Global Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles Market to Grow at a CAGR of +1.8% and Reach $18.6B by 2035 - News and Statistics - IndexBox

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IndexBox has just published a new report: World - Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.

The global market for refractory bricks, blocks, and tiles is predicted to experience steady growth over the next decade, driven by rising demand. Market performance is expected to slow down slightly, with a projected CAGR of +0.9% in volume and +1.8% in value from 2024 to 2035. By the end of 2035, the market volume is estimated to reach 20 million tons, while the market value is forecasted to reach $18.6 billion in nominal prices.

Driven by increasing demand for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +0.9% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 20M tons by the end of 2035.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.8% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $18.6B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.

In 2024, global consumption of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles was estimated at 19M tons, remaining constant against the previous year. Overall, the total consumption indicated notable growth from 2013 to 2024: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption increased by +56.8% against 2021 indices. Over the period under review, global consumption attained the maximum volume in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

The value of the market for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles worldwide fell slightly to $15.3B in 2024, approximately mirroring the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $15.4B, leveling off in the following year.

India (8.9M tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles consumption, accounting for 48% of total volume. Moreover, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles consumption in India exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, China (3.1M tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Russia (952K tons), with a 5.1% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in India totaled +23.5%. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of consumption growth: China (+3.4% per year) and Russia (-1.8% per year).

In value terms, India ($3.6B), China ($2.7B) and Japan ($2B) were the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2024, with a combined 54% share of the global market.

In terms of the main consuming countries, India, with a CAGR of +18.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of market size over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles per capita consumption in 2024 were Ukraine (6.8 kg per person), Russia (6.6 kg per person) and India (6.2 kg per person).

From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for India (with a CAGR of +22.3%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Global refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production declined to 10M tons in 2024, remaining relatively unchanged against the year before. Overall, production showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 14%. Global production peaked at 14M tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production shrank to $11.7B in 2024 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production reached the maximum level at $14.5B in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

China (5.3M tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production, comprising approx. 52% of total volume. Moreover, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Russia (904K tons), sixfold. Germany (529K tons) ranked third in terms of total production with a 5.2% share.

In China, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2013-2024. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Russia (-2.4% per year) and Germany (-3.5% per year).

In 2024, after three years of growth, there was decline in overseas purchases of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles, when their volume decreased by -1.8% to 12M tons. Overall, imports, however, recorded a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2023 with an increase of 87%. As a result, imports reached the peak of 12M tons, and then dropped in the following year.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports shrank to $4.3B in 2024. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 31% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports attained the maximum at $5.2B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.

India dominates imports structure, resulting at 9.2M tons, which was near 76% of total imports in 2024. Indonesia (227K tons) took a minor share of total imports.

India was also the fastest-growing in terms of the refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports, with a CAGR of +37.0% from 2013 to 2024. At the same time, Indonesia (+4.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. From 2013 to 2024, the share of India increased by +69 percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest refractory bricks, blocks and tiles importing markets worldwide were India ($259M) and Indonesia ($160M).

Indonesia, with a CAGR of +4.7%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review.

Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these was the largest imported product with an import of around 9.2M tons, which amounted to 76% of total imports. It was distantly followed by refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight, singly or together, more than 50% of the elements mg, ca or cr, expressed as MgO, CaO or Cr2o3 (2.4M tons) and refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; n.e.s. in item no. 6902.1 or 6902.2 (0.6M tons), together achieving a 24% share of total imports.

Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these was also the fastest-growing in terms of imports, with a CAGR of +17.0% from 2013 to 2024. At the same time, refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight, singly or together, more than 50% of the elements mg, ca or cr, expressed as MgO, CaO or Cr2o3 (+3.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; n.e.s. in item no. 6902.1 or 6902.2 (-3.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2013 to 2024, the share of refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these increased by +36 percentage points.

