Bentonite Market Analysis & Forecast: 2026-2033
The Bentonite Market is estimated to be valued at USD 1,600 Mn in 2026 and is expected to reach USD 2,405 Mn by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2026 to 2033.
The Bentonite Market is advancing significantly, driven by its expanding role in civil engineering, sustainable agriculture, and the iron ore pelleting industry. Moreover, increasing oil and gas exploration and tightening environmental standards are expected to drive market growth over the forecast period. Bentonite is a naturally occurring colloidal clay mineral and is mainly composed of montmorillonite and formed from the alteration of volcanic ash. It is a fundamental material in the industrial, bioindustrial, and environmental sectors owing to its high swelling capacity and superior absorption properties.
The bentonite industry is undergoing a transformative period bolstered by the improvements in processing technologies and the use of modified clay formulations. There is a high demand for specialized grades in diverse industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, construction, and foundry casting. These developments have expanded the functional capabilities of bentonite, thus improving its viscosity, thixotropy, and sealing efficiency.
|
Current Event |
Description and the Impact |
|
Regional Market Developments and Strategic Investments |
|
|
Economic and Market Demand Shifts |
|
|
Economic and Healthcare Infrastructure Trends |
|
Uncover macros and micros vetted on 75+ parameters: Get instant access to report
In terms of product type, the sodium segment contributes the highest share of 59.20% in 2026 of the market owing to its superior swelling properties, rheological control, and wider industrial uses. This material is often called swelling clay by the industrial experts, as it absorbs several times its dry mass in water to create a thick gel. This characteristic allows engineers to build effective slurry landfill liners with high precision. Foundries also utilize sodium bentonite to maintain mold stability during intense metal casting processes. Its high viscosity makes it the top choice for operators managing water-based drilling muds. With the growth in the infrastructure projects globally, the physical versatility of sodium variants will continue to strengthen its leading market position.
For instance, in September 2025, mineral distributor OMV opened its new Valkenburgh milling plant at its facility in Witbank, Mpumalanga. The company's Witbank site was formerly utilized for the storage and transshipment of bentonite and has now been upgraded to include the processing and milling of industrial minerals including sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite.
In terms of end use application, the drilling fluids segment contributes the highest share of 31.40% in 2026 of the market, driven by continuous investment in oil & gas exploration and wellbore stability requirements. Bentonite functions as a vital thixotropic agent that helps crews suspend rock cuttings and maintain the hydrostatic pressure necessary to prevent dangerous blowouts. The recent surge in shale gas exploration and offshore drilling projects creates a massive need for high-grade bentonite to lubricate drill bits. These fluids also seal porous formations in an effective manner to prevent fluid loss during complex operations.
For instance, in November 2023, Wyo-Ben, Inc., a prominent supplier of premium drilling fluids and minerals, announced it has completed the acquisition of the bentonite operations of M-I Swaco, a subsidiary of Schlumberger and a distinguished global leader in drilling fluid systems and services.
In terms of end-use industry, the oilfield segment contributes the highest share of 33.80% in 2026 of the market owing to increasing use of bentonite in drilling muds and related activities. This sector depends heavily on bentonite’s unique ability to stabilize wellbores and effectively manage fluid loss during complex drilling operations. A sustained recovery in global energy markets, alongside the continued expansion of unconventional oil production, is driving higher exploration and production capital expenditures. Businesses use bentonite in cementing and completion fluids to ensure total structural integrity throughout the entire well lifecycle. As energy output continues to scale across regions of Asia Pacific and North America, the oilfield services industry remains the largest end-use consumer of this versatile mineral.
For instance, in May 2024, Amarak Chemicals FZC partnered with DP World’s Jebel Ali Free Zone to develop a cutting-edge manufacturing facility for plant nutrients. Amarak Chemicals FZC manufactures a range of specialty chemical products, with main offerings including various formulations of Sulphur Bentonite, like plain Sulphur Bentonite, Zincated Sulphur Bentonite, and Boronated Sulphur Bentonite.
