Limestone Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By End-use (Building & Construction, Iron & Steel, Agriculture, Chemical), By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, Central & South America, MEA), And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global limestone market size was valued at USD 72.31 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2023 to 2030. Growing investments in water treatment and purification activities are projected to provide push to the demand of limestone in coming years. In water treatment, limestone is added to soften the water by removing magnesium and calcium ions. The U.S. is known for the widespread presence of limestone quarries, which makes it self-sufficient and less import reliant.

Construction, a key end-use segment of the limestone market, has resumed its activities in the U.S., which is further boosting the demand for limestone in the country. For instance, in July 2020, construction for a new luxury residential community began in Durham, North Carolina. The residential community is expected to open in the second half of 2021 and upon completion shall include 403 units across seven 4-story buildings.

Limestone is used in cement, wall cladding and decoration purposes in construction industry. Increasing investments in construction and infrastructural activities are projected to boost the demand of limestone in the U.S. For instance, in June 2022 Ferrero invested USD 21.4 billion for the construction at Bloomington plant in the U.S. the company is expanding its plant to increase the production capacities at their facility. Such constructions are expected to support the demand of limestone in the region.

Rising awareness and government policies for clean water and human health are anticipated to support the market growth over said period. For instance, In February 2022 Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of the U.S. announce that they are planning to enforce the clean water and safe drinking water law to provide support to municipal wastewater treatment plants in U.S. Such favorable policies are likely to benefit limestone market growth over coming year.

End-Use Insights

The construction segment was the largest end-use segment with a volume share of over 82.0% in 2022 and is expected to maintain its lead over the forecast period on account of rising infrastructural developments across the globe. Limestone is extensively used as a construction material as it adds both beauty and strength to the architecture of a project, hence it is preferred by architects and builders over the past many years. It is used in concrete and cement, road base, and railroad ballast. For its application in the construction industry, the material is produced in various finishes, including brown, red, pink, cream, gold, and black, however, the pure limestone is nearly white in color.

Along with being useful in the construction of walls and floors of buildings in the construction industry, the material is utilized in furnaces, allowing refining and manufacturing of steel as well as protecting the refractory lining of furnaces and converters. Limestone accounts for a share of around 27% in the composition of producing crude steel in a basic oxygen furnace and approximately 9% when using an electric arc furnace. According to the World Steel Association, 70.8% of crude steel was produced in a basic oxygen furnace in 2021.

Furthermore, use of limestone in agriculture industry is expected to boost the growth of market over forecast period. The limestone is an essential mineral which has calcium and magnesium contents in it. Limestone helps to stabilize acidity present in the agricultural soil and improves the growth of crops on the land. Moreover, limestone neutralizes high acidic impact caused by heavy rain and nitrogen fertilizers used in farming.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific was the largest regional market in 2022 with a revenue share of over 53.0% and this trend is anticipated to continue over the forecast period. The region dominates the market on account of being the largest steel producer in the world and the growth of the construction sector in the developing economies of the region.

Limestone is preferred material for the production of cement, which is the key product required in construction industry. Investments in cement industry are projected to drive the demand for limestone over the coming years. For instance, in January 2022 UltraTech Cement Ltd. announced they have acquired 100% stake in National Limestone Company. The company is aiming to boost its operation using the limestone mining reserves they received through acquisition.

The market in North America is anticipated to register a growth rate of 7.0%, in terms of revenue, over the forecast period on account of propelling construction activities, coupled with steel production in the region. The region is also a key producer of animal feed in the world, which is a vital application of limestone. The U.S. and Mexico are amongst the top 7 animal feed-producing countries in the world.

Acquisition of limestone reserves by cement companies in order to ensure the consistent supply of limestone for production of cement is projected to remain key trend of the market. For instance, May 2020, China’s Huaxin Cement announced that they have acquired Maweni Limestone Ltd. for expansion and improve quality of cement production.

Europe is a significant region of the market and is the second-largest steel producer in the world after Asia. The crude steel production in European Union was 152.6 million tons as of 2021, according to the World Steel Association. The steel industry is of key significance to the European economy as it supports nearly 2.6 million jobs and creates around Euro 140 billion (USD 160.3 billion) of gross value added, according to EUROFER.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The competitive rivalry in the market is extremely high on account of the presence of numerous established companies with recognized brand names. The market players are competing based on various factors, such as aggressive pricing strategy and the development of new products and technologies, in order to gain a wider market share. Some prominent players in the global limestone market include:

• CARMEUSE

• CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V

• GCCP Resources Limited

• Imerys

• LafargeHolcim

• Lhoist

• Mineral Technologies Inc.

• Mississippi Lime Company

• National Lime & Stone Company

Limestone Market Report Scope

Global Limestone Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at country & regional levels and provides an analysis of the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global limestone market report based on end-use, and region:

• End-Use Outlook (Volume, Kil0tons; Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Construction

  • Iron and Steel

  • Agriculture

  • Chemical

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kil0tons; Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Bangladesh

    • Indonesia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa