Ceramics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Traditional, Advanced), By Application (Tiles, Sanitary Wares, Abrasives, Pottery, Bricks & Pipes, Others), By End-Use Industry (Building & Construction, Industrial, Medical, Others) and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global ceramics market size was valued at USD 148.76 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 160.67 billion in 2024 to USD 295.26 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Asia Pacific dominated the ceramics market with a market share of 42.34% in 2023. Moreover, the ceramics market in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 8.03 billion by 2032, driven by the expansion of the residential and commercial construction sectors.

Ceramic is a solid material composed of a metal, non-metal, ionic, and covalent bond containing inorganic compounds. Its properties, such as chemical inertness, high melting temperatures, hardness, and low electrical and thermal conductivity, have increased the adoption of the material in diverse applications. The properties displayed by this material are the result of its crystalline structure and chemical composition. It is used for manufacturing different products ranging from decorative pots to nuclear fuel pellets by changing the composition of material using various additives and different processing techniques. The traditional raw materials used to manufacture the product include silica, clay, and feldspar. In comparison, advanced raw materials include alumina, tungsten carbide, and silicon carbide. These raw materials enhance the properties of the product, such as abrasion resistance and electrical resistance.

This market is highly dependent on the construction industry. However, the building & construction activities were shut down owing to the lockdown regulations from various governments globally during the pandemic. The closure of manufacturing facilities of the product has further decreased product demand globally. Furthermore, the business slowdowns in steel, automotive, electronics, and aerospace industries affected the market negatively. However, the market regained its momentum by 2022.

Ceramics Market Trends

Surging Demand from Medical and Automotive Industries to Propel Market Development

The demand for the product is also increasing in the medical and automotive industries. A biocompatible product called bio-ceramics is used in surgical bone implants, tooth replacement, and reconstructing fractured bones in the medical industry. Automotive applications of these materials include sensors, catalytic converter substrates, and other electrical and mechanical components. The efficiency and preference of the products in the medical and automotive industries will offer tremendous growth opportunities for the market. Furthermore, the rising demand for the product from other end-use industries, including electronics, metallurgical, chemical, and energy, is expected to augment the ceramic industry growth.

Ceramics Industry Growth Factors

Rising Demand from Building & Construction Industry to Aid Market Expansion

In the building & construction industry, the product is majorly used for producing tiles, bricks & pipes, and sanitary wares. They are the most preferred material due to their toughness, electrical resistance, and chemical inertness. Ceramic tiles are considered to be an important part of home interior and furnishing. These tiles are used in bathroom and kitchen fittings and are preferred for interior and exterior home decoration. Moreover, this material has become a choice of material in the construction of schools, corporate offices, malls, and shops. Rising demand from various applications in the building & construction industry will drive the ceramics market growth.

Growing Awareness of Environmental Issues to Drive the Ceramics Market

The rising environmental concerns have led to a shift toward eco-friendly and sustainable materials, with ceramics being preferred for their recyclability and non-toxic nature. Ceramics are highly recyclable materials. Unlike many plastics and other materials, they can be recycled repeatedly without losing their inherent properties or quality. This recyclability reduces waste and lessens the strain on natural resources, making ceramics an attractive option for environmentally-conscious consumers and businesses.

Additionally, many ceramics are made from natural materials such as clay, silica, and other minerals, which are non-toxic and do not release harmful chemicals into the environment. This aspect is particularly important in applications where food contact or human exposure is involved, such as kitchenware and tableware. The environmentally friendly characteristics of ceramics align with growing societal and regulatory pressures to adopt sustainable practices, driving their demand across various industries and applications.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

 High price of Advanced Ceramics to Restrict Growth

The high price of advanced products has restricted its consumption in numerous industries. This high price is owed to the cost of their research & development, production processes, and the utilization of superior stones. The production processes such as raw material processing, sintering, and diamond grinding require high-end machinery that elevates the cost of the product, which leads to its increased price. Besides, the advanced ceramics offer higher abrasion and electrical resistance than their counterparts, including metal and alloys, this further increases their price. Moreover, the requirement of customized products from end-users increases the cost of these materials and hinders their adoption in the market.

Ceramics Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Increasing Applications of Traditional Products in Tile Manufacturing to Generate Highest Revenue

The market is segmented into traditional and advanced based on types. Among these, the traditional segment accounts for the dominant market share owing to its vast applications in manufacturing tiles and refractories. Additionally, traditional ceramics are used to manufacture sanitary wares and household articles, which is anticipated to increase the material demand in the forthcoming years. Furthermore, the rising demand for these products from countries including India will drive segment growth due to the introduction of initiatives such as smart cities and the Clean India Movement (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan).

Advanced ceramics are materials that have an additive embedded with the traditional products. This factor alters its properties to fulfill the demand of specific end-uses such as water treatment, medical, and electrical industries. With the growing health concerns, an increase in these products' sales in these three industries is expected to grow in the coming years, which, in turn, will ultimately boost the product’s demand.

