The Global Zirconium Market size was valued at USD 2.10 Billion in 2022 and is expected to surpass USD 4.20 Billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period, 2023 – 2031. The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing use of zirconium in the ceramics and foundry industries.
Zirconium is highly preferred in the ceramics industry owing to its properties such as a high refractive index, and due to its inducing white color. Its ability to impart high mechanical strength, toughness, and durability to ceramic bodies and glass matrices are driving the growth of the market.
In foundry applications, it is used widely as a molding base material for sand casting, investment casting, and Cosworth casting (aluminum). It is also used as mold coatings in die casting and refractory paints and washes, as it reduces the wettability of other foundry sands.
Market Drivers, Restraints, Trends, and Opportunities
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Rising adoption of zirconium in aviation and automotive application as a protective coating is driving the market growth.
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Increasing replacement of steel dental implants with zirconium alloys, along with extensive research and development (R&D) activities are anticipated to spur the growth of the market.
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Rapid growth of foundry, refractories, and ceramics industries is expected to propel the market in the projected timeline.
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Reducing dependence on zircon and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic can create challenges for the market growth.
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Significant growth opportunities in the nuclear power industry across the globe is one of the key factors driving the growth of the market.
Scope of Zirconium Market Report
The report on the global zirconium market includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.
Attributes
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Details
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Report Title
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Zirconium Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast
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Base Year
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2022
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Historic Data
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2016–2021
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Forecast Period
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2023–2031
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Segmentation
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Occurrence Types (Zircon, Zirconia, and Others [Zirconium Metal]), Products (Zircon Flour/Sand, Zircon Opacifier, Refractories (Zircon), Zircon Chemicals [Zircon Oxychloride (ZrOCl2), Zircon Sulfate (Zr(SO4)2), and Others], and Zircon Metal)
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Regional Scope
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Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa
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Report Coverage
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Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends, and Revenue Forecast
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Key Players Covered in the Report
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Iluka Resources Limited, Eramet, Kenmare Resources PLC, Tronox Holdings plc, and Rio Tinto
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Global Zirconium Market Segment Insights
Others segment to account a major market share
Based on types, the market is segregated into zircon, zirconia, and others The other segment includes zirconium metal. The others segment is anticipated to account for a major market share during the forecast period. Zirconium is used for cladding or outer covering in fuel rods due to its properties, such as high structural strength and low neutron absorption.
Moreover, widespread adoption of zirconium alloys for the manufacturing of flashbulbs, surgical instruments, explosive primers, and rayon spinneret are spurring the segment growth. It is also used in the manufacturing of modern porcelain tiles due to its ability to bind with organic and inorganic sand binders.
Zircon flour/sand segment to hold a significant market share
Based on products, the market is divided as zircon flour/sand, zircon opacifier, refractories (zircon), zircon chemicals, and zircon metal. The zircon chemicals segment is segmented into zircon oxychloride (ZrOCl2), zircon sulfate (Zr(SO4)2), and others. The zircon flour/sand segment is expected to account for a significant market share during the forecast period.
Zircon is mostly used in the flour form to introduce zirconium to frit compositions, or as micronized zircon to produce glazes, engobes, and ceramic body compositions. Zircon sand is employed to improve the abrasion resistance of glazed surfaces, particularly for floor tiles.
Zircon sand is widely used in ceramics and foundry industries due to its various properties, such as the ability to bind with all organic and inorganic sand binders, low acidity, low thermal expansion coefficient, high spatial stability at increased temperatures, chemical stability at high temperatures, and sound recyclability.
The market in Asia Pacific to exhibit a high CAGR
Based on geography, the market is segregated into Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. The market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a high CAGR during the forecast period.
The IMF estimated a growth rate of 1.9% for China in 2020, and the growth is expected to expand at a rate of 8.2% in 2021, subject to the post COVID-19 economic recovery. Increasing focus on the development of nuclear power resources is expected to increase the demand for zirconium in the country, which is further boosting the growth of the market in Asia Pacific.
Segments
Occurrence Types
Products
- Zircon Flour/Sand
- Zircon Opacifier
- Refractories
- Zircon Chemicals
- Zircon Oxychloride (ZrOCl2)
- Zircon Sulfate (Zr(SO4)2)
- Others
- Zircon Metal
Regions
- Asia Pacific
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- Middle East & Africa
Key players
- Iluka Resources Limited
- Eramet
- Kenmare Resources PLC
- Tronox Holdings plc
- Rio Tinto
Competitive Landscape
Major players of the market are Iluka Resources Limited, Rio Tinto, Tronox Holdings PLC, and Eramet.
