Chromium Oxide Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Pigment Grade, Metallurgical Grade, Refractory Grade, Chemical Grade), By Application (Paints & Coatings, Ceramic, Metallurgy, Rubber, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global chromium oxide market size was valued at USD 569.23 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 594.63 million in 2024 to USD 844.80 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the chromium oxide market with a market share of 57.41% in 2023. Moreover, the chromium oxide market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 64.87 billion by 2032, driven by strong consumption of rubber from automotive industry.

Chromium oxide, an inorganic compound, is available in many forms, such as powder, nanopowder, pellets, and pieces. It is known as chromia and chrome green due to its green color. The compound has properties, such as wear resistance, abrasion resistance, and resistance to chemicals, making it suitable for use in applications, such as coatings, paints, ceramics, glass, inks, and can be used as a catalyst. The properties of the product also include heat stability and dispersibility.

Green chrome oxide is often used in industrial paints, which require a lot of wear. Military vehicles, for example, are painted with green chrome oxide paint. This preserves their color when exposed to high heat and sun, making them suitable for outdoor applications. In glass manufacturing, it is used for imparting green color to the glass. There are plenty of different wine bottle colors out there, but the most common color is green and amber. Growing wine consumption is likely to boost the production of the wine glass bottle, which in turn is driving the market.

COVID-19 drastically impacted the market. Chromium oxide naturally occurs as the mineral eskolaite in chromium-rich tremolite skarns, metaquartzite, and chlorite veins. Eskolaite also constitutes a rare portion of chondrite meteorites. The global shutdown has influenced mining activities and has thus created pressure on market growth. Strict government regulation for raw material production and the shutdown of manufacturing units are expected to constrain the market.

Chromium Oxide Market Trends

Growing Demand for Chromium Oxide from Paints & Coatings Industry to Favor Market Growth

Growing global demand from the paints & coatings industry stands as an opportunity for growth in the market as the compound is widely used as pigment for various applications, such as paints & coatings, ceramics, glass products, plastics, rubber, and cosmetics. The demand for paint & coatings will be increasing due to applications in construction, automotive, aerospace, equipment manufacturing, consumer durables, and others. Moreover, the high development of infrastructures in the Asia Pacific is expected to drive the market for the product in paints & coatings. In addition, the increasing residential activities will provide an opportunity for market growth. Chromium oxide is used as a pigment in varying concentration levels of different intensities of colors in glass, ceramics, and plastics. The increasing demand and use of glass, ceramic, and plastic products will provide opportunities for the market.

Chromium Oxide Market Growth Factors

Expansion of Construction & Steel Industries to Surge Product Demand

The market is gaining momentum across various applications, such as the construction of residential and commercial buildings, where this product is used as cement colorant, decorative coatings, and other materials. The use of chrome green as a pigment is ideal for coloring materials used in construction, owing to their properties, such as wear resistance and resistance to chemicals. This is expected to propel the chrome green market growth.

Additionally, the product demand in the steel industry is also driving the chrome green market. It is used as a raw material for the production of chromium, a metal used in the manufacturing of stainless steel. This metal provides high resistance to corrosion and produces a smooth finish and is also used as a coating on metal components of cars and motorbikes. Rising demand for stainless steel from various end-use industries, such as automotive & transportation, construction & infrastructure, consumer goods, and medical is expected to drive the chromia market.

Strong Consumption of Rubber from Automotive Industry is Propelling Product Demand

Rubber is the most consumed material in the automotive industry in the form of tires, support valves, and insulation sealing. The recent trend of electric vehicles in the automotive industry has accelerated the industry’s expansion at a global level. Chromium oxide is a chemical compound that helps in the formulation of the old cured silicon rubber that can be used as an excellent heat stabilizer. Thus, rubber made from chromium oxide is used in automotive engines, where the thermal energy remains at its peak. On the other hand, the increasing price of public and private transport vehicles, such as cars, buses, and bikes has impacted the buying behavior of consumers. This has resulted in the high demand for rubber from aftermarket automotive components, such as rubber valves and tires, which is anticipated to boost the product demand in the coming years across the globe.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Regulations over Consumption of Chromium Chemicals to Hamper Market Growth

The key market restraint for the global market is the regulations developed by various governments and associations over the consumption of chromium chemicals. Chromium(III) is an essential component in the diet of human beings in small amounts but can turn out toxic at high levels. Chromium can be found in nature and air, water, and food at low levels. Chromium(III) and chromium(VI) both are toxic to aquatic life. Excessive inhalation of chromium(III) can cause asthma attacks and repeated contact with skin may cause skin allergies and irritation. The hexavalent form of chromium can cause dermatitis and ulcerations. Hence, the chromium chemicals need to be handled and stored cautiously to avoid skin contact and excessive release in nature. Moreover, the government and related associations have developed regulations on the use of chromium chemicals.

