Feldspar market

Feldspars are a group of rock-forming aluminium tectosilicate minerals, containing sodium, calcium, potassium or barium. The most common members of the feldspar group are the plagioclase (sodium-calcium) feldspars and the alkali (potassium-sodium) feldspars. Feldspars make up about 60% of the Earth's crust, and 41% of the Earth's continental crust by weight. Feldspars crystallize from magma as both intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks and are also present in many types of metamorphic rock. Rock formed almost entirely of calcic plagioclase feldspar is known as anorthosite. Feldspars are also found in many types of sedimentary rocks.

Global feldspar market was valued at US$ 564.69 Million in 2021 in terms of revenue, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.84 % during the forecast period (2022 to 2030).

Drivers

The dynamics of the glass and ceramics industries have a significant impact on market growth. The product's unique chemical ingredients, such as potassium oxide, sodium oxide, and alumina, play an important role in promoting its use in the glass and ceramics industries. The product is primarily utilized in glassmaking and ceramics filler applications in its ground form ranging from 20 mesh to 200 mesh. Over the last decade, China's demand for feldspar has increased significantly. The product's alumina component provides exceptional corrosion resistance, while alkalis provide heat resistance. The substance is widely utilized in glassmaking due to its great characteristics.

Among regions, Asia Pacific held dominant position in the global feldspar market in 2021, accounting for 44.5% market share in terms of volume, followed by Europe and North America. The presence of strong glassmaking and ceramics sector in the region is likely to influence the market growth of feldspar in the Asia Pacific region. The region has observed steady economic growth owing to the flourishing economies of China and India. Both countries are among the largest markets for the construction and automotive sectors. This will provide a stable platform for the development of the glassmaking industry, which, in turn, is likely to push the growth of feldspar market space in the Asia Pacific region. The European region is projected to emerge as the second-largest regional market for feldspar. The region is a key producer of the product and holds significant reserves of minerals across Italy and Turkey.

The covid-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the feldspar market, however, with the emergence of coronavirus and rapidly rising cases in the country over the first quarter of 2020 halted the industrial operations across the country. Despite the emergence of the global pandemic, the industrial activities in the country resumed in the second quarter of 2020.

Figure 1. Global Feldspar Market Value Share (%), By Region, 2021

Market Restraints

Mining cost, recycling of glass and ceramics, and volatile logistics are some of the major restraints that are likely to hamper the growth of the market. Moreover, stringent environmental regulations on mining of feldspar are expected to hinder the growth of the feldspar market. Nevertheless, changes in logistics and mining expenses could hamper the feldspar industry throughout the estimated period.

Market Trends

Ceramic tiles are one of the most important materials consumed in the construction industry. Therefore, the expansion of the ceramic tile market depends on the increase in construction spending worldwide. The construction sector is experiencing significant expansion, mainly in APAC countries such as China, India, and Malaysia. China spent roughly US$ 1.9 trillion on construction (i.e. Buildings) in 2018. As a result, as the construction industry grows, so does the demand for ceramic tiles. Robust developments in the residential and commercial construction sectors will accelerate the sales of feldspar. In addition, feldspar’s use as a fluxing agent in manufacturing of glass products continues to bolster demand in the global market.

Figure 2. Global Feldspar Market Revenue Share (%), By End-use, 2021

Recent Developments

• September 19, 2020. The Global Feldspar Market report assesses the historical and current data along with a thorough analysis of the market dynamics.
• In December 2020, Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. announced signing of a definitive agreement to grant CAVU Mining Corp. an exclusive option to earn up to a 100% interest in the Company’s 3,070-hectare Kitimat Copper-Gold Project in British Columbia, Canada. The property is rich is various mineral resources such as gold, copper, feldspar, etc.
• In December 2020, Skyharbour signed a definitive agreement with Pitchblende Energy and Valor Resources in order to obtain 80% of the North Falcon Point Uranium Property asset. This asset holds mineral resources such as uranium, feldspar etc.

Competitive Section

Major players operating in the global feldspar market include I-Minerals Inc., Quarzwerke GmbH, Eczacibasi Esan, Micronized Group, Imerys Minerals, Sibelco Nordic, The Quartz Corp., Adolf Gottfried Tonwerke GmbH, LB MINERALS, Ltd., and Sun Minerals.

Detailed Segmentation:

• Global Feldspar Market, By Type:
  • Plagioclase Feldspar
  • K-Feldspar
• Global Feldspar, By End-use:
  • Glass
  • Ceramics
  • Fillers
  • Others
• Global Feldspar Market, By Region:
  • North America
    • By Type:
      • Plagioclase Feldspar
      • K-Feldspar
    • By End-Use:
      • Glass
      • Ceramics
      • Fillers
      • Others
    • By Country:
      • U.S.
      • Canada
  • Europe
    • By Type:
      • Plagioclase Feldspar
      • K-Feldspar
    • By End-Use:
      • Glass
      • Ceramics
      • Fillers
      • Others
    • By Country:
      • Germany
      • U.K.
      • France
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • Russia
      • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • By Type:
      • Plagioclase Feldspar
      • K-Feldspar
    • By End-Use:
      • Glass
      • Ceramics
      • Fillers
      • Others
    • By Country:
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • Australia
      • South Korea
      • ASEAN
      • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
    • By Type:
      • Plagioclase Feldspar
      • K-Feldspar
    • By End-Use:
      • Glass
      • Ceramics
      • Fillers
      • Others
    • By Country:
      • Brazil
      • Mexico
      • Argentina
      • Rest of Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
    • By Type:
      • Plagioclase Feldspar
      • K-Feldspar
    • By End-Use:
      • Glass
      • Ceramics
      • Fillers
      • Others
    • By Country:
      • Middle East
        • Africa