North America Calcium Carbonate Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Industrial fillers, Rock dust, Water treatment, Citric acid production), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Industry Insights

The North America calcium carbonate market size was valued at USD 5.26 billion in 2015 and is projected to grow at an estimated CAGR of 5.7% from 2016 to 2025. The market is anticipated to witness robust growth on account of its increasing use as industrial filler in various applications.

Along with increasing usage in construction, paper, plastic industry, calcium carbonate is also used as a dietary supplement, additive for thermoplastics, and in various metalloid mineral applications. Product demand from the paper industry has grown rapidly in recent years, resulting from an overall increase in paper production.

North America calcium carbonate market revenue by product, 2014 - 2025 (USD Million)

Factors such as changing lifestyles and growing hygiene awareness have led to an increase in the consumption of paper, especially tissues, packaging paper, etc. This is expected to fuel the growth of the paper industry as well as the use of calcium carbonate over the next five years.

Moreover, rising demand for calcium carbonate in other industries such as dietary supplements, in metalloid mineral, as additives in thermoplastics such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is projected to drive this growth further. Industrial filters are added to the materials such as plastics, concrete, & composite materials to lower the cost of expensive binder materials or enhance the properties of the end product.

These factors are likely to hinder the market growth. Pulverized limestone-based rock dust is used in the coal mines to prevent underground coal dust explosions. The mine operators regularly spray rock dust on the floor, rib & roof areas of the coal mines. Large numbers of coal mines are present in North America, and the U.S. is one of the leading coal exporters, especially to Europe.

However, from the past few years, coal production in the U.S. has been decreasing as a reflection of increasing focus on renewable energy sources, and the same trend is expected to continue over the forecast period as well thus hampering rock dust demand over the forecast period.

Application Insights

Calcium carbonate is a widely used industrial filler in industries including paper, plastic, paints & coatings, etc., owing to its superior properties such as special white color used as a coating pigment, light scattering & high brightness and inexpensiveness compared to wood flour or sawdust.

North America calcium carbonate market volume share by application, 2015

Industrial fillers accounted for 74% of market share by volume in 2015 and owing to the increased use of calcium carbonate as fillers in the paper, and plastic industries, it is projected to retain its dominance over the forecast period as well. It is expected to emerge as the largest as well as the fastest-growing application segment.

Calcium carbonate is used to produce calcium citrate (citric acid) which is used as a food additive, most commonly as a preservative, acidifier, and flavoring agent. It is also employed in some other applications such as cleaning agents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements. Such a broad application scope of citric acid is expected to boost the North America calcium carbonate market growth further.

Regional Insights

The resurgent growth in the building & construction, paper & plastic industry in the U.S. will boost the product use as industrial fillers. Moreover, the increased demand for the product in other industries such as dietary supplements, in metalloid mineral, as additives in thermoplastics such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is projected to boost the market growth further. The U.S. is expected to emerge as the largest as well as the fastest-growing market in North America.

Increased export levels of limestone from Canada, changing lifestyle, and increasing use of calcium carbonate in the personal care products are projected to create opportunities for growth in this region. However, the sluggish industrial growth & slowing economy in Mexico and the strong consumption levels of the product in paper & plastic industries are expected to hinder the market growth in the region. Canada is projected to emerge as the second-largest market, and the demand is likely to be valued at USD 1,335.4 million in 2025.

North America Calcium Carbonate Market Share Insights

The global supply is restricted to a few companies that operate at the regional and country level. Being the highest value-added product, PCC is traded worldwide via these global suppliers. Satellite plants cater to paper mills, the largest end-user segment. Other segments such as paints, plastics, etc. are provided through national-level manufacturers.

Key market players are expected to account for over 35% of the demand owing to their global presence. These operators have focused on establishing on-site production facilities, especially to supply high-quality Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) to paper mills. The major market participants include Imerys Pigments, Parchem Fine & Specialty Chemicals, Omya, and Mineral Technologies, Inc.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the report

This report forecasts volume & revenue growth and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For this report, Grand View Research has segmented North America calcium carbonate market based on application, and region:

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Industrial Fillers

    • Paint

    • Polymer

    • Rubber

    • Adhesive, Caulk, and Sealant

    • Joint Compound

    • Asphalt Sealers

    • Stucco

    • Fiber Cement

    • Carpet Backing

    • Others

  • Rock Dust

  • Water Treatment

  • Citric Acid Production

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • U.S

    • Canada

    • Mexico