Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles Market

Driven by increasing demand worldwide, the global market for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles is projected to see steady growth with a CAGR of +3.5% from 2022 to 2030, reaching 19M tons by the end of 2030. China, India, and the United States are the top consuming countries, with the highest growth rates seen in India. The market value is forecasted to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.5%, reaching $22.1B by 2030. Imports and exports also show a positive trend, with India leading in imports and China leading in exports. Overall, the market is expected to see gradual growth in the coming years.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to accelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +3.5% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 19M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.5% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $22.1B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

In 2022, approx. 14M tons of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles were consumed worldwide; increasing by 16% compared with 2021 figures. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, global consumption attained the peak volume in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

The value of the market for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles worldwide reached $15.5B in 2022, rising by 12% against 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 +1.2% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $16.3B. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the global market remained at a lower figure.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were China (3M tons), India (2.7M tons) and the United States (1.6M tons), with a combined 51% share of global consumption.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by India (with a CAGR of +10.4%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest refractory bricks, blocks and tiles markets worldwide were China ($2.6B), Japan ($2.2B) and the United States ($2.1B), with a combined 44% share of the global market. Turkey, India, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, Canada and Ukraine lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 37%.

Among the main consuming countries, Indonesia, with a CAGR of +10.7%, 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.

In 2022, the highest levels of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles per capita consumption was registered in Canada (21 kg per person), followed by Russia (6.7 kg per person), Ukraine (6.2 kg per person) and Germany (5.4 kg per person), while the world average per capita consumption of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles was estimated at 1.8 kg per person.

In Canada, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles per capita consumption expanded at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Russia (-2.3% per year) and Ukraine (+1.2% per year).

Production

World Production of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

Global refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production expanded remarkably to 13M tons in 2022, picking up by 9.6% against the previous year. Overall, production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the production volume increased by 14%. Over the period under review, global production reached the peak volume at 14M tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production stood at $13.8B in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a slight increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +2.7% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the production volume increased by 39%. Global production peaked at $19.4B in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Production By Country

China (5.2M tons) remains the largest refractory bricks, blocks and tiles producing country worldwide, accounting for 41% of total volume. Moreover, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, the United States (1.5M tons), threefold. India (1.2M tons) ranked third in terms of total production with a 9.8% share.

In China, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles production expanded at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: the United States (+8.5% per year) and India (+2.5% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

In 2022, supplies from abroad of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles increased by 20% to 6.2M tons, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. Over the period under review, total imports indicated moderate growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +73.8% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 47%. Over the period under review, global imports reached the maximum in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports soared to $4.9B in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 30% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Imports By Country

India represented the largest importing country with an import of around 1.9M tons, which resulted at 31% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Canada (815K tons) and Indonesia (332K tons), together achieving a 19% share of total imports. South Korea (210K tons), Germany (200K tons), Russia (154K tons), the United States (153K tons), Kazakhstan (104K tons) and Italy (93K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

India was also the fastest-growing in terms of the refractory bricks, blocks and tiles imports, with a CAGR of +17.5% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Indonesia (+9.5%), Germany (+3.6%), Russia (+2.3%), Canada (+2.2%) and Italy (+1.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. The United States experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, South Korea (-2.0%) and Kazakhstan (-4.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. India (+22 p.p.) and Indonesia (+2.4 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global imports, while Kazakhstan and South Korea saw its share reduced by -2% and -2.4% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. 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 Indonesia ($285M), India ($283M) and the United States ($257M), with a combined 17% share of global imports.

Indonesia, with a CAGR of +10.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

In 2022, 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 (2.5M 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 (1.9M tons) represented the main types of refractory bricks, blocks and tilesin the world, together mixing up 85% of total imports. 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 (771K tons), comprising a 15% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded 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 (with a CAGR of +3.0%), while purchases for the other products experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, 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 ($2.1B), 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) and refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; n.e.s. in item no. 6902.1 or 6902.2 ($827M) were the products with the highest levels of imports in 2022.

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, with a CAGR of +2.1%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

Import Prices By Type

In 2022, the average import price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles amounted to $791 per ton, shrinking by -3.6% against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a pronounced downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 an increase of 18% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $1,077 per ton. From 2020 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major imported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was 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 ($1,091 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 ($798 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, 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 a decline in the import price figures.

Import Prices By Country

The average import price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles stood at $791 per ton in 2022, waning by -3.6% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a perceptible descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 an increase of 18% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $1,077 per ton. From 2020 to 2022, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($1,682 per ton), while Canada ($129 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kazakhstan (+4.9%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Refractory Bricks, Blocks and Tiles

In 2022, shipments abroad of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles increased by 3% to 4.5M tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 35%. The global exports peaked at 4.5M tons in 2012; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

In value terms, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports surged to $5B in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 32%. The global exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Exports By Country

In 2022, China (2.2M tons) represented the major exporter of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles, comprising 49% of total exports. India (436K tons) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Germany (370K tons). All these countries together held approx. 18% share of total exports. Spain (151K tons), Austria (128K tons), Russia (127K tons), France (117K tons), the Netherlands (103K tons), the Czech Republic (93K tons), Italy (87K tons), Poland (84K tons), the United States (75K tons) and Turkey (69K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

China experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles. At the same time, the Netherlands (+6.1%), Spain (+5.2%), India (+2.5%) and the Czech Republic (+1.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the Netherlands emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +6.1% from 2012-2022. Poland and Italy experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Germany (-1.6%), Turkey (-2.3%), Austria (-2.4%), France (-3.6%), Russia (-4.1%) and the United States (-7.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of China (+3.9 p.p.) and India (+2.2 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global exports from 2012-2022, the share of the United States (-1.8 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($2.1B) remains the largest refractory bricks, blocks and tiles supplier worldwide, comprising 41% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Germany ($613M), with a 12% share of global exports. It was followed by Italy, with a 4.6% share.

In China, refractory bricks, blocks and tiles exports expanded at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Germany (-0.6% per year) and Italy (-0.1% per year).

Exports By Type

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 (2.1M 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 (1.9M tons) were the main types of refractory bricks, blocks and tiles in 2022, resulting at approx. 45% and 41% of total exports, respectively. 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 (639K tons), achieving a 14% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exported products, was attained by 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%), while the other products experienced a decline 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 ($2.2B), 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 ($2.2B) and refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods; n.e.s. in item no. 6902.1 or 6902.2 ($603M) appeared to be the products with the highest levels of exports in 2022.

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 +1.3%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main exported products over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

Export Prices By Type

The average export price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles stood at $1,119 per ton in 2022, with an increase of 18% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $1,130 per ton in 2016; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was 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 ($1,175 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 ($944 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, 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 (+1.8%), while the other products experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average export price for refractory bricks, blocks and tiles amounted to $1,119 per ton, picking up by 18% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. The global export price peaked at $1,130 per ton in 2016; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($2,865 per ton), while India ($495 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+5.0%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform