Refractories Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast Segmented By Chemistry, By Chemical Composition, By Form, By End Use, By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Description

The Global Refractories Market is projected to expand from USD 34.88 Billion in 2025 to USD 46.11 Billion by 2031, achieving a CAGR of 4.76%. These inorganic, non-metallic materials are engineered to resist extreme heat, physical wear, and corrosion, acting as critical linings for industrial reactors, kilns, and furnaces. The market's upward trajectory is primarily underpinned by surging demand for steel and iron resulting from rapid urbanization and global infrastructure initiatives, while sustained growth in the glass, cement, and non-ferrous metal sectors further strengthens the consumption base for these essential industrial components.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size 2025	USD 34.88 Billion
Market Size 2031	USD 46.11 Billion
CAGR 2026-2031	4.76%
Fastest Growing Segment	Shaped
Largest Market	Asia Pacific

However, the market faces significant hurdles due to the volatility of raw material costs, which is intensified by geopolitical instability that disrupts supply chains and impacts pricing mechanisms. This uncertainty is exacerbated by fluctuating consumption rates in major end-use industries, leading to reduced immediate order volumes. According to the World Steel Association, global steel demand was forecast to decrease by 0.9% to 1,751 million tonnes in 2024, indicating a temporary contraction in the primary application sector for refractories. Consequently, manufacturers must navigate these demand adjustments while managing escalating input costs to maintain profitability.

Market Driver

Accelerated infrastructure development within emerging economies serves as a major growth engine for the refractories industry, driving substantial requirements for glass and cement. As governments emphasize connectivity and urbanization projects, high-temperature kilns operate more frequently, thereby increasing the rate at which refractory linings must be replaced. This pattern is especially prominent in developing nations where public expenditure favors construction, ensuring consistent demand for thermal management solutions. For instance, according to the Press Information Bureau in February 2024, the Government of India's 'Interim Budget 2024-25' increased the capital expenditure outlay for infrastructure by 11.1% to ₹11,11,111 crore, indicating sustained needs for construction materials dependent on refractory-lined production processes.

Additionally, increasing steel production in key growth regions propels market expansion, effectively balancing softer demand seen in mature economies. High-growth territories are experiencing a surge in steel output to fuel domestic industrialization, maintaining a steady flow of orders for both shaped and unshaped refractories utilized in blast furnaces and ladles. Manufacturers are adapting to this geographical shift by refining supply chains to cater to these resilient markets. According to the World Steel Association's 'Short Range Outlook April 2024', steel demand in India was projected to rise by 8.2% in 2024, emphasizing the critical role of developing nations in supporting industry volumes. Major players reflect this scale; according to RHI Magnesita, the company reported a full-year revenue of €3.6 billion for 2023, highlighting the sector's enduring financial magnitude.

Market Challenge

The primary obstacle impeding the Global Refractories Market involves the dual pressures of fluctuating consumption rates in major end-use sectors and volatile raw material costs. Manufacturers struggle to uphold stable pricing strategies because of unpredictable input expenses caused by supply chain disruptions and geopolitical instability. This economic uncertainty compels suppliers to either absorb increased operational costs or risk a loss in sales volume by transferring these expenses to customers who are already restricting their procurement budgets.

This instability is further aggravated by a contraction within the steel industry, which constitutes the largest consumer base for refractory products. A downturn in steel production activity directly leads to diminished demand for heat-resistant materials and furnace linings, thereby reducing the immediate revenue streams for refractory firms. For instance, according to the World Steel Association in October 2024, steel demand in China was projected to fall by 3.0% for the year. Given that China accounts for a massive proportion of global steel output, this regional contraction generates a significant volume deficit that disrupts production planning and negatively affects global refractory order books.

Market Trends

The rapid adoption of unshaped and monolithic refractories is fundamentally reshaping market dynamics, as industrial users increasingly seek solutions that provide superior thermal shock resistance and faster installation. Unlike traditional shaped bricks, these materials facilitate joint-free linings that substantially decrease downtime during maintenance cycles, encouraging manufacturers to expand dedicated production lines to accommodate this technical transition. Validating this shift, according to Business Standard in November 2024, Vesuvius inaugurated new Alumina-Silica and Basic Monolithic manufacturing plants in Visakhapatnam, boosting its annual production capacity by 250,000 tonnes to meet the growing preference for unshaped products that enhance operational availability.

Simultaneously, the growing implementation of material recycling and circular economy practices is propelling a significant strategic shift focused on securing raw material supplies and reducing carbon footprints. Refractory companies are heavily investing in technologies to convert spent linings into high-quality secondary raw materials, which reduces dependence on volatile virgin mineral markets and lowers Scope 3 emissions. This industry-wide dedication is illustrated by market leaders; according to RHI Magnesita's 'Integrated Report 2023' released in March 2024, the group successfully raised its use of secondary raw materials to achieve a recycling rate of 12.6% for the year, demonstrating that environmental stewardship is becoming a key competitive differentiator alongside product performance.

