U.S. Refractories Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Analysis, By Form (Bricks & Shaped and Monolithic & Unshaped), By Product (Clay and Non-Clay), By Alkalinity (Acidic & Neutral and Basic), By End-Use Industry (Iron & Steel, Non-Ferrous Metals, Glass, Cement, and Others), 2023-2030

The U.S. refractories market size was worth USD 3.02 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% during the forecast period.

Ceramic materials that withstand severe thermal and chemical corrosion at extremely high temperatures are known as refractory products. They convey a significant role in daily operations for several industries by giving mechanical strength, warm protection, and erosion obstruction. To develop crucial manufacturing processes, these products have been necessary for various industries, such as iron and steel, non-ferrous metals, paper and pulp, cement, glass, and petrochemicals, expected to drive the U.S. refractories market growth in the upcoming years. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the refractory industry. In the meantime, product manufacturers are taking steps to ensure the safety of their employees and customers by implementing strict health and safety protocols.

LATEST TRENDS

Catering to Consumer Demand for Customized Refractories Propels Market Growth

A crucial change in the market is the improvement of hard-headed items from a mix of different materials that have been used for many years. For instance, magnesia and chromium oxide are combined to create magnesia-chrome refractory. These items have high stubbornness and unrivaled resistance against compound consumption. Moreover, unshaped items, such as monolithic, formed from aggregates, additives, and binders, are in huge demand from the steel and concrete businesses. This is expected to set out worthwhile demand for refractories over the forecast period.

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), in 2021, the U.S. exported USD 178 million of refractory bricks globally. The major export destinations were Canada, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and China, making it the world's sixth-largest exporter of refractory bricks.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Demand of Iron, Steel, and Glass by the Automotive Industry to Fuel the Market Growth

In recent years, the resurgence of the automotive business, particularly with the flood of EVs, has given traction to vehicle fabricating materials, including steel, iron, and glass. Refractories are essential for creating these eventual outcomes; their take-up from the steel and glass industry has driven to satisfy the auto industry's need. These factors are responsible for the development of the car business and are anticipated to drive the product market development. High infrastructure spending, rapid industrialization, and the government objective for in-house raw materials production are driving the U.S. refractories market share during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Highly Carbon Intensive Production Process to Create Environmental Concerns

Manufacturing these products is exceptionally carbon-intensive, including baking, mining, and restoring refractory materials. Heavy measures of CO2 and toxins, such as carbon monoxide and unpredictable natural mixtures, are delivered during the assembling system. Due to their well-known role as greenhouse gases, environmental agencies strictly regulate their air release. As ecological well-being and security concerns are in sharp concentration, product manufacturers are constrained to lessen their carbon force. Due to the market's fierce competition, such restrictions limit the U.S. market growth potential.

SEGMENTATION

By Form Analysis

Based on form, the market is segmented into bricks & shaped and monolithic & unshaped.

Due to the high demand for such products from the metal and non-metal industries, the bricks & shaped segment accounts for the largest U.S. refractories market share. Blocks are expected to frame the protection layer inside the stoves and furnaces and are replaced periodically to meet the protection ratings set by the client.

By Product Analysis

Based on product, the market is divided into clay and non-clay.

The clay segment commands a larger share owing to its low cost compared to the non-clay segment. Fireclay bricks and insulation products are generally made of clay materials and are heavily consumed by iron & steel products manufacturers. Furthermore, raw materials for manufacturing refractory clay products are more readily available, further dominating the market.

By Alkalinity Analysis

Based on alkalinity, the market is categorized into acidic & neutral and basic.

Magnesite, dolomite, and magnesia-chrome resist the chemical attack of bases in cement and ferrous metal manufacturing processes. As the consumption of these materials is extending impressively, the demand is projected to grow fundamentally during the forecast period. Thus, the growing demand for acidic & neutral segments is preferably employed in a process that helps to restore market share.

By End-Use Industry Analysis

Based on end-use industry, the market is classified into iron & steel, non-ferrous metals, glass, cement, and others.

The iron & steel segment holds the largest share of the U.S. market due to its application in several heaters, reactors, and vessels utilized during steel production. The advancement of glass softening innovation mostly relies upon the turn of events and the nature of refractory products. The choice of material is the most basic case for building a glass heater, as the heater's lifetime relies straightforwardly upon material quality. The increasing demand in various end-use industries will drive the market’s steady growth in the coming years.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

In terms of the competitive landscape, the market depicts the presence of established and emerging refractory companies. Key players include Saint-Gobain, Imerys, HarbisonWalker International, and Alsey Refractories Co., among others. Industry players compete primarily based on the price and application characteristics of the product. Companies are emphasizing product innovation, social marketing, acquisition, and collaborations.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• HarbisonWalker International (U.S.)


• Alsey Refractories Co. (U.S.)


• Plibrico Company, LLC (U.S.)


• Seneca Ceramics (U.S.)


• Metsch Refractories Inc. (U.S.)


• Ultramet (U.S.)


• Saint-Gobain (France)


• Industrial Refractory Services (U.S.)


• Imerys (France)


• McNeil USA (U.S.)


• Morgan Advanced Materials (U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS: 

• April 2023 – RHI Magnesita announced to acquire the operations of seven refractory plants, with a presence in the U.S., India, and Europe. It is a specialized supplier of non-basic shaped refractories, reported revenue of USD 110.0 million and PBT of USD 12.0 million in 2022. The company has a market portfolio covering various end-use applications in the global market. This procurement will expect to bring innovative product classifications, and mechanical progression, to convey a stage change in buyer contributions.


• September 2021 – Plibrico Company, LLC announced that it completed its acquisition of a stake in Redline Industries, Inc., a pioneer in developing new products to protect furnaces used in high-temperature processing and increase energy efficiency. This acquisition will expect to help the client with believed product offering and permits Plibrico to extend its product portfolio in the competitive market.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on aspects such as form, product, alkalinity, end-use industry, and leading companies. It provides quantitative data in terms of value, research methodology for market size estimation, and insights into the latest market trends. Moreover, it highlights vital industry developments and the competitive landscape along with 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. Additionally, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry dynamics. In 

Report Scope & Segmentation