Calcium Carbide Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Application (Acetylene Gas, Calcium Cyanamide, Reducing & Dehydrating Agents, Steel Making, Others), By End-user (Chemicals, Steel, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global calcium carbide market size was valued at USD 16.00 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 16.75 billion in 2024 to USD 24.09 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the calcium carbide market with a market share of 88.5% in 2021. Moreover, the calcium carbide market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 90.97 million by 2032, driven by factors such as the recovery of the steel industry, growth in chemical manufacturing, and increasing use in plastics.

Calcium carbide, also known as CaC₂, is mainly used to produce acetylene, calcium cyanamide, carbide lamps, and toy cannons. It is also used for slag conditioning, desulfurization, and furnace injection during the production of steel. In the current scenario, it is widely used to produce acetylene gas, which, in turn, produces polyvinyl chloride or PVC. The production of PVC using CaC₂ has been considered a feasible method as it does not require the use of petroleum or natural gas and has advantages such as lower molecular weight and better plasticizing properties than petroleum-based PVC. The current trends in the market are the rising demand for PVC-based plastic products and the growing chemical, steel, and agriculture industries.

The spread of COVID-19 had a vital impact on the supply chain. The product has a major application in the production of acetylene gas, which is likely to impact the calcium carbide market. This factor is associated with the countrywide lockdown in China, leading to significantly diminished production capacities, an unfavorable labor situation, a lack of transportation, and declined export activities.   

Calcium Carbide Market Trends

Growing Demand for Acetylene in Various Applications is a Notable Trend

The rising commercial application of acetylene has improved the demand for calcium carbide. Applications of acetylene include potable lightning, welding and cutting of metals, production of chemicals, manufacturing of plastics, and others. PVC and PVDF are made from acetylene derivatives such as methane and ethylene. Plastics are very cost-effective and easy to manufacture products that have applications in various industries. This rising demand for plastics is further supporting the growth of the market. Additionally, acetylene is used for the synthesis of various chemicals. The gradual surge in the chemical industry will further support the market growth.

Calcium Carbide Market Growth Factors

Growing Demand for Acetylene and its Derivatives to Drive Market

CaC₂ is used as a raw material in producing various chemicals, including acetylene and its derivatives such as acrylic fibers, resins, polymers, and more. The growth in the production of acetylene and its derivatives has effectively influenced the calcium carbide market growth.

Acetylene is further used in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, dye, and rubber. Acetylene derivatives are used in various consumer products such as hair sprays, cosmetics, sunscreens, and lotions. Also, these derivatives serve as a feedstock for the production of polyurethane fibers and synthetic rubber. Currently, acetylene is mainly used in the production of PVC in China, a dominant country in the production and consumption of acetylene. Hence, the growing demand for acetylene and its derivatives is expected to drive the product consumption during the review period.

Increasing Production of Steel to Propel Growth of the Market

CaC₂ is used as a desulfurizing and reducing agent in the steel industry. Besides, it is also used as a modulizing agent in the production of domlur graphite in iron and as a finishing slag component in ferrous and non-ferrous refining. In certain industrial processes, calcium carbide is also used as a dehydrating agent. This increase is associated with the robustness of steel demand, improving investments, and infrastructure programs. Hence, the increasing production of steel around the globe, owing to its demand, is expected to propel the market's growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Harmful Effects of Calcium Carbide on Health to Limit Market Growth

Calcium carbide is a chemical compound that is commonly used in various industrial applications, including the production of acetylene gas, which is used in welding and cutting operations. However, using calcium carbide has also been linked to several harmful effects on health, which could limit its market growth in the coming years. One of the primary health concerns associated with calcium carbide is its potential to cause respiratory problems. When exposed to moisture, calcium carbide produces acetylene gas, which can irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to calcium carbide can also lead to more serious respiratory conditions, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

In addition to respiratory problems, exposure to calcium carbide can also cause nausea and vomiting, as well as skin irritation and burns. These negative effects have led to increased scrutiny of the use of calcium carbide and have prompted many manufacturers to explore alternative options for their industrial processes. To limit the harmful effects of calcium carbide on health, manufacturers need to prioritize the health and safety of consumers and workers. This may involve implementing more stringent safety measures, such as better ventilation systems and providing protective equipment for workers handling calcium carbide. It may also involve exploring alternative chemicals or processes that are safer and more sustainable long-term. The rising awareness of its health effects may reduce its demand, thus restraining market growth.

