Refractories Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By End-use (Iron & Steel, Cement & Lime, Glass & Ceramics, Non-Ferrous Metals), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, MEA, CSA), And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Refractories Market Summary

Refractory products are ceramic materials capable of withstanding high temperatures and are extensively used in the linings of hot surfaces in several industrial processes. Moreover, they can also resist corrosion and wear due to chemical agents. Refractories are present in various shapes and sizes and can be utilized in different forms for applications including ladles, walls, boilers, and floors.

Refractories are produced from different synthetic and natural materials, commonly non-metallic or a combination of minerals and compounds, including bauxite, fireclay, alumina, silica, magnesite, dolomite, chromite, zirconia, and silicon carbide. Alumina, silica, and magnesite are the key materials to produce refractory materials. Demand for refractories worldwide is expected to rise, driven by both ongoing investments in the steel industry and a projected moderate increase in crude steel production. With the consistent expansion of urbanization, the demand for steel for structures is encouraging more players to expand their offerings.  For instance, in May 2023, JSW Steel USA announced a USD 145 million investment to upgrade its manufacturing facilities in Mingo Junction, Ohio, aligning with the company's long-term Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. The consistent expansion of the steel industry is expected to encourage the growth of the refractories industry.

Leading producers are involved in CO₂ emission reduction during refractory production. Companies are utilizing different approaches to realize long-term sustainability goals. For instance, companies are developing a new solution to capture and store the carbon dioxide emitted during refractory production. The companies are also developing refractory products that allow the decarbonization of steel for the electric arc furnace route.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market growth stage is medium, and the pace of the market growth is accelerating. The market is characterized by a high degree of competition owing to the presence of a number of small, medium, and large refractory industry participants. These players are incorporating various technologies to improve their refractory capabilities and production. Further, emerging economies are witnessing rapid growth in investment in infrastructure development, thereby leading to rising competition between the market players.

The refractories market is also characterized by a high degree of new product launches, which results in the development of improved materials for high-temperature industrial processes. Manufacturers are introducing advanced refractory materials with enhanced thermal shock resistance and longer service lives.  For instance, in February 2025, Calderys launched CALDE FD (Fast Dry) a product range of fast dry refractory technology solutions. These solutions are applicable across different industrial applications. Similarly, there are ongoing developments in the production of refractories using more sustainable raw materials and manufacturing processes, aimed at reducing environmental impact and improving energy efficiency. Such new product launches can lead to increased market penetration for a market player by entering into new applications and expanding its customer base across industries including steel, cement, and glass.

The market is moderately fragmented, with a few major players such as CoorsTek Inc., HarbisonWalker International, Inc., Imerys, and Krosaki Harima Corporation, and some smaller local companies competing in the space. The key players are predominantly inclined towards strategies including acquisitions and regional expansion. Regulations and regulatory bodies such as the ASTM International and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (.gov) significantly impact the refractories market.

End Use Insights

The iron and steel segments dominated the market with a market share of 68.2% in 2024. Refractories are essential for lining high-temperature furnaces, ladles, and other equipment used in steel production. The demand for refractories in this sector is primarily driven by the ongoing and growing need for steel across various industries, including construction, automotive, and infrastructure. Moreover, increasing investment in infrastructure projects is further fueling the growth of this segment. Governments and the private sector are allocating funds to develop roads, bridges, and buildings. For instance, the government of India allocated USD 8.6 million to the Ministry of Steel under the Union Budget 2023-24. Such developments have boosted the demand for steel, thereby boosting the need for refractories. For instance,

The glass & ceramics segment registered the highest CAGR over the forecast period, driven by the rising demand for glass products in different industries. Additionally, increasing demand for advanced ceramics in electronics, automotive, and other high-tech applications drives the segment's growth. Refractories ensure the operational efficiency, product quality, and longevity of glass furnaces. According to the recent report published by RHI Magnesita in October 2024, 4 kg of refractories are consumed in producing 1 ton of glass. These factors are expected to drive the growth of the segment.

Regional Insights

The North America refractories market is expected to grow at a consistent pace during the forecast period from 2025 to 2030. Increased investments in infrastructure development characterize the refractories market of North America. According to the news published by ReNew Canada magazine, in January 2025, 100-plus public sector infrastructure projects are currently under development across the country. These projects represent around USD 300 billion in investment and have directly impacted the demand for refractory products in the iron and steel industry. These factors are expected to fuel the market growth in the region. 

