U.S. Kaolin Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Analysis, By Application (Paper, Ceramic & Sanitary Ware, Fiberglass, Paints & Coatings, Rubber, Plastics, and Others), Forecast 2023-2030

The U.S. Kaolin market size was worth USD 596.3 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.

Kaolin, also known as china clay, is significantly used in manufacturing rubber, plastics, paper, and fiberglass. This product used as raw material also tracks down applications in the ceramic business, where it is utilized for assembling porcelain and refractory. China clay is highly used in ceramic production because it does not contain iron or alkalis. Besides, involving this material as a filler in elastic assembling works on the mechanical strength and scraped spot opposition of elastic. The aforementioned factors together are augmenting the U.S. kaolin market share.

For instance, China-Clay has the particular town of Sandersville, known as the "Kaolin capital of the world." There are product deposits in Georgia and other southeastern states, and there are pure, white, or difficult to mine as those in Washington County. As the U.S. geographical review indicates, Georgia consistently mines USD 1 billion worth of clay, higher than some other states in the U.S.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the kaolin market. The industry has witnessed a decline in demand due to the lockdowns and restrictions on manufacturing activities. The increasing product demand in the healthcare sector for producing face masks and other medical equipment has also boosted the market during these challenging times.

LATEST TRENDS

Several End-use Industries have a Significant Demand for Kaolin, Providing Growth Opportunities 

The U.S. kaolin market growth is influenced by the rising demand for the product from various end-use industries, including paper, rubber, paints and coatings, and ceramics. This essential filler is utilized in the paint and coatings industry because it offers durability, high opacity, pigment suspension, and scrub resistance. These properties will surge product demand for assembling ceramic-based items such as cups, plates, and other family utensils to dominate the U.S. market growth.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Demand from Paper Industry to Fuel the Market Growth

The rising consumption of fillers from the paper business is a driving element for the china-clay market. This material offers expanded fiber, better paper mistiness, printability, and shine. The growth of the product in paper business under developing countries is expected to drive the market revenue. The rising demand for paper in printing and packaging applications is the cause of this expansion. Accordingly, mounting interest from the paper and clay businesses will develop the china clay market.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Environmental Constraints to Hinder the Market Growth

China-Clay extraction has a huge social and natural effect, with negative environmental impacts causing the destruction of the ecosystem, which affects safety, the health of nearby populations, and the sanitary condition of the environment. The mineral extraction unavoidably creates dirt, deforestation, silting of lakes and rivers, erosion, and causes air contamination. As a result, environmental organizations collaborate with local site authorities to enforce stringent regulations, which may impede market expansion over the forecast period.

SEGMENTATION

By Application Analysis

Based on application, the market is segmented into paper, ceramic & sanitary ware, fiberglass, paints & coatings, rubber, plastics, and others.

The paper segment represented a significant market share in 2022 and will probably proceed with its dominance during the estimated forecast period. The developing online ventures across the globe are further pushing product interest into the construction industry. This material gives shine, opacity, and solidarity to paper, making it more viable and effectively printable. These advantages have prompted its high use, augmenting the market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

In terms of the competitive landscape, the market depicts the presence of established and emerging product manufacturing companies. Key players include KaMin LLC/CADAM, Thiele Kaolin Company, R.T. Vanderbilt Holding Company, Inc, Active Minerals International, and W. R. Grace & Co., and others. Industry players compete primarily based on the price and application characteristics of the product. Companies are emphasizing on product innovation, social marketing, acquisition, and collaborations.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• KaMin LLC/CADAM (U.S.)


• Thiele Kaolin Company (U.S.)


• W. R. Grace & Co. (U.S.)


• Imerys S.A. (France)


• Malli Minerals International, Inc (U.S.)


• Barite World (U.S.)


• SIBELCO (Belgium)


• I-Minerals (Canada)


• R.T. Vanderbilt Holding Company, Inc (U.S.)


• Active Minerals International, Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS: 

• February 2023 – KaMin and CADAM Company announced a price increase of up to 15% for all product categories effective from March 1^st, 2023, owing to increased input costs, chemical inputs, and new regulatory compliances. The increase in cost can ensure meeting the company's vision to be the global distributor of choice in performance minerals that enable innovative product solutions in the global market.


• November 2021 – KaMin has announced to acquire BASF SE kaolin minerals business, which generated revenue of USD 177.0 million in 2020. The acquisition involves production sites in, Toddville, Edgar, Gordon, Daceyville, and related mines, reserves, and mills in Toomsboro and Sandersville in Georgia, U.S.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It provides a detailed market analysis and focuses on aspects such as application and leading companies. It provides quantitative data in terms of value, research methodology for market size estimation, and insights into the latest market trends. It highlights vital industry developments and the competitive landscape. It focuses on key aspects such as an overview of technological advancements, new product launches, key industry developments such as mergers, partnerships, & acquisitions, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Besides this, the report also offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry dynamics. In addition to the aforementioned factors, it encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth during the forecast period.

Report Scope & Segmentation