World Refining Catalysts

Report Overview

Rising incomes, vehicle ownership fuel gains in developing economies

In developing economies, rising per capita incomes and increasing rates of vehicle ownership have resulted in large gains in demand for motor vehicle fuels. The growth of manufacturing and the related need to transport goods have also supported growth in demand for vehicle fuels. As a result, refined products output is expected to expand through the forecast period, supporting overall healthy gains in demand for refining catalysts.

Environmental regulations will also have a strong impact on the refining catalyst market. The implementation of fuel sulfur regulations to address air pollution will drive demand for hydrotreating catalysts, while reforming catalysts will benefit from the increasing production of higher-octane gasoline for use in more fuel-efficient engines.

Refining catalyst producers face strong competition

The refining catalyst markets in developed countries are mature, with strong competition among catalyst manufacturers. To maintain and expand market share in these countries, manufacturers invest significant time and resources into the development of better catalysts with performance at higher temperatures and pressures, lower costs via increased crude oil feed rate or longer catalyst life, and higher quality end products. This continued introduction of new catalysts will sustain minor growth in the mature markets of North America, Western Europe, and Japan.

Challenges to growth

The established nature of fuel sulfur regulations in developed countries, declining gasoline consumption, and decreasing refined products output will restrain stronger gains. In addition, the changing nature of the global crude oil supply, particularly the increased availability of tight oil crudes that are lower in sulfur content, may restrain growth in hydrotreating catalyst consumption in more developed markets. Opportunities will exist, though, for catalysts that allow refiners flexibility in responding to the changing nature of the crude oil supply.

Study coverage

World Refining Catalysts presents historical data (2005, 2010, 2015) plus forecasts (2020, 2025) for supply and demand by application (fluid catalytic cracking, hydroprocessing, alkylation, reforming, other) and material (metal, acid, zeolites) in six regions and 21 countries. The study also examines key market environment factors, assesses the industry structure and evaluates company market share.

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