CALCIUM CARBONATE MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025-2032)

The Calcium Carbonate Market size is expected to reach USD 71.25 Billion by 2032, from USD 46.40 Billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period. 

Key Takeaways

• Based on Type, the Ground Calcium Carbonate segment leads the market, holding an estimated share of 42.1% in 2025, driven by its abundance and affordability.
• Based on Application, the Pulp & Paper segment leads the market with highest share in 2025, owing to its lightweight and high-opacity.
• Based on Region, Asia Pacific region is estimated to lead the market with a share of 36.50% in 2025. While, North America, holding a share of 25.4% in 2025, is projected to be the fastest growing region.

Market Overview

Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO3. It is a common substance found in rocks as the mineral’s calcite and aragonite (most notably as limestone, which is a type of sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcite) and is the main component of shells of marine organisms, snails, coins, and eggshells. Calcium carbonate exists in three crystalline forms, calcite, aragonite and vaterite. The polymorph calcite is the most stable at standard temperature and pressure and is the most prevalent form in nature.

Calcium carbonate has wide and diverse applications. It is widely used as a filler in paper, plastics, rubber (tires), paints, and sealant compounds. The paper industry utilizes large quantities of calcium carbonate as a filler to improve opacity and smoothness. This provides brightness to the paper and reduces costs. Calcium carbonate also serves as an important mineral supplement for animal and human nutrition. Calcium carbonate antacids help against heartburn, acid indigestion and upset stomach. Calcium carbonate is also used in construction as mortar for stone laying and plaster for indoor applications and renders. It provides good thermal insulation and soundproofing properties.

Current Events and their Impact on the Calcium Carbonate Market

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Segmental Analysis

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Calcium Carbonate Market Insights, By Type

Ground Calcium Carbonate Dominates the Overall Market Owing to its Abundance and Affordability

In terms of type, the ground calcium carbonate segment is expected to contribute the share of 42.1% in the market in 2025, owing to its abundance, affordability, and diverse applications across various industries. Its versatility as a filler, pigment extender, and pH regulator makes it a valuable component in products such as paper, plastics, paints, and even food and medicine. GCC also plays a crucial role in construction, filtration, and even household cleaning applications. Ground calcium carbonate is often used to increase durability and reduce costs by displacing or “extending” other more expensive raw materials. It is the ideal extender or filler as it has low absorption qualities, numerous particle sizes available and can be bright in color when needed.

In January 2025, CarbonFree unveiled endurocal™, the world’s first zero‑carbon mineral, produced via its proprietary SkyCycle™ carbon‑capture technology, offering superior performance and functionality to both precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and ground calcium carbonate (GCC). Derived from industrial CO₂ emissions, endurocal™ replaces conventional calcium carbonate across industries—ranging from plastics, paints, and paper without net CO₂ emissions.

Calcium Carbonate Market Insights, By Application

Pulp & Paper Acquires the Largest Share

In terms of application, the pulp and paper segment is expected to contribute the highest share of the market in 2025, driven by the demand for lightweight, high-opacity, and food-grade packaging papers. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is a popular choice for pulp and paper production due to its ability to improve paper quality, reduce costs, and enhance printability. It acts as a filler and coating material, improving brightness, opacity, and ink absorption. 

Stone paper, also known as mineral or bio-plastic paper, is gaining attention as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional pulp-based paper. Composed of roughly 80% calcium carbonate and 18% high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the material eliminates the need for acid, bleach, and optical brighteners during production.

Regional Insights

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Asia Pacific Calcium Carbonate Market Analysis & Trends

The Asia Pacific region has been the dominant region globally and accounted for around 36.5% share in the global calcium carbonate market in 2025. China is especially emerging as an industrial powerhouse; over the years, it has witnessed massive infrastructure-led developmental growth. This has boosted the consumption of calcium carbonate as a key input material across end-use verticals. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is popular in Asia due to its widespread use as a critical raw material in various industries, particularly those related to paper, plastics, paints and coatings, and construction. 

For instance, in April 2023, Omya announced significant investments to boost calcium carbonate production with the construction of seven on-site plants across China and Indonesia, in collaboration with long-term paper and board partners. The expansion includes three ground calcium carbonate (GCC) facilities in Guangxi, Guangdong, and Shandong, two precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) plants in Shandong, another PCC unit in Fujian, and a GCC plant in Sumatra.

North America Calcium Carbonate Market Analysis & Trends

North America is expected to be the second-largest market for calcium carbonate, accounting for over 25.4% of the market share in 2025. The U.S. has been a prominent destination for the product considering high demand from industries including paints & coatings, adhesives & sealants, and paper manufacturing. Calcium carbonate is popular in America due to its versatility and multiple applications in various industries. In the food industry, it's used as a nutritional supplement to fortify foods with calcium, a crucial mineral for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. It also plays a role in regulating pH levels and improving texture in food products. Additionally, calcium carbonate is a key ingredient in antacids and dietary supplements, further contributing to its popularity in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. According to the United States Geological Survey, domestic production of calcium carbonate in the U.S. exceeded 84 million metric tons in 2023. This is further boosting the calcium carbonate market revenue.

Calcium Carbonate Market Outlook Country-Wise

China Calcium Carbonate Market Trends

China calcium carbonate market is experiencing a robust growth due to its widespread use across various industries, including paper, rubber, plastics, and construction. China is the world's largest producer of calcium carbonate, with a significant portion of its production being used domestically. Global demand for ground calcium carbonate (GCC) is growing, driven by the paper industry in China. According to Tan Ky Mineral Processing Joint Stock Company, China production capacity is of 26.4%, which is ranked as the highest. China is the world's largest producer and consumer of calcium carbonate. In 2023, China's calcium carbonate market accounted for 57% of the global market, and it is expected that by 2025, China's calcium carbonate market will exceed 100 billion yuan.

Saudi Arabia Calcium Carbonate Market Trends

The popularity of calcium carbonate market in Saudi Arabia is observed due to its extensive use in the construction and related industries, including cement, concrete, and paints. Along with that, the nation's booming construction sector, fueled by significant real estate and infrastructure projects, drives the need for calcium carbonate in these materials. Additionally, its use in the paper industry, where it improves opacity and brightness, further contributes to its popularity. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, in 2023, Saudi Arabia exported USD 15.8M of Calcium carbonate, making it the 18th largest exporter of Calcium carbonate (out of 134) in the world.

In July 2024, the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), through its Water Technologies Innovation Institute & Research Advancement (WTIIRA), initiated the world's first production of 97% pure calcium carbonate (vaterite) using cement plant fly ash and desalination brine. The project intends to reuse wastewater, reduce carbon emissions, and extract valuable salts and metals. SWA projects it may contribute up to SAR 1.5 billion annually to GDP by 2030, advancing Saudi Arabia’s circular economy goals.

Market Report Scope

Calcium Carbonate Market Trends

Usage of nano materials: 

The usage of nano materials is increasingly influencing the calcium carbonate market in recent years. Calcium carbonate is one of the most widely used industrial minerals, found in products like paper, paints, plastics and more. At the nano scale, the material takes on new optical, mechanical and chemical properties that are useful in various applications.

Addition of value-added products: 

The calcium carbonate market has been witnessing positive developments owing to rising adoption of value-added products across various end-use industries. Calcium carbonate is increasingly being produced in specialized grades that cater to specific industrial requirements. Manufacturers are investing in R&D to customize particle size distribution, brightness, bulk density, oil absorption capacity, pH and heavy metal content of calcium carbonate. This has expanded its application scope beyond traditional areas like paper, plastics and paints. For instances, according to the European Commission's 2022 report on nano materials, the production and use of nano particulate calcium carbonate is growing at over 

7%

 annually in the EU. Nanoparticles enable novel product formulations and applications.

Calcium Carbonate Market Drivers

Driver for Increasing Usage in Paper Industry

The paper industry has been one of the largest end users of calcium carbonate over the years. Calcium carbonate is used as a filler material in the paper industry to improve the brightness and opacity of paper at lower costs. It helps to reduce the usage of more expensive wood pulp in paper manufacturing. Around 40% of the global calcium carbonate production is consumed by the paper industry alone. With the growing demand for printing and writing paper from educational institutes, offices and other commercial establishments, paper manufacturers are constantly trying to enhance the production of paper. This has led to a surge in demand for filler materials like calcium carbonate from the paper industry.

The usage of calcium carbonate provides significant benefits such as improving the paper strength along with enhancing its quality and smoothness. It allows manufacturers to produce paper that is brilliant white in color and has optimum surface properties for printing. Many paper producers in regions like Asia Pacific and South America are ramping up their paper manufacturing capacities to meet the increasing domestic consumption as well educational needs. This has created a huge requirement for calcium carbonate at affordable prices to help paper firms scale up their operations cost-effectively without compromising on the quality of paper. Moreover, the rising environmental regulations regarding water and wastewater treatment in paper mills have further propelled the usage of calcium carbonate for its ability to reduce effluent toxicity during the papermaking process.