Chromium Oxide Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Pigment Grade Expected to Generate Highest Revenue owing to its Usage in Several Applications

On the basis of type, the market is segmented into pigment grade, metallurgical grade, refractory grade, and chemical grade. Amongst these, pigment grade accounts for the largest market share owing to the increased product usage in the production of paints & coatings, plastics, enamels, ceramics, sports surfaces, and cosmetics. Pigment grade remains unaffected by alkalis, acids, and solvents and also has corrosion resistance properties that make it a suitable material for use in coatings. The growing paints & coatings industry is another factor driving the chromium oxide market growth.

The metallurgical grade is majorly used to produce chromium metal. In stainless steel, it forms a layer on the surface and further protects the metal from corrosion. Increasing demand for metallurgical grade products from automotive & metal processing industries is expected to propel this market. Refractory grade product is generally used for the production of refractory bricks to line furnaces, mortars, and high-temperature ovens and in the production of fire-proof surfaces, anticorrosive surfaces, tiles, and color bricks. It can withstand high temperatures and provide good mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and resistance against thermal shock. Rising demand for refractory grades from several industries is expected to fuel this market size substantially due to its properties. The chemical grade is highly suitable for polishing leathers, optical surfaces, precious stones, and gems such as emerald, ruby, and sapphire, and chemical synthesis processes in laboratories and universities. Growing demand for chemical grade from consumer and chemical industries is also expected to provide growth opportunities.

By Application Analysis

Metallurgy Segment is Expected to Dominate Market due to Increasing Steel Production

On the basis of application, the market is categorized into paints & coatings, ceramic, metallurgy, rubber, and others. Amongst these applications, the metallurgy segment is expected to remain dominant in terms of market volume during the forecast period. The metallurgical application mainly includes the production of chrome metal that is further used in the production of stainless steel. Increasing the use of stainless steel in industries such as automotive and construction is expected to increase the demand for chromium.

The use of Cr2O3 for paints & coatings is growing at a significant CAGR owing to its properties such as resistance to chemicals, weather, and climatic changes. Additionally, its use in ceramics is related to glasses, tiles, roofing, refractory bricks, and mortars. This material can withstand high temperatures and provide good mechanical strength and resistance from thermal shock, and hence is in demand from the refractory industry.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The Asia Pacific market size was valued at USD 326.82 million in 2023. Asia Pacific accounted for the highest chromium oxide market share in 2023 and is expected to remain the largest over the forecast period due to expanding metal and building & construction industries in China and India. Increasing demand is attributed to its applications in paints & coatings, and metallurgy, along with high automotive production, which is elevating the market value in Asia Pacific. Additionally, growing industrialization and rapid urbanization that would increase the need for coatings are also driving the regional market growth.

Europe is projected to witness significant growth rate in the global market. The increasing demand from the metal and building & construction industries would contribute to the market growth in the region. Furthermore, the use of the compound in plastics and ceramics is another factor increasing the use of the product due to its high rigidity and tensile strength.

North America is also expected to witness significant growth in the global market. The U.S. is a major consumer of chromium-based chemicals owing to its large consumption in paints & coatings and metallurgy applications.

In the Middle East & Africa, increased pigment production is one of the major factors influencing growth. In this region, paints & coatings is the major product application. The rising demand for long-lasting, anti-corrosive, and abrasion-resistant coating from various industries has increased the consumption of this material.

Latin America is expected to observe substantial growth in this market. Brazil is the largest market in this region. The compound is used in numerous applications consisting of coatings for materials, and the production of chromium metal remains the top market trend for Brazil.

List of Key Companies in Chromium Oxide Market

Key Market Players to Strengthen their Market Position by Providing Advanced Solutions to the Metal and Paint & Coatings Industries

The major producers of chromium oxide are present in Asia Pacific and Europe. One of the major companies in this market, LANXESS, deals with advanced intermediates, specialty additives, performance chemicals, and engineering materials. It provides inorganic pigments as one of its constituents. The company has shown dominance around the globe by applying the acquisition strategy. Elementis, another major player, is expanding globally by using its new Reignite Growth strategy and providing a diversified range of chromic oxide grades. Elementis has a strong influence in Europe.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• LANXESS (Germany)


• ELEMENTIS (U.K.)


• Vishnu Chemicals Limited (India)


• NIPPON CHEMICAL INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. (Japan)


• Venator (U.S.)


• MidUral Group (Russia)


• American Elements (U.S.)


• Hubei Zhenhua Chemical Co., LTD (China)


• Luoyang Zhengjie Science & Technology Industry Trade Co., Ltd. (China)


• Hebei Chromate Chemical Co. Ltd. (China)


• HUNTER Chemical LLC (U.S.)


• Chrome Star Chemical Works (India)


• Shijiazhuang Jirong Chemical Co. (China)


• Sichuan Yinhe Chemicals (China)

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as competition landscape, product, and applications. Also, the report offers insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation