PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1908770
PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1908770
The global refractories market size was estimated at USD 47.88 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 95.96 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2026 to 2033. Crude steel manufacturing through basic oxygen furnaces (BOF), electric arc furnaces (EAF), and induction furnaces (IF) requires high volumes of shaped and unshaped refractories to withstand extreme temperatures and chemical wear.
As countries such as India, China, and Vietnam ramp up infrastructure and construction projects, steel demand and, thus, refractories continue to rise. Additionally, green steel initiatives in Europe and Asia encourage investments in new EAF setups, further strengthening refractory consumption.
Cement kilns operate at temperatures exceeding 1400°C, demanding consistent refractory lining replacement. Rapid urbanization and population growth in the Asia Pacific and Africa are fueling the construction of roads, bridges, residential, and commercial buildings, which translates to higher cement output. Moreover, capacity expansion plans by major cement producers in countries like India, Indonesia, and Nigeria are boosting demand for basic and non-basic refractories.
Rising demand from the non-ferrous metals industry is also contributing to market growth. Copper, aluminum, zinc, and nickel smelters require specialized refractory linings to handle chemically aggressive slags and high thermal loads. As energy transition efforts accelerate, demand for these metals in EV batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels increases. This is pushing companies in regions such as Latin America, Africa, and Australia to invest in expanding and upgrading their smelting facilities, driving consistent refractory usage.
The growing role of refractories in waste-to-energy (WTE), glass, and petrochemical industries is enhancing market diversity. Incineration plants and biomass-based energy units rely on refractory linings to prevent structural degradation. Similarly, glass furnaces and chemical reactors are lined with high-grade refractories to ensure operational efficiency and reduce maintenance downtimes. Rising environmental awareness and stricter waste disposal norms increase investments in these sectors, reinforcing long-term refractory demand.
Lastly, technological advancements and product innovation are reshaping the market. Manufacturers focus on high-performance monolithic refractories, castables, and precast shapes that offer better energy efficiency and longer service life. Demand for recyclable, low-carbon, and energy-efficient materials also influences product design, especially in Europe and North America. Digitalization in refractory monitoring and predictive maintenance further supports their adoption in advanced industrial operations, making the sector more resilient and future-ready.
Global Refractories Market Report Segmentation
This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global refractories market report based on end use and region.