Demand from Infrastructure Development Projects

The construction industry has picked up pace significantly across both developed and developing nations led by strong investments in infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, airports and buildings. Many countries are embarking on ambitious infrastructure development plans and mega projects to upgrade their public infrastructure and drive economic growth. This renewed focus on building world-class infrastructure is generating robust demand for various construction materials including cement and concrete. Cement is the basic raw material needed for manufacturing concrete which is widely used in the construction of buildings, bridges and other infrastructure assets. Calcium carbonate is a crucial component used as a mineral filler in cement manufacturing, where it is co-ground with clinker to form cement powder.

Calcium Carbonate Market Opportunities

Emerging applications in wastewater treatment

Emerging applications in wastewater treatment present a great opportunity for growth in the calcium carbonate market. Calcium carbonate is increasingly being used in various wastewater treatment processes due to its efficient purification properties. As urbanization continues at a rapid pace worldwide, the volumes of domestic and industrial wastewater generated are rising dramatically. Calcium carbonate in the form of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and ground calcium carbonate (GCC) is being increasingly used in various wastewater treatment processes due to its ability to reduce alkalinity, adjust pH and act as a coagulant. For instances, the wastewater treatment market itself is projected to grow at 6-8% annually between 2022 and 2027, according to 2023 report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Growth of medical and pharmaceutical industry

The medical and pharmaceutical industry is expected to drive significant growth in the calcium carbonate market. Calcium carbonate is used extensively in various medical applications such as calcium supplements, antacids, pharmaceuticals, and toothpaste. As lifestyles become increasingly sedentary and unhealthy diets become more commonplace, nutritional deficiencies and digestive issues are rising globally. This is increasing the demand for calcium supplements and antacids containing calcium carbonate as a key ingredient. For instance, according to 2023 data by the World Health Organization, global healthcare spending is projected to increase at an annual average rate of 5.4% between 2020–2023. This is further accelerating the calcium carbonate market share.

Recent Development

• In May 2025, Midroc, Ethiopia’s leading industrial conglomerate, launched the country’s first coated calcium carbonate production facility in a landmark move to reduce import dependency. Located in Lampese, Edo State, the plant boasts full “quarry-to-customer” integration, sourcing local dolomite and utilizing advanced automation to produce premium ground, coated calcium carbonate—tailored for paints, plastics, and paper applications.
• In December 2024, Nigerian agro-chemicals company Izedon Carbonates, operating as IzeCarb, inaugurated a new calcium carbonate production facility in Lampese, Nigeria. The plant is expected to significantly bolster local supply chains for construction, plastics, paint, and paper sectors in West Africa.
• In October 2024, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. introduced a new combination product—Famotidine, Calcium Carbonate, and Magnesium Hydroxide—into the Indian market. This formulation, categorized under Antacids, Antiflatulents, and Anti-Ulcerants, aims to provide effective relief for conditions like acid reflux and indigestion.
• In April 2023, Omya Inc., a prominent producer of calcium carbonate, announced its plan to invest USD 25 million in its advanced calcium carbonate plant in Gujarat. This significant investment strives to expand the plant's capacity and improve its overall efficiency, reinforcing Omya India's dedication to delivering high-quality products to meet the growing demand.

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The calcium carbonate market is undergoing a significant paradigm shift driven predominantly by evolving end-use industry demands and supply chain realignments. From an expert perspective, the critical inflection point lies in the strategic positioning of high-purity and specialty grades of calcium carbonate, which are commanding disproportionate attention relative to conventional ground calcium carbonate (GCC).
• Notably, the surge in demand for precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) in high-value applications such as pharmaceuticals, food additives, and advanced paper coatings underscores a trend towards product differentiation. For instance, PCC’s particle morphology and purity characteristics enable superior performance in these sectors, justifying premium pricing. This is exemplified by leading manufacturers who have reported a 12-15% year-over-year increase in PCC sales volumes, outperforming GCC growth, which remains comparatively static.
• Moreover, the environmental regulatory landscape is increasingly shaping calcium carbonate procurement strategies. Stricter emissions controls, especially in Europe and North America, have compelled manufacturers to prioritize calcium carbonate sourced through eco-friendly processes, such as low-energy precipitation methods. This has introduced a new competitive axis based on sustainability credentials. For example, companies like Omya and Imerys have invested heavily in “green” production lines, translating into enhanced market share and brand loyalty among conscientious industrial consumers.
• Additionally, the construction sector’s pivot towards sustainable building materials has propelled the use of calcium carbonate as a key filler in bio-based composites and low-carbon cements. This development is not merely a cyclical uptick but a structural transformation reflecting carbon neutrality mandates. Concrete admixtures incorporating calcium carbonate derivatives have demonstrated up to a 20% reduction in carbon footprint per cubic meter of concrete, as evidenced by pilot projects in Scandinavia and China.
• From a supply chain vantage, the calcium carbonate market is contending with raw material quality variability and geopolitical disruptions affecting limestone quarrying regions. This volatility reinforces the premium on consistent, high-grade feedstock, compelling end-users to engage in long-term, strategic sourcing agreements. In parallel, the ascendance of synthetic calcium carbonate production—especially via CO2 mineralization—foreshadows a disruptive shift, potentially decoupling the market from traditional mining dependencies.

