Manufacturing & Environmental Uses to Spur Lime Demand Through 2021

Lime Demand is Determined by Activity in the Manufacturing, Power, & Construction Sectors

US lime demand is forecast to reach 18.9 million metric tons in 2021. Rising manufacturing output and construction activity will support lime consumption. Over the 2006-2016 period, demand for lime in volume terms fell at an average annual rate of 0.8%, negatively impacted by factors such as a decline in domestic primary metal product shipments and a drop in the use of coal in electricity generation.

Quicklime is Expected to Remain the Dominant Product Segment

Quicklime is forecast to remain the leading form of lime used through 2021. In metallurgical applications, the consumption of quicklime will be supported by rising steel production levels and nonferrous metal processing. In environmental applications, expected growth in the use of coal in electricity generation from a low 2016 base year will spur sales, as operators of coal-fired power plants utilize quicklime for the removal of hazardous emissions.

Environmental Applications are Projected to Exhibit the Fastest Gains

Over the historical period, the share of electricity generation from coal decreased from nearly 50% in 2006 to 30% in 2016 due to environmental regulations and expansion in the use of natural gas and renewable sources, which restrained lime demand in flue gas desulfurization processes. Through 2021, gains are expected in the use of coal for electricity generation from a low 2016 base year, which will spur lime consumption. Furthermore, increases in the volume of treated water is projected as the volume of water use rises, supporting lime demand.

Want to Learn More?

For in-depth analysis of lime trends, see Lime: United States, a report published by the Freedonia Focus Reports division of The Freedonia Group.

This report contains historical data and analysis of lime demand and production in metric tons from 2006-2016 with projections to 2021. Demand is segmented by product as follows:

• quicklime
• hydrated lime
• refractory lime.

The term “lime” comprises manufactured lime forms and excludes limestone and dolomite, which are used as feedstock. Regenerated lime, produced as a byproduct at paper mills, carbide plants, and water treatment facilities, is also excluded from the scope of this report.

Total US demand is also segmented by market as follows:

• metallurgical
• environmental
• industrial
• construction
• refractory.

While you are there, you can check related reports such as Construction: United States and Steel Mill Products: United States.

About the Author

James Lacy is a Senior Analyst with Freedonia Focus Reports. His experience as an analyst covers multiple industries.