and Forecast Rare Earth-Based Catalyst Market in North America (2020-2030)
Chapter 10 Historical and Forecast Rare Earth-Based Catalyst Market in South America (2020-2030)
Chapter 11 Historical and Forecast Rare Earth-Based Catalyst Market in Asia & Pacific (2020-2030)
Chapter 12 Historical and Forecast Rare Earth-Based Catalyst Market in Europe (2020-2030)
Chapter 13 Historical and Forecast Rare Earth-Based Catalyst Market in MEA (2020-2030)
Chapter 14 Summary For Global Rare Earth-Based Catalyst Market (2020-2025)
Chapter 15 Global Rare Earth-Based Catalyst Market Forecast (2025-2030)
Chapter 16 Analysis of Global Key Vendors
Tables and Figures
Companies Mentioned
- Neo Performance Materials
- Solvay
- Daiichi Kigenso Kagaju Kogyo