Calcium Carbonate Market Segmentation:

• Calcium Carbonate Market, By Type
  • Ground Calcium Carbonate
  • Precipitated Calcium Carbonate
• Calcium Carbonate Market, By Application
  • Automotive
  • Building & Construction
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Agriculture
  • Pulp & Paper
  • Others
• Calcium Carbonate Market, By Region
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Top Players in the Calcium Carbonate Market
  
  • ILC Resources
  • Imerys
  • M. Huber Corp.
  • LafargeHolcim
  • Midwest Calcium Carbonates
  • Mineral Technologies
  • Mississippi Lime
  • Mountain Materials, Inc.
  • Omya
  • Parchem Fine & Specialty Chemicals
  • The National Lime & Stone Company
  • United States Lime & Minerals, Inc.
  • AGSCO Corp.
  • Carmeuse, Blue Mountain Minerals
  • Carmeuse Lime & Stone Company
  • GCCP Resources
  • GLC Minerals, LLC
  • Greer Limestone Company
  • Gulshan Polyols Ltd.

Sources

Primary Research Interviews from the following stakeholders:

Stakeholders:

• Interviews with calcium carbonate manufacturers, end-use industry procurement heads, mining operators, logistics heads, quality assurance managers, and R&D specialists across key production and consumption geographies.

Databases:

• United States Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Commodity Summaries
• Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)
• China National Bureau of Statistics – Mineral Output Reports
• Eurostat – Mineral and Industrial Production Data
• Global Trade Atlas – HS Code: 283650 (Calcium Carbonate)
• Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) – Industrial Raw Materials Data
• Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), India
• International Trade Centre (ITC) – Trade Map
• Australian Bureau of Statistics – Mining and Export Data

Magazines:

• Industrial Minerals Magazine
• Paint & Coatings Industry (PCI)
• Modern Plastics India
• Minerals & Materials Today
• Cement Products Magazine
• Food & Beverage Industry News
• Pharma Technology Focus
• Construction Week

Journals:

• Journal of Applied Polymer Science
• Cement and Concrete Research
• Materials Science and Engineering Reports
• Journal of Cleaner Production
• Pharmaceutical Development and Technology
• International Journal of Mineral Processing
• Journal of Coatings Technology and Research
• Journal of Food Engineering

Newspapers:

• The Economic Times – Chemicals & Materials
• Business Standard – Mining and Manufacturing
• The Hindu Business Line – Industrial Raw Materials
• Financial Times – Industrial and Construction Materials Coverage
• Reuters – Commodities and Specialty Chemicals
• South China Morning Post – Manufacturing & Trade

Associations:

• Indian Mineral Industry Association (IMIA)
• Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI)
• European Calcium Carbonate Association (ECCA)
• Chemical Industries Association (UK)
• American Coatings Association (ACA)
• All India Plastic Manufacturers Association (AIPMA)
• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – Cement and Construction Materials Group
• Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA)

Public Domain Sources:

• Ministry of Mines (Government of India)
• Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (India)
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), U.S.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Industrial Minerals Database
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – Reports on Industrial Growth and Raw Materials
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India
• World Bank – Mineral Development Reports
• NITI Aayog – Materials Innovation and Sustainability Whitepapers

Proprietary Elements:

• CMI Data Analytics Tool, and Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of information for last 8 years

Definition: Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO3, consisting of one atom of calcium, one of carbon, and three of oxygen. It is a common substance found in rocks, such as limestone, chalk, and marble, as well as in eggshells, bivalve shells, and corals. Calcium carbonate has many uses, including as a filler in products such as paper, ceramics, glass, plastics, and paint, as well as in medicine as an antacid and dietary calcium supplement. It is also used in food as a food colorant and firming agent, and as a fertilizer.