Calcium Carbide Market Segmentation Analysis

By Application Analysis

Numerous Applications of Acetylene Gas to Boost Market

Based on application, the market is segmented into acetylene gas, calcium cyanamide, reducing & dehydrating agents, steel making, & others. The acetylene gas segment held a dominant market share in 2023 as demand is increasing from several applications such as synthesizing solvents and organic compounds required in the pharmaceutical and dyestuff industries, oxyacetylene welding, and manufacturing plastics and synthetic rubber. This factor has led to the rising production of acetylene gas, which is expected to increase the product consumption.

Acetylene gas is set to witness high demand from polyvinyl chloride production, a preferred plastic for pipes & fittings, films & sheets, and wires & cables. The use of acetylene gas is the preferred raw material for the production of PVC as it avoids the dependability of petroleum and natural gas.

Increasing preference for calcium cyanamide from the agriculture industry to produce fertilizers is surging product growth globally. Rising demand for reducing and dehydrating agents from the chemical industry will provide growth opportunities for the market. Further, the growing product usage in desulfurizing iron and as a fuel in steel-making applications will drive the market during the review period. The other segment is anticipated to grow due to the increasing use of calcium carbide in toy cannons, carbide lamps, and fruit ripening.

By End-user Analysis

Chemicals Segment to Exhibit a Significant CAGR during the Forecast Period

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into chemicals, steels and others. The chemicals segment held the dominant market share in 2023. CaC₂ is used as raw material for synthesizing various chemicals such as acetylene and its derivative, including acrylic fibers, resins, polymers, calcium cyanamide, and other organic chemicals. The increasing demand for acetylene and its derivatives from the pharmaceutical and plastics industries and calcium cyanamide from the agriculture industry is expected to drive the segment. Also, the expanding chemical industry is expected to support the chemical segment’s growth.

Similarly, the steel-making segment is expected to offer impetus to the market during the forecast period due to CaC₂ as a desulfurizing & reducing agent and fuel in the steel industry. The increasing demand for desulfurizing & reducing agents from the steel industry will drive the market globally.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia Pacific stood at USD 15.36 billion in 2023. The region is expected to witness the highest growth in the market during the forecast period. The prospering chemical and steel manufacturing industries in the region is a key driver of the market. China, India, and Japan are key countries contributing to the market growth in the region owing to the rising PVC production in these countries.

North America accounted for a significant share in 2023 and is anticipated to remain a key region during the forecast period due to the increased demand from chemical, steel, and industrial applications. However, the demand in the North American region is anticipated to grow at a relatively lower CAGR as natural gas and petroleum-based processes for the production of PVC have been replaced by the calcium carbide-to-PVC method.

Whereas, Europe is expected to register a significant growth in the market. The growing demand for calcium cyanamide from the agriculture industry would contribute to the growth of the market in the region. Additionally, the use of CaC₂for the desulfurization of iron and as a fuel in steelmaking and the expanding steel industry are other key factors driving the calcium acetylide market growth in Europe.

The rest of the world is predicted to observe a lower growth rate than other regions due to the preference for petroleum-based processes for acetylene production.

List of Key Companies in Calcium Carbide Market

Key Manufacturers to Strengthen Positions by Proposing Novel Solutions to Chemical Industry

Major producers of this market are located in China, thereby leading to a fragmented market. The producers located in North America and Europe are aiming to increase their presence in China and other countries in Asia Pacific to strengthen their market positions and drive the organization's business growth. These major players in the market have developed a solid presence across regions, strong product portfolio, and distribution channels.

KC Group has maintained a strong presence in the domestic market. The company adopted strategies of having a good consumer relationship, maintaining and gaining a presence in the local market, and providing quality products.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Carbide Industries LLC (U.S.)


• APH - Regency Power Group (India)


• MCB Industries Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)


• KC Group (India)


• DCM Shriram Ltd. (India)


• AlzChem (Germany)


• Denka Company Limited (Japan)


• American Elements (U.S.)


• Inner Mongolia Baiyanhu Chemical Co., Ltd. China)


• Lonza (Switzerland)


• Mil-Spec Industries Corporation (U.S.)


• Xiahuayuan Xuguang Chemical (China)


• PT Emdeki Utama Tbk (Indonesia)

REPORT COVERAGE

The market report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, applications, and products. It also offers insights into global calcium carbide market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors stated above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation