China Clay Market

China Clay Market Snapshot

Latest market estimations released by Future Market Insights (FMI) reveals that the global market for China Clay is anticipated to reach a valuation of US$ 2,842.4 Million by the end of 2023.

China clay finds its applications in numerous end-use industries. Rubber, Paper, and Sanitary wares are few leading consumers of china clay. Substantial growth in these industries over few recent years has propelled the sales. The increasing sales prospects to present robust growth opportunity over the forecast period, and fuel the market valuation to reach a valuation of US$ 4,995.1 Million by end of 2023 to 2033 period.

Market Size 2023	US$ 2,842.4 Million
Market Size 2033	US$ 4,995.1 Million
Value CAGR (2023 to 2033)	5.80%
Collective Value Share: Top 3 Countries (2023E)	40 to 45%

China clay, commonly referred to as "kaolin," is a type of white clay used in the production of paints, rubber, paper, and sanitary wares. Sanitary wares and the ceramics industry are the leading consumers of kaolin. The absence of iron and alkali in kaolin makes it ideal for its applications in the ceramic industry. Nimble growth in demand for kaolin as porcelain across sanitary wares and the ceramic industry is propelling the market's valuation. The substance is also used to coat paper, giving the surface opacity, colour, and superior printability when combined with adhesives. Apart from the aforementioned applications, numerous other ones such as rubber, adhesives, sealants, and various others are also contributing to demand growth.

Historical (2018 to 2022) Vs. Forecast (2023 to 2033) Market Outlook

The paper and pulp industry is the predominant consumer of china clay. Over the historical assessment period from 2018 to 2022, the paper industry has witnessed drastic changes. Demand for graphic papers dropped drastically in a very short period of time. Digitization has played a leading role in the decline of the paper industry. Sudden declines in the graphic paper segment have deep impacts on the overall paper industry. Despite such deep impacts, the overall paper industry has still managed to provide positive returns for key market stakeholders

Demand for graphic papers is anticipated to decline with a much faster growth rate over the forecast period. Implementation of strict regulations over deforestation and environmental protection is anticipated to further impact the market.

Increasing regulations on plastic and films are working as a healer for the paper industry. Commercial adoption of paper for packaging, tissue paper, and personal hygiene is recovering the dent in the paper industry caused by the rapid decline in demand for graphic papers. Demand prospects are anticipated to represent rapid recovery and register a growth rate of 2.8% over the 2023 to 2033 period.

Market Dynamics

Blooming demand for ceramic sanitary wares to bolster the sales

One of the key factors promoting the market's outlook favourably is the booming construction industry across the globe. The propensity towards cost-effective luxury furniture and home accessories is witnessing remarkable demand growth. Increasing per-capita income and awareness among consumers are key factors propelling this demand growth.

Ceramic sanitary ware is witnessing robust growth opportunities with the propagation of this trend. Ceramic sanitary wares are a key application segment of kaolin; it is utilized as porcelain in various ceramic products.

Numerous developing countries, such as India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia are representing immense potential in the market owing to consistent growth in FDI in these countries' construction sector. These developing markets are primarily cost-driven and prefer low cost alternatives. Hence, key manufacturers of sanitary wares are investing in research and development to cater to these markets with low cost products. Technological advancements and the incorporation of cost and performance effectiveness of products will increase the use of porcelain in the industry.

Transforming paper industry to benefit the Kaolin demand

The paper and pulp industry is one of the leading sectors of the global economy and a predominant consumer of kaolin. At present, the paper and pulp industry is in a transition phase owing to a consistent decline in demand for graphic papers. During the past few years, graphic papers have dominated the global paper industry with remarkable market share differences. Digitization has stifled the demand for graphic papers, resulting in various setbacks in the overall paper industry. The paper industry is in a recovery phase, and rising demand for tissues and paper packaging is filling the gap created by graphic papers in the industry.

Personal hygiene (tissues) and packaging sectors are paving the way for the paper industry. Growing awareness towards personal hygiene, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak, is promoting the paper demand. With such a consistent growth pace in the paper industry, it is anticipated that the industry will establish its dominance in the market over the forecast period.

Low cost alternatives is longstanding challenge kaolin manufacturers

Demand for kaolin grew at rapid rates over the historical period. To reduce the cost of end-product, end-users are creating consistent demand for cost-effective alternatives. With ongoing technological advancements manufacturers have commercialized various low cost alternatives for china clay. Development and commercialization of such products is anticipated to hamper the growth rate of market over the upcoming assessment period of 2023 to 2033.