Key Market Players

Harbisonwalker International
IFGL Refractories Ltd
Intocast AG
Krosaki Harima Corporation
Magnezit Group
Minerals Technologies Inc.
Puyang Refractories Group Co., Ltd
RHI Magnesita GmbH
Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A.
Shinagawa Refractories Co. Ltd

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Refractories Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Refractories Market, By Chemistry

Acidic
Basic
Neutral

Refractories Market, By Chemical Composition

Alumina
Silica
Magnesia
Fireclay
Others

Refractories Market, By Form

Shaped
Unshaped

Refractories Market, By End Use

Iron & Steel
Energy & Chemicals
Non-ferrous Metals
Cement
Others

Refractories Market, By Region

North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Germany
- Spain
Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- South Korea
South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia
Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Refractories Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Refractories Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
- 1.2.1. Markets Covered
- 1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
- 1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Refractories Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Chemistry (Acidic, Basic, Neutral)
- 5.2.2. By Chemical Composition (Alumina, Silica, Magnesia, Fireclay, Others)
- 5.2.3. By Form (Shaped, Unshaped)
- 5.2.4. By End Use (Iron & Steel, Energy & Chemicals, Non-ferrous Metals, Cement, Others)
- 5.2.5. By Region
- 5.2.6. By Company (2025)
5.3. Market Map

6. North America Refractories Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Chemistry
- 6.2.2. By Chemical Composition
- 6.2.3. By Form
- 6.2.4. By End Use
- 6.2.5. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
- 6.3.1. United States Refractories Market Outlook
  - 6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 6.3.1.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 6.3.1.2.3. By Form
    - 6.3.1.2.4. By End Use
- 6.3.2. Canada Refractories Market Outlook
  - 6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 6.3.2.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 6.3.2.2.3. By Form
    - 6.3.2.2.4. By End Use
- 6.3.3. Mexico Refractories Market Outlook
  - 6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 6.3.3.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 6.3.3.2.3. By Form
    - 6.3.3.2.4. By End Use

7. Europe Refractories Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Chemistry
- 7.2.2. By Chemical Composition
- 7.2.3. By Form
- 7.2.4. By End Use
- 7.2.5. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
- 7.3.1. Germany Refractories Market Outlook
  - 7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 7.3.1.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 7.3.1.2.3. By Form
    - 7.3.1.2.4. By End Use
- 7.3.2. France Refractories Market Outlook
  - 7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 7.3.2.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 7.3.2.2.3. By Form
    - 7.3.2.2.4. By End Use
- 7.3.3. United Kingdom Refractories Market Outlook
  - 7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 7.3.3.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 7.3.3.2.3. By Form
    - 7.3.3.2.4. By End Use
- 7.3.4. Italy Refractories Market Outlook
  - 7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 7.3.4.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 7.3.4.2.3. By Form
    - 7.3.4.2.4. By End Use
- 7.3.5. Spain Refractories Market Outlook
  - 7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 7.3.5.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 7.3.5.2.3. By Form
    - 7.3.5.2.4. By End Use

8. Asia Pacific Refractories Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Chemistry
- 8.2.2. By Chemical Composition
- 8.2.3. By Form
- 8.2.4. By End Use
- 8.2.5. By Country
8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
- 8.3.1. China Refractories Market Outlook
  - 8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 8.3.1.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 8.3.1.2.3. By Form
    - 8.3.1.2.4. By End Use
- 8.3.2. India Refractories Market Outlook
  - 8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 8.3.2.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 8.3.2.2.3. By Form
    - 8.3.2.2.4. By End Use
- 8.3.3. Japan Refractories Market Outlook
  - 8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 8.3.3.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 8.3.3.2.3. By Form
    - 8.3.3.2.4. By End Use
- 8.3.4. South Korea Refractories Market Outlook
  - 8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 8.3.4.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 8.3.4.2.3. By Form
    - 8.3.4.2.4. By End Use
- 8.3.5. Australia Refractories Market Outlook
  - 8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 8.3.5.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 8.3.5.2.3. By Form
    - 8.3.5.2.4. By End Use

9. Middle East & Africa Refractories Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Chemistry
- 9.2.2. By Chemical Composition
- 9.2.3. By Form
- 9.2.4. By End Use
- 9.2.5. By Country
9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis
- 9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Refractories Market Outlook
  - 9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 9.3.1.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 9.3.1.2.3. By Form
    - 9.3.1.2.4. By End Use
- 9.3.2. UAE Refractories Market Outlook
  - 9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 9.3.2.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 9.3.2.2.3. By Form
    - 9.3.2.2.4. By End Use
- 9.3.3. South Africa Refractories Market Outlook
  - 9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 9.3.3.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 9.3.3.2.3. By Form
    - 9.3.3.2.4. By End Use

10. South America Refractories Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Chemistry
- 10.2.2. By Chemical Composition
- 10.2.3. By Form
- 10.2.4. By End Use
- 10.2.5. By Country
10.3. South America: Country Analysis
- 10.3.1. Brazil Refractories Market Outlook
  - 10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 10.3.1.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 10.3.1.2.3. By Form
    - 10.3.1.2.4. By End Use
- 10.3.2. Colombia Refractories Market Outlook
  - 10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 10.3.2.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 10.3.2.2.3. By Form
    - 10.3.2.2.4. By End Use
- 10.3.3. Argentina Refractories Market Outlook
  - 10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.2.1. By Chemistry
    - 10.3.3.2.2. By Chemical Composition
    - 10.3.3.2.3. By Form
    - 10.3.3.2.4. By End Use

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Product Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Refractories Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry
14.2. Potential of New Entrants
14.3. Power of Suppliers
14.4. Power of Customers
14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Harbisonwalker International
- 15.1.1. Business Overview
- 15.1.2. Products & Services
- 15.1.3. Recent Developments
- 15.1.4. Key Personnel
- 15.1.5. SWOT Analysis
15.2. IFGL Refractories Ltd
15.3. Intocast AG
15.4. Krosaki Harima Corporation
15.5. Magnezit Group
15.6. Minerals Technologies Inc.
15.7. Puyang Refractories Group Co., Ltd
15.8. RHI Magnesita GmbH
15.9. Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A.
15.10. Shinagawa Refractories Co. Ltd