Chemicals Industry Today

Refractories Market to Reach 72.31 million Tons by 2031, Driven by Steel Demand and Asia-Pacific Growth | Mordor Intelligence

Mordor Intelligence has published a new report on the “Refractories Market” offering a comprehensive analysis of trends, growth drivers, and future projections.
Published 12 January 2026

The global refractories market to rise from 59.61M tons in 2026 to 72.31M tons by 2031 at 3.93% CAGR, with Asia-Pacific leading as largest and fastest-growing region.

Refractories, essential materials used to withstand extreme heat and mechanical stress, remain critical for industries such as iron and steel, cement, energy, chemicals, non-ferrous metals, glass, and ceramics. Asia-Pacific emerging as both the largest and fastest-growing region, the sector is expected to benefit from infrastructure investments, energy-intensive projects, and rising demand for durable construction materials.

Refractories Industry Key Trends

Steel Industry Dependence: Iron and steel production continues to dominate refractory usage. As global steel demand rises, particularly in Asia-Pacific,refractory consumption is expected to grow in tandem.

Cement and Construction Growth: Infrastructure projects across developing economies are fueling demand for cement, which in turn drives refractory requirements for kiln linings and high-temperature applications.

Energy and Chemicals Expansion: The energy sector, including waste-to-energy and chemical processing plants, is increasingly reliant on refractories for safe and efficient operations.

Regional Leadership of Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific not only holds the largest market share but is also the fastest-growing region. Countries like China and India are expanding steel capacity and investing in energy projects, reinforcing their dominance in refractory consumption.

Low Market Concentration: The industry remains fragmented, with numerous regional and global players competing. This creates opportunities for specialized producers to cater to niche applications.

Gain Region-Wise Analysis and Localized Coverage, Including the Japanese Edition: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/ja/industry-reports/refractories-market?utm_source=globenewswire

Refractories Market Segmentation

By Product Type

  • Clay Refractories: Widely used due to cost-effectiveness and availability, clay-based refractories are common in traditional applications.
  • Non-Clay Refractories: Preferred for high-performance applications, these materials offer superior resistance to extreme conditions.

By End-User Industry

  • Iron and Steel: The largest consumer segment, accounting for the majority of refractory demand.
  • Cement: Kiln linings and high-temperature processes drive steady consumption.
  • Energy and Chemicals: Expanding energy projects and chemical plants require durable refractory solutions.
  • Non-Ferrous Metals: Copper, aluminum, and other metals industries rely on refractories for smelting and refining.
  • Glass and Ceramics: High-temperature furnaces in these industries contribute to consistent demand.
  • Other Industries: Includes smaller applications across manufacturing and processing sectors.

By Geography

  • Asia-Pacific: Largest and fastest-growing market, led by China and India.
  • North America: Stable demand driven by steel and energy projects.
  • Europe: Moderate growth with emphasis on sustainability and efficiency.
  • South America: Emerging opportunities in steel and cement industries.
  • Middle East and Africa: Infrastructure development and energy projects support growth.

Explore Chemicals & Materials Research Industry: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/market-analysis/chemicals-materials?utm_source=globenewswire

Top Key Players

·      RHI Magnesita

  • Vesuvius PLC
  • Krosaki Harima Corporation
  • Imerys Group
  • Morgan Advanced Materials

These companies are actively engaged in supplying refractories for steel, cement, and energy industries, while also exploring opportunities in emerging markets. Their strategies often involve balancing cost efficiency with performance, ensuring reliable supply chains, and meeting the growing demand from Asia-Pacific.

Conclusion:

While the market remains fragmented, opportunities abound for producers who can deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions tailored to specific industries. The continued expansion of infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects ensures that refractories will remain indispensable materials across multiple sectors.

In summary, the refractories market is positioned for consistent growth, driven by industrial demand cycles, regional expansion, and the critical role of refractories in high-temperature applications.

Explore Related Reports from Mordor Intelligence:

Advanced Ceramics Market

Electronics And Electrical Ceramics Market

Ceramic Substrate Market

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