Global Refractories

Report Overview

Global Refractories Growth Markets Shifting to India and Southeast Asia

The landscape of the global refractories market is evolving as growth opportunities in China dwindle. However, significant growth prospects are emerging in India as well as smaller Asian markets like Indonesia and Vietnam.

Key Themes Covered in this Report:

• China’s economic transition and its impact on refractories markets
• Expansion and modernization of emerging markets
• Impact of environmental and sustainability focus in end markets

Featuring 96 Tables & 95 Figures!

Global demand for refractories is projected to increase 1.7% per year to 52.6 million metric tons in 2030, valued at $68.5 billion. Market performance will improve somewhat in comparison to the 2019-2025 period, supported by recoveries in the iron and steel and nonmetallic minerals segments.

Asia Continuing to Lead Growth Despite Maturation of Chinese Market

The bulk of demand gains for refractories through 2030 will occur in the Asia/Pacific region, which continues to expand its share of the global market. However, regional growth drivers have changed significantly in comparison to the first two decades of the 21^st century, reflecting slowing growth in China. Going forward, China’s broad transition toward a more consumption-oriented economy will represent a limitation on growth, with manufacturing of refractory-intensive materials like steel increasingly deemphasized.

However, strong growth markets are emerging throughout South and Southeast Asia, with India now representing the fastest growing national market and largest source of demand gains globally. In addition, a number of smaller markets will become increasingly important going forward, with Indonesia and Vietnam holding particularly significant growth prospects.

Nonferrous Metals & Nonmetallic Minerals to Account for Majority of Growth

While iron and steel production will continue to represent the largest outlet for refractories globally, this segment is expected to fall to under 50% of the market by 2030, and stronger gains are expected elsewhere. The nonmetallic minerals market is forecast to post the fastest growth, supported by rising production of cement globally. In addition, the rising use of glass in solar energy systems will provide opportunities for gains in even in countries where glass markets are otherwise mature. Similarly, growth in aluminum and copper production will be boosted globally by the use of these materials in electric vehicles.

Environmental Efforts to Boost Market Value

Refractory sales will be aided globally by efforts to improve energy efficiency and environmental impact in end markets:

• Energy efficiency considerations will raise the salience of refractory performance and shift demand from commoditized bricks and blocks to higher-value products. Above average growth is expected for monolithic refractories, with nonclay materials like extra-high alumina also gaining market share.
• “Green steel” and other environmentally friendly production efforts typically both increase wear on refractories and shift wear mechanisms, with considerations like hydrogen reactivity becoming increasingly important. These factors are expected to both boost replacement rates and offer opportunities for value-add from tailored product development.

Global Refractories Report Details

Leading Companies Driving Trends in the Global Refractories Industry

Global Refractories Report Scope

This study analyzes the global market for refractories by market, forms, materials, and global region. Historical data (2015, 2019, and 2025) and forecasts for 2030 and 2035 are presented for refractories demand in metric tons. In addition, demand and production are provided in US dollars.

Refractory demand is broken out by market:

• iron and steel production
• nonferrous metals production, including of primary and secondary aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, silver, titanium, and zinc
• nonmetallic minerals production, which includes cement, glass, lime, and ceramics
• other markets include metal fabrication, chemicals, and petroleum refining

Demand is also segmented by form:

• shaped– refractory bricks and precast (also known as preformed) shapes
• monolithic (including castable refractories, insulating castables, ramming mixes, and gunning mixes) and other refractories, including:
  • mortars
  • caulk
  • putty
• ceramic fibers (including alumina-silica and kaolin fibers)
• other forms

Demand is also segmented by material:

• clay refractories, including fireclay, high-alumina, and insulating types
• nonclay refractories, including , magnesite and chrome, extra-high-alumina, ceramic fibers, dolomite, graphite, mullite, silicon carbide, silica, and zircon