Asia Pacific Silica and Sand Market Outlook
The Asia Pacific silica sand market size was valued at USD 5,346.5 Million in 2019 and is anticipated to reach USD 8,303.9 Million by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. In terms of volume, the Asia Pacific silica sand market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period.
Silica sand is composed of two elements which include silica and oxygen or silicon dioxide (SiO2). The most common form of SiO2 is quartz, which is relatively hard and chemically inert. Silica sand is available in the market under names such as white sand, quartz sand, or industrial sand. Regular sand contains silica sand in the amount of <95%.
The impurities in regular sand make it more chemically reactive and often darker in color as compared to silica sand. Silica sand is a commercial and consumer product and is widely available across Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is considered as a major end-user of silica sand owing to the growing glass and foundry industries in this region.
Furthermore, increasing glass production in Asia Pacific is anticipated to further boost the demand for silica sand in this region. The use of silica sand depends on its mechanical characteristics such as structure, grain size, shape, color, distribution, and refractoriness, stability, and strength.
Asia Pacific Silica and Sand Market Dynamics
The market is driven by factors such as rising construction activities in Asia Pacific, high demand for molding sand in foundry, rapid development of solar infrastructures, and increasing use of silica sand in glass material manufacturing.
Silica sand is an inescapable part of the glass materials industry and claims for more than 50% of all raw materials used in glass manufacturing. The glass goods industry is growing in APAC, especially in countries such as India, China, and South Korea. Major players in the glass industry are shifting their production base to APAC countries.
Rapid industrialization and urbanization and increasing adoption of smart and energy-efficient methods are driving glass production. Furthermore, the use of specialty glass in electronic materials in developed countries, such as Japan, is projected to drive the market during the forecast period.
Silica is the main component used to make photovoltaic materials and glass used in the construction of solar panels. The main component of solar infrastructures being photovoltaic materials. Currently, silicon is the most common material in photovoltaic modules. These photovoltaic materials are supported by layers of glass or plastic.
Silica is used for the production of photovoltaic material and glass; therefore, this industry is driving the silica sand market. The government is also taking active part in promoting renewable energy sources. In India, Kamuthi solar park in Kamuthi, Tamilnadu is set to be constructed on 2500-acre land.
Asia Pacific Silica and Sand Market Segment Insights
Type Segment Analysis
Based on type, the silica sand market has been segmented into wet sand, dry sand, frac sand, filter sand, and coated sand. The filter sand segment is anticipated to expand at substantial CAGR during the forecast period. Filter sand is considered as the highly effective filter media, as it holds back precipitates in impurities are present.
The hardness, filter sand size, and angularity are important silica sand characteristics that assists in ensuring proper filtering. This filter sand is used to clean and filter sewage treatment plants, pool filters, and portable water filters, thereby removing the impurities present in the water.
The most commonly used filter sand is made from ground quartz. Its grains have sharp and jagged edges, which efficiently trap the dirt particles and impurities from the passing water.
Application Segment Analysis
Based on the application, the silica sand market has been categorized into glass manufacturing, foundry, hydraulic fracturing, construction, chemical production, and others. The glass manufacturing segment holds a dominant share of the silica sand market. The consistently growing glass manufacturing industry in India and China drives the demand for silica sand in Asia Pacific.
Moreover, silica sand finds applications in construction and foundries that are booming sectors across Asia Pacific. Furthermore, increasing inclination towards using glass containers, bottles, and other products for food & beverage packaging is boosting glass production in Asia Pacific.
Manufacturers of alcoholic drinks are increasingly utilizing glass bottles made up of silica for attractive and protective packaging. Technological innovations associated with chemicals further propels the growth of the silica sand market during the forecast period.
In developed countries such as Japan and South Korea, specialty glass is being used in the electronics sector. These developed countries are expected to further support the growth of the glass manufacturing industry, thereby spurring the demand for silica sand.
Country Analysis
In terms of countries & sub-region, the market is divided into China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, South East Asia, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. China dominates the APAC silica sand market due to strong presence of glass manufacturers and auto parts manufacturer.
India is expected to hold a major share of the market and is estimated to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The market in China and Japan is also projected to expand at a substantial pace during the forecast period.
The market in other countries in the region, such as Australia, South Korea, and those in South East Asia, is anticipated to expand at a moderate CAGR during the forecast period. Strong focus on infrastructure development and growing demand for shopping malls, commercial buildings, hotels, and arenas is projected to boost the growth APAC silica sand market during the forecast period.
Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders
- In-depth Analysis of the Asia Pacific silica sand market
- Historical, Current and Projected Market Size in terms of Value and Volume
- Potential & Niche Segments and Regions Exhibiting Promising Growth Covered
- Industry Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Covered in the Study
- Recent Industry Trends and Developments
- Competitive Landscape & Strategies of Key Players
- Neutral Perspective on Asia Pacific Silica Sand Market Performance
Segments
Type
- Wet Sand
- Dry Sand
- Frac Sand
- Filter Sand
- Coated Sand
Application
- Glass Manufacturing
- Foundry
- Hydraulic Fracturing
- Construction
- Chemical Production
- Others
Country
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- Australia
- South East Asia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
Key Players
Competitive Landscape
Key players in the market include AVIC Sanxin Co., Ltd., Chongqing Changjiang River Moulding Material Co. Ltd, Diatreme Resources Limited, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd., Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd, JFE MINERAL Co., LTD., Mangal Minerals, Mitsubishi Corporation, Raghav Productivity Enhancers Limited, and SCR-Sibelco NV.
These companies are considered as key manufacturers of the Asia Pacific silica sand market based on their revenue, research & development (R&D) activities, regional presence, and supply chain management system. The players are adopting key strategies such as a merger, acquisition, and geographical expansion in order to strengthen their market position. For instance,
- In September 2020, Mitsubishi Corporation and Surbana Jurong joint venture had formed a strategic partnership with Indonesian property developer Sinar Mas Land for advancing smart and sustainable Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) in BSD City, Indonesia.
- In January 2020, SCR-Sibelco NV announced that it reached an agreement to sell its Australia-based magnesia operations (QMAG Limited) to the German-based Refratechnik Group. The sale was done with an aim to re-focus the company’s portfolio on activities where it can attain leadership positions and offer cutting-edge solutions to its customers.
- In December 2019, Mitsubishi Corporation announced the establishment of a wholly-owned tech subsidiary, MC Digital, Inc. dedicated to advancing the company’s digital strategies. The subsidiary was established to promote the development of services that leverage digital technologies.
- In August 2019, SCR-Sibelco NV announced that it had completed the previously announced sale of its global lime and limestone business to Graymont and Grupo Calidra. The sale was made with a view to leverage the company’s strengths and pursue future growth opportunities.
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