Kaolin Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Trends [2031]

Report Description

The global kaolin market size was valued at around USD 4.28 Billion in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 5.87 Billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period, 2023–2031. The market growth is attributed to the increasing demand for kaolin from several end-use industries and the rise in construction activities.

Increasing demand for kaolin in various end-use industries such as ceramics, paper, rubber, and paint & coatings is the major trend boosting the growth of the market. Kaolin is used in the paint & coatings industry as an indispensable filler. It is a raw material categorized as a kaolinite mineral. Kaolin material is used to fill and coat pieces, as it reduces particle size and enhances strength. These key properties are expanding their demand in various verticals, thereby, propelling the growth of the market.

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Kaolin is also used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, which is expected to further drive the market. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as an ingredient in some medications, and in the cosmetic industry, it is used as an ingredient in products such as facial masks and body powders.

Kaolin is often mined from deposits located in various parts of the world, including the United States, Brazil, China, the United Kingdom, and African nations. It is considered to be a relatively low-cost material, with a wide range of applications.

• In May 2023, the Nigerian Federal Government’s Ministry of Mines & Steel Development (MMSD) launched the Kaolin Ore processing plant in Alkaleri.  This newly built plant signifies Nigeria’s shift from raw materials export to processed materials export.

The market report finds that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted on the kaolin market, due to a sudden disruption in the supply chain. The production volume significantly declined in 2021, due to the prolonged shutdown of industries, owing to the lockdowns imposed by the government.

Kaolin Market Dynamics

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Major Drivers

Increasing demand for kaolin in various end-use industries such as ceramics, paper, rubber, and paint & coatings is the major trend boosting the growth of the market. Kaolin is used in the paint & coatings industry as an indispensable filler. It is a raw material categorized as a kaolinite mineral. However, this kaolin material is used to fill and coat pieces as it reduces particle size and enhances strength.

High demand from the paper and ceramics industries is expected to drive the growth of the kaolin market. Kaolin offers extended fiber, smoothness, brightness & opacity, and gloss, and it improves printability.

In developing regions, the paper sector is increasing which is expected to boost the growth of the market. Kaolin is used in the paper industry as it offers various qualities such as paper smoothness, good ink receptivity, and opacity for paper making. Increasing demand for sanitary ware and ceramic tile is expected to boost the growth of the market.

Restraints

Increasing kaolin prices and easy availability of other substitutes restrains the market growth. This led to the development and introduction of alternatives in the kaolin market. However, government guidelines over protecting the environment and cutting forest trees further hamper the market growth.

Additionally, excessive consumption of kaolin is expected to hamper health issues as it can cause constipation and intestine blockage and can possibly lower blood iron levels. This is expected to restrain the market.

Opportunities

Increasing demand for cement is expected to offer lucrative opportunities for the market players. Cement production uses kaolin as a raw material. An increase in the Indian cement sector is expected to create significant growth in the market. Cement is used in the construction of roads, bridges, airports, highways, and others. However, the increasing investment in the construction and building sector is expected to drive the demand for cement in the market.

Increasing demand for glass production, due to the high demand from the automotive, remodeling, and building industries is anticipated to create immense growth opportunities for the market. Furthermore, key strategic initiatives implemented by the leading companies are anticipated to create lucrative opportunities during the forecast period.

• In April 2022, Andromeda Metals completed its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the Great White Kaolin Project in South Australia. The DFS reflects the newest information on the project and confirms strong long-term cashflows from its high-grade kaolin mineral resource and its unique products.

Scope of Kaolin Market Report

The market report includes an assessment of the market trends, market segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.

Kaolin Market Segment Insights

Application Segment Analysis

Based on application, the kaolin market is divided into ceramics, plastic, cosmetics, paper, fiber glass, rubber, and paint & coatings. The paper segment is expected to expand at a significant growth rate during the projection period, owing to the high demand for paper in printing and packaging applications.

Kaolin is used as a coating pigment to improve paper’s brightness, smoothness, and printability. It works by filling in the gaps between the paper fibers and creating a smooth, even surface for printing.

The ceramics segment is anticipated to hold a key share of the market in the coming years, owing to the wide usage of this material in ceramic products such as ceramic tiles, tableware, and sanitary ware. Kaolin is used as a raw material to make porcelain and other ceramics. It helps to improve the strength, hardness, and durability of the final product.

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Process Segment Analysis

On the basis of process, the global market is segregated into calcined, water-washed, delaminated, airfloat, and surface-modified & unprocessed. The water-washed segment is projected to register a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, due to the low impurity levels and improved brightness kaolin.

Water-washed kaolin is the raw material for manufacturing high-grade porcelain. After deep modification and processing, the product develops an ideal raw material for rubber, papermaking, coating, paint, and other industrial sectors.

The calcined segment is expected to hold a large share of the market in the coming years. Calcined kaolin acts as a functional extender in paint, it further operates on grounds, including painting and gilding.

Calcined kaolin is not generally used in traditional ceramics, except for some specific ceramics, but it is a key material used in many industries. This is because Kaolin is chemically inactive, has a high covering power, and lowers the number of required pigments. Its hardness develops the physical durability of the paint film and the burnish resistance. Moreover, Calcined kaolin is used in paint, plastic, rubber, polymer, paper, adhesive, and ceramic industries.

Grade Segment Analysis

In terms of grade, the kaolin market is segmented into hydrous, surface treated, calcined, delaminated, and structured. The hydrous segment is expected to register a robust growth rate during the assessment period. Hydrous kaolin is categorized by its fine particle size, lamellar particle shape or plate-like, and chemical inertness. It is used to extend titanium dioxide in aqueous glass and semi-glass coatings.

• On March 4, 2022, Imerys, completed the sale of Thiele Kaolin Company, one of the key producers of processed kaolin clay, of certain North American assets and mining resources supplying hydrous kaolin to the paper and packaging markets. These properties, which are part of Imery's Performance Minerals Americas business segment, generated around $74 million in revenues in 2021.

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Regional Analysis

In terms of region, the global kaolin market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the market during the projection period, due to economic development and rapid urbanization.

Emerging countries such as China and India are causing a significant demand for ceramic household appliances and institutional applications. Furthermore, increasing construction activities in the region is likely to accelerate the market.

• As per the May 2023 report, China’s processed paper and cardboard production volume was around 12.24 million metric tons. This production output has been comparatively stable over the observed period, fluctuating between 10.47 and 12.44 million metric tons.

The market in North America is anticipated to expand at a rapid pace in the coming years, due to the increasing demand for paper in printing and packaging applications and the rising export of kaolin minerals. The regional market growth is further attributed to the rising demand from the paper and packaging industry. Emerging countries such as the U.S. dominate the region, due to the increasing adoption of kaolin as a coating additive.

• According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, the US kaolin exports were USD 604 million and imports accounted for USD 26.5 million, resulting in a positive trade balance for the country in 2021.

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