By Application Analysis

Tiles Segment is Anticipated to Dominate Market Owing to Rising Infrastructure Projects

Based on application, the market is categorized into tiles, sanitary wares, abrasives, pottery, bricks and pipes, and others. The tiles segment comprises the largest share in the market and is expected to remain so during the forecast period. In the tiles segment, ceramics are utilized to prepare visually appealing tiles and give tiles immense strength compared to common clay tiles. Factors such as rising infrastructure projects in developed and developing regions are expected to expand the market at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Ceramic has been the most preferred material for manufacturing sanitary wares, as it is visually appealing and can sustain heavy loads. Sanitary wares are rust and leak-proof, which further fuels their demand as compared to metal and glass. Similar characteristics also govern the market for application in pottery.

The hardness of this material is strengthened by adding additives like zirconia, and these materials are used as abrasives to shape and provide shine to various tools and articles. The primary consideration for selecting an abrasive for an operation is its hardness and wear resistance property. These properties are seen in the specialized materials, making it more preferable to sandpaper and glass powder.

By End-Use Industry Analysis

Rapid Growth in Building and Construction Industry to Boost Market Growth

According to the end-use industry, the market is categorized into building and construction, industrial, medical, and others. The product is prominently used by the building and construction industry in bricks, tiles, and sanitary ware. The growth of the building and construction industry all over the globe is anticipated to help increase the market in the coming years.

The industrial segment is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR due to increased consumption of electro-ceramics, which can handle a large load compared to traditional materials. Furthermore, industrial-grade products are utilized in the manufacturing of car brakes and clutches. They are also used in bulletproof vests due to their strong and lightweight nature. The increasing expenditure by countries on these products for their militaries will aid market expansion.

The prevalence of fractures and dental problems has increased in recent times due to the adoption of an unhealthy lifestyle and increased instances of accidents & mishaps. This factor has increased the adoption of these materials in bone replacements, dental implants, and spinal correction segments. These materials are developed to be placed in the human body so that the body easily accepts them. Therefore, such medical implants are expected to increase the overall market size in the foreseeable future.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia Pacific accounted for USD 62.98 billion in 2023 and is expected to remain the largest throughout the forecast period. This prominent share is due to the growing infrastructure development in the region. Furthermore, the availability of raw materials for product manufacturing in the region drives the regional market's growth. Various initiatives are undertaken to improve sanitation and increase medical tourism in countries such as India and China on account of the low cost of medical services in these countries

The market growth in Europe will be attributable to the increasing adoption of ceramic coatings and the swift rise in demand for technical products in the region. The demand for electro-ceramic is expected to increase from the booming electronics industry in the region. The market in Europe is also fueled by the increase in the export of tiles and kitchenware due to their high product quality.

On the other hand, the market in North America is expanding on the back of technical advancements like 3D printing and nanotechnology being employed by the region's manufacturers. These techniques will help build custom implants for the patients, further increasing the product's value and ultimately boosting the market growth.

The ceramic tiles manufacturers govern the market growth in South America in Brazil, which is the third-largest producer of tiles in the world. However, countries such as Chile and Argentina also provide growth opportunities by improving infrastructure and usage of the material to manufacture refractories.

The Middle East & Africa is expected to observe substantial growth in the coming years. The base of one of the top five companies is situated in UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah emirate, which exports its products to over 150 countries. Iran, Turkey, and Egypt are the key countries contributing to the growth of tile production, leading to the healthy growth of the market in the region.

List of Key Companies in Ceramics Market

Strong Regional Presence of Key Players to Strengthen their Market Position

Some of the key players in the market include Saint Gobain, Morgan Advanced Materials, and Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., and they are mainly present in Europe and Asia Pacific. One of the leading providers of advanced materials, namely Morgan Advanced Materials, has over 109 operational sites, with a compaction pressing capability of up to 500 tons. On the other hand, Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd has 100 offices worldwide where they contribute to the advancement of society by creating innovative products and solutions for the electronics industry. Key strategies employed by market players are developing a strong regional and global presence, building a strong value chain, and research to develop better product offerings.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• Kyocera Corporation (Japan)


• Corning Inc. (U.S.)


• Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Japan)


• Morgan Advanced Materials (U.K.)


• CoorsTek (U.S.)


• CeramTec (Germany)


• Saint Gobain (U.S.)


• 3M (U.S.)


• Applied Ceramics Inc. (U.S.)


• Materion Corporation (U.S.)


• McDanel Advanced Ceramic Technologies (U.S.)


• Momentive Performance Materials Inc. (U.S.)


• Rauschert GmbH (Germany)


• Imerys S.A. (France)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• February 2021: CeramTec developed a new 3D printing process named ROCAR® 3D to produce construction elements made from technical ceramic materials. This process is a fast, cost-effective 3D printing process.


• May 2019: Kyocera announced the acquisition of advanced ceramics business operations of Friatec GmbH. This move has provided an inroad to the company into the fine ceramic manufacturing business, positioning Kyocera to meet the rising demand for fine components used in industrial equipment.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global market report provides qualitative and quantitative insights on the key market and a detailed analysis of market size & growth rate for all possible segments in the market—the report emphasizes vital aspects such as companies, types, applications, and end-use industries. Additionally, the report highlights ceramics industry developments, market trends, drivers, regulatory scenarios, and competitive landscape. Furthermore, the report states factors that led to the market growth over the past years.

Report Scope & Segmentation