Category-wise Insights

The water-washed segment to lead the global market

The water-washed segment is anticipated to lead the global market with dominant market shares in 2023. Low impurities and enhanced brightness of the kaolin produced are the key factors propelling the sales of water-washed china clay across the globe. The water washing process helps to increase the clay’s water retention ability by 10 to 15% of its weight. Owing to which the process is widely used in the production of hydrous kaolin. The conversion of raw kaolin into finished kaolin is done by water washing across the globe. Water-washed kaolin has its predominant application in the ceramic industry. Growth in the ceramic industry is propelling sales with remarkable growth rates and aiding the segmental valuation to grow over the forecast period.

Region-wise insights

East Asia to Dominate the Global China Clay Market

Due to the presence of large-scale manufacturers and end-users in the East Asia is predicted to dominate the world in electrically conductive consumption. China is the predominant consumer of China Clay both globally and in the East Asian region.

More than one-third of the China Clay used in East Asia are expected to be consumed by China. Extraordinary investment in country’s construction sector is propelling valuation of adjacent markets such as sanitary wares and rubber. China also holds leading market share in paper production across the globe. Extraordinary presence of end-use industries and their high growth prospects places China as the leading consumer and producer of Kaolin across the globe.

Competitive Landscape

The market for China Clay is fairly consolidated, with the few key players holding significant market share in the global market. Imerys S.A., BASF SE, and Sibelco are few examples of tier – I players In the market. These players are implementing various strategies to augment their product sale. Investment in research and development to enhance their product offerings and portfolio expansion is the key strategy adopted by these players to maintain competition in the market.

For Instance,

• In July 2021, through the acquisition agreement that Thiele Kaolin and Imerys Performance Minerals entered into, Thiele will acquire specific IMERYS Kaolin assets that are used in the production of paper and paperboard.

Key Development and success strategies adopted by key players listed here have been tracked by Future Market Insights in its latest market study.

Scope of the Report

Attribute	Details
Growth Rate	CAGR of 5.8% between 2023 and 2033
Base Year for Estimation	2022
Historical Data	2018 to 2022
Forecast Period	2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units	Revenue in US$ Million, Volume in Tons, and CAGR between 2023 and 2033
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, Trends, and Pricing Analysis
Segments Covered	Process End-use Industry Region
Regions Covered	North America United States of America Canada Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Rest of Latin America East Asia South Korea China Japan South Asia and Pacific India Association of South East Asian Countries Australia and New Zealand Rest of South Asia and Pacific Western Europe Germany France Spain Italy BENELUX Nordics United Kingdom Rest of Western Europe Eastern Europe Poland Hungary Romania Czech Republic Rest of Eastern Europe Central Asia Russia and Belarus Balkan and Baltic Countries Middle East and Africa Kingdom of Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Türkiye Northern Africa South Africa Israel Rest of Middle East and Africa
Key Companies Profiled	Imerys SA BASF SE Ashapura Group EICL Limited Sibelco KaMin LLC Thiele Kaolin Company LASSELSBERGER Group Quarzwerke GmbH Sedlecky Kaolin a.s. I-Mineral Inc. W.R. Grace & Co. 20 Microns Others
Customization & Pricing	Available upon Request

Market Segmentation

Process:

• Water-washed
• Air float
• Calcined
• Delaminated
• Surface-modified
• Unprocessed

By Application:

• Ceramics and Sanitary wares
• Fiberglass
• Paints and Coatings
• Rubber
• Adhesives and Sealants
• Plastics
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• East Asia
• South Asia and Pacific
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• Central Asia
• Russia and Belarus
• Balkan and Baltic Countries
• Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the global sheet metal market size reported by FMI for 2022?

In 2022, the value of the global market reached over US$ 2,765.0 Million.

What is the global sheet metal market estimated to reach in 2023?

In 2023, the value of the global market reached over US$ 2,842.4 Million.

What is the global sheet metal market valuation expected for 2033?

The global market is projected to reach US$ 4,995.1 Million by the end of 2033.

What value CAGR did the industry exhibit over the last 4 years?

The global market exhibit a CAGR of 2.8% over the last 4 years.

What is the projected CAGR for the industry between 2023 and 2033?

The global market is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 5.8% between 2023 and 2033.