U.S. Refractories Market Trends

The U.S. refractories market accounted for the largest share of the regional market in 2024. Refractories are essential in high-temperature steel, cement, and glass processes and the U.S. government's investments in Infrastructure development fuel the market's growth. According to the fact sheet published by the White House in November 2024, the U.S. government allocated around USD 568 billion for the bipartisan infrastructure law funding. This investment is fueling construction activities in the country. Additionally, a continued need for refractories is demonstrated by the fact that, in January 2025, the U.S. raw steel production reached 1.659 million net tons, operating at a capacity utilization rate of 74.5%. Such factors are boosting the overall demand for refractories in the country.

Europe Refractories Market Trends

The European refractories market is characterized by government investments in infrastructure, particularly in areas such as transportation, public infrastructure, and water management, which boost the demand for steel and drive the refractories market. For instance, the European Union's focus on expanding freight rail capacity and reducing CO2 emissions necessitates increased steel production, a key consumer of refractory materials. This rise in steel production is fueling the growth of the refractories industry in the region.

The refractories market in Russia accounts for a significant share of regional revenue and has the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Growing demand for non-ferrous metals, increasing emphasis on sustainability, the economic benefits of recycling spent refractories, and rapid urbanization and industrial expansion are the factors attributed to the market's growth in Russia.

Asia Pacific Plastic Refractories Market Trends

The refractories market in the Asia Pacific led the global market, accounting for the largest share of 74.8% in 2024 and demonstrating the fastest growth over the forecast period. The regional demand is primarily supported by moderate growth in the production of steel and cement, along with the expansion of the glass industry. In July 2023, the Xinyi Group from China announced an investment of USD 11 billion in the quartz sand industry in Batam, Indonesia. Such investments facilitate integration in the supply chain, allowing for a smooth flow of raw materials. A focus on green energy is expected to benefit the expansion of the solar glass sector, thereby promoting the use of refractory products. For instance, in August 2023, Vishakha Group commenced operations at a glass manufacturing plant in Gujarat, India. The plant is equipped with a 660 tpd solar glass furnace and has a capacity of 4 GW. Similarly, in September 2023, Corning also announced a new glass manufacturing plant in Telangana, India, with an investment of USD 113 million.

China's refractories market held a significant share of the Asia Pacific market. China is the largest global steel producer and exporter, and is a major consumer of refractories, driving the overall refractories industry. For instance, in February 2023, China's crude steel production reached 80.1 million metric tons, marking a 5.6% increase from the previous year. The immense demand for high-quality refractories in the steel industry is substantial. Similarly, the growth in cement production, driven by infrastructure development and urbanization, fuels the refractories market. The glass and ceramics industries also contribute significantly to the demand.

Key Refractories Company Insights

Some of the key companies in the refractories market include CoorsTek Inc., HarbisonWalker International, Inc., Imerys, and Krosaki Harima Corporation. These companies are concentrating on expanding their clientele to obtain a competitive advantage in the market. Thus, significant participants are taking a number of strategic actions, including alliances with other large corporations and mergers and acquisitions.

• CoorsTek Inc., founded in 1910 and headquartered in the U.S., is a technical ceramics company offering over 400 proprietary material formulations and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With a strong focus on innovation and customer collaboration, CoorsTek offers high-performance ceramic solutions tailored to meet the demanding needs of industries, including refractories.

• HarbisonWalker International, founded in 1865 and headquartered in the U.S. HWI is a refractory products and solutions company offering a wide variety of refractory solutions across different industries that require high-performance refractory materials. The company is recognized for its customer-focused approach, technical expertise, and commitment to sustainability in the refractories market.

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, RHI Magnesita acquired Resco Group, a U.S.-based company. The USD 410 million acquisition strengthened RHI’s position and refractories offerings in North America.

• In October 2024, Shinagawa Refractories Co., Ltd acquired Gouda Refractories Group B.V., which is a Netherlands-based manufacturer of alumina refractories and provider of refractory services.

• In June 2023, INTOCAST AG acquired Italy-based company EXUS Refractories S.p. A. The acquisition was made with the aim of strengthening the company’s position as a full-range supplier of refractory products.  

Refractories Market Report Scope

Global Refractories Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global refractories market report based on end use and region:

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Iron & Steel

  • Cement & Lime

  • Glass & Ceramics

  • Non-Ferrous Metals

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) 

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • France

    • Germany

    • Russia

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa