Pyrophyllite Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Refractories & Foundries, Ceramics, Fillers), By Region (North America, Asia Pacific, Europe), And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Pyrophyllite Market Size & Trends

The global pyrophyllite market size was estimated at USD 71.1 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2024 to 2030. Rising use of ceramic products in various end-use industries, such as construction, aerospace, and automotive, is anticipated to contribute to industry growth. Pyrophyllite plays a crucial role in the ceramics industry. It serves as an important material in numerous applications, such as in the formulation of ceramic bodies and glazes, regulating thermal expansion, porcelain, insulators, kiln furniture, and glaze suspensions.

Its unique properties make it a versatile and valuable material in various ceramic applications. Growing industrial sectors, infrastructure projects, and technological advancements within the U.S. are aiding market growth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, total construction spending was USD 1,844.1 billion in February 2023, registering an increase of 5.2% compared to February 2022. Rising investments in the construction industry are expected to propel demand for paints & coating, castings, and iron & steel, which, in turn, is anticipated to aid the consumption of pyrophyllite over the forecast period. Market growth is further driven by rising demand from refractories & foundries.

The foundries business is experiencing significant global growth owing to factors, such as flourishing automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing industries, that augment the demand for metal components produced by foundries. Utilization of pyrophyllite-based refractories as furnace linings in iron & steel production is a key growth driver for the market. Despite, a decline in steel production in 2022, it is projected to rebound and grow by 3.6% and 3.9% in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Thus, growth in the steel industry is expected to positively influence global market expansion. Market growth is restricted by the harmful effects of mining on the ecosystem. Improper management of mining activities can result in an adverse socio-economic impact on environment, and animal, and human health issues.

Several regional governments have imposed regulations to counter issues related to mining and processing. These regulations lead to a slow establishment process of new quarries and pyrophyllite processing plants, thereby restraining market growth. Furthermore, pyrophyllite in pure form offers enhanced properties to end-use products, which has augmented its usage and eventually led to a depletion of high-grade pyrophyllite reserves. The low availability of pure grade has resulted in switching to alternatives. Despite the availability of low-grade pyrophyllite, impurities present in its mineral composition limit its usage in end-use industries. This acts as a key challenge for the industry growth.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of over 51.0% in 2023. Increasing manufacturing activities and growing foreign investments are key drivers fueling market growth in this region. The flourishing end-use industries, such as iron and steel mills, foundries, paints & coating, and building & construction, are further contributing to the increased product consumption in the region. Furthermore, rising demand for ceramic-based products due to initiatives undertaken by regional governments is anticipated to propel product consumption over the forecast period. For instance, Smart City project undertaken by the Government of India aims to leverage potential of ongoing urbanization in the country.

The growing construction & infrastructure development activities are major factors driving the demand for ceramics, paints & coatings, and steel, which, in turn, are propelling market growth. Middle East region is expected to register a CAGR of 4.8%, in terms of revenue, from 2024 to 2030. The region is witnessing increased investments in resorts, hotels, artificial islands, and luxury residential projects to support the growth of its construction industry. For instance, in August 2022, Nakheel PJSC announced a plan to construct 5 islands spanning 17 square kilometers by 2040. Such initiatives are expected to augment regional market growth in coming years.

Market Dynamics

Pyrophyllite is a versatile mineral that is widely used as a substitute for kaolin and talc minerals. It is a cost-effective substitute for talc and kaolin clay as it enables the development of products of the same quality as offered by the former. Ceramics are used for manufacturing sanitary ware, tiles, bricks & pipes, pottery, etc. Apart from these, they are also being used in automobiles, space exploration vehicles, and defense and commercial aircraft. Ceramics are utilized in the aerospace industry as they are lighter than metals.

This enables space exploration vehicles developed from them to stay longer in space, as well as results in large payloads, low fuel consumption, and high speed of these vehicles. Therefore, surging usage of ceramics in aerospace industry is expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for players functioning in the market. In June 2023, Boeing, one of the leading aircraft manufacturers predicted that airlines worldwide will require approximately 41,170 new airplanes in the next 20 years, considering the increase in global air passengers and cargo.

Application Insights

Based on application, refractories and foundries segment held the largest share of more than 41% in 2023. Pyrophyllite can be transformed into a substance called mullite, which can endure temperatures as high as 1810 °C. This makes it suitable for making refractory materials that are cost-effective and can handle extreme heat. Increasing private investments to set up new steel manufacturing plants are expected to augment segment growth. Pyrophyllite is used as a filler and finds application in end-use industries, such as paper, pesticides, plastics, and paints, and also as a soil conditioner. It is primarily used in the paints industry as a suspending agent or pigment to improve the volume of paints. Unique properties of the mineral are an excellent substitute for expensive China clay and help enhance film cracking resistance by improving the drying and dispersion properties of paints.

Growing production for paints on account of rising construction activities worldwide is expected to aid segment growth. For instance, in January 2023, Asian Paints announced to invest INR 2,000 crore (~USD 242.0 million) in Madhya Pradesh, India, with an annual production capacity of 4 lakh kilo liters per annum. The facility is expected to be commissioned in 3 years after land acquisition. Ceramics segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2030. Pyrophyllite is a versatile mineral that has several important applications in the ceramics industry. It is widely used as a cost-effective substitute for kaolin and talc minerals. Ceramics further are extensively used in sanitary ware, pottery, bricks, automobiles, and aerospace industries, which is expected to rapidly augment their production and eventually boost their demand.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Market players adopt various initiatives, such as capacity expansions, mergers & acquisitions, and R&D activities, to gain a competitive edge. For instance, in June 2022, in an agreement with Grupo Industrial Saltillo, Mohawk Industries, Inc. acquired Vitromex ceramic tile for an approximate value of USD 293 million. This acquisition was undertaken to expand the company’s industry position in Mexico in terms of manufacturing efficiency, customer base, and logistical capabilities. The growth in end-use industries is also anticipated to support market growth.

Pyrophyllite Market Report Scope

Global Pyrophyllite Market Report Segmentation

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

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Ceramics

  • Refractories & Foundries

  • Fillers

  • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • Russia

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East

    • Saudi Arabia

  • Africa

    • South Africa