In value terms, the largest types of imported refractory bricks, blocks and tiles were refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these ($1.9B), refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight, singly or together, more than 50% of the elements mg, ca or cr, expressed as MgO, CaO or Cr2o3 ($1.6B) and refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; n.e.s. in item no. 6902.1 or 6902.2 ($707M).

Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these, with a CAGR of +2.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced a decline in the imports figures.

The average import price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles stood at $350 per ton in 2024, shrinking by -10.9% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 an increase of 18%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $1,092 per ton. From 2020 to 2024, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major imported products. In 2024, the product with the highest price was refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; n.e.s. in item no. 6902.1 or 6902.2 ($1,242 per ton), while the price for refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these ($211 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; n.e.s. in item no. 6902.1 or 6902.2 (+1.0%), while the other products experienced a decline in the import price figures.

In 2024, the average import price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles amounted to $350 per ton, waning by -10.9% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 an increase of 18%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $1,092 per ton. From 2020 to 2024, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2024, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Indonesia ($703 per ton), while India totaled $28 per ton.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Indonesia (-0.2%).

In 2024, overseas shipments of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles decreased by -13.2% to 3.8M tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 36%. The global exports peaked at 4.5M tons in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports declined rapidly to $4.1B in 2024. Overall, exports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 32% against the previous year. The global exports peaked at $5B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In 2024, China (2.1M tons) was the main exporter of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles, constituting 57% of total exports. India (426K tons) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Germany (205K tons). All these countries together held near 17% share of total exports. Russia (108K tons), Spain (92K tons), Turkey (79K tons), Austria (74K tons), the Czech Republic (69K tons) and France (66K tons) took a relatively small share of total exports.

Exports from China increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% from 2013 to 2024. At the same time, India (+2.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, India emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +2.0% from 2013-2024. Turkey and Spain experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, the Czech Republic (-1.5%), Russia (-1.8%), Germany (-6.3%), Austria (-6.4%) and France (-7.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2013 to 2024, the share of China and India increased by +13 and +2.9 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($1.8B) remains the largest refractory bricks, blocks and tiles supplier worldwide, comprising 43% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Germany ($483M), with a 12% share of global exports. It was followed by India, with a 5.2% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value in China stood at +2.1%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Germany (-2.6% per year) and India (+5.8% per year).

In 2024, refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these (1.6M tons) and refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight, singly or together, more than 50% of the elements mg, ca or cr, expressed as MgO, CaO or Cr2o3 (1.5M tons) were the key types of refractory bricks, blocks and tilesacross the globe, together accounting for near 83% of total exports. It was distantly followed by refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; n.e.s. in item no. 6902.1 or 6902.2 (634K tons), comprising a 17% share of total exports.

From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; n.e.s. in item no. 6902.1 or 6902.2 (with a CAGR of +2.4%), while shipments for the other products experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these ($2B), refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight, singly or together, more than 50% of the elements mg, ca or cr, expressed as MgO, CaO or Cr2o3 ($1.6B) and refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; n.e.s. in item no. 6902.1 or 6902.2 ($524M) were the products with the highest levels of exports in 2024.

Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these, with a CAGR of +1.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main exported products over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In 2024, the average export price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles amounted to $1,079 per ton, shrinking by -2.9% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 when the average export price increased by 18% against the previous year. The global export price peaked at $1,133 per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exported products. In 2024, the product with the highest price was refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a mixture or compound of these ($1,192 per ton), while the average price for exports of refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; n.e.s. in item no. 6902.1 or 6902.2 ($827 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; containing by weight, singly or together, more than 50% of the elements mg, ca or cr, expressed as MgO, CaO or Cr2o3 (+1.4%), while the other products experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

In 2024, the average export price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles amounted to $1,079 per ton, reducing by -2.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when the average export price increased by 18%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $1,133 per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Austria ($2,621 per ton), while India ($498 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Austria (+4.3%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global market for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Worldwide - the report contains statistical data for 200 countries and includes detailed profiles of the 50 largest consuming countries:

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