To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample
The North American market is leading the industry with 37.70% share in 2026 owing to its massive deposits of high-swelling sodium bentonite, especially in Wyoming's famous deposits. This is further boosted by its advanced mining facilities and established export chain through which it delivers high-grade materials to the international markets. Rising activity in the oil and gas sector is driving significant demand as operators require bentonite for high-performance drilling fluids in shale-rich basins like the Permian. In addition, the region accounts for a substantial share of global cat litter consumption, thus contributing to growth in high-margin retail applications.
For instance, in May 2025, the Bureau of Land Management has authorized the Greasewood Creek bentonite mining site, which is located near Medicine Bow in Albany County. Wyoming bentonite comprises up to 70 percent of the world's known reserves and is used in a variety of industrial and consumer applications, including pet litter, drilling mud, binders in foundry molds, and iron ore pelletizing.
The Asia Pacific market is the fastest growing region as rapid industrialization and massive infrastructure investments seep across China, India, and Southeast Asia. Massive urban development is driving the regional market forward because developers demand bentonite for civil engineering applications like tunneling and foundation sealing. China's status as a global steel powerhouse is propelling a massive requirement for bentonite as a binder in iron ore pelletizing and foundry models. In addition to this, the burgeoning cosmetics and personal care industries in India and South Korea heavily utilize high-purity bentonite for its natural detoxifying properties. The region remains at the forefront of various international markets in terms of growth rate owing to its increasing disposable incomes and the use of sustainable soil conditioners.
For instance, in January 2024, GHCL Limited, a leading chemical company in India, signed two memoranda of understanding at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit to propose an investment of Rs 3,450 crore in Gujarat. The second MoU was signed for an investment of Rs 950 crore, focusing on the extraction of Bentonite and sand.
The US is at the forefront in the global market because it accounts for more than one-third of total global production. Massive high swelling sodium reserves in Wyoming support the energy sector, where active drilling in the Permian Basin is driving significant demand for borehole stabilization fluids. Beyond energy, the construction industry is propelling growth as developers use geosynthetic clay liners for environmental containment and waste management. The market also possesses a high-margin cat litter segment that expands quickly alongside rising pet ownership. The sophisticated mining infrastructure helps the US remain the top global destination for the highest quality bentonite exports while supporting high-quality production for global customers.
For instance, in December 2023, Clariant, a specialty chemical corporation committed to sustainability, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its desiccant manufacturing facility located in Belen, New Mexico, USA. The facility began operations in 1983 with the introduction of Desi Pak bentonite clay desiccants.
The China market is the fastest-growing regional force, as relentless expansion in steel production and heavy infrastructure fuels demand. The nation's dominant metal casting industry is driving a massive requirement for bentonite as a vital binder in foundry sands and iron ore pelletizing. On the other hand, growing urbanization is driving the demand for bentonite in civil engineering applications such as tunnel construction and foundation waterproofing for the development of new large cities. The new trends in sustainable agricultural practices and the growing cosmetics sector further diversify consumption across the country. With its massive industrial base and evolving pet care market, China remains the primary engine of global demand growth as it modernizes its entire landscape.
| Report Coverage | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Year: | 2025 | Market Size in 2026: | USD 1,600 Mn |
| Historical Data for: | 2020 To 2024 | Forecast Period: | 2026 To 2033 |
| Forecast Period 2026 to 2033 CAGR: | 6% | 2033 Value Projection: | USD 2,405 Mn |
| Geographies covered: |
|
||
| Segments covered: |
|
||
| Companies covered: |
Kemira OYJ, Mineral Technologies Inc., Clariant AG, Kunimine Industries Co., Ltd., Charles B Chrystal Co. Inc., and Alfa Aesar, Kutch Minerals, Ashapura Group of Companies, Halliburton Co., Wyo-Ben, Inc., Polymer Drilling Systems (PDS) Co, Inc., and Black Hills Bentonite, LLC |
||
| Growth Drivers: |
|
||
| Restraints & Challenges: |
|
||
Uncover macros and micros vetted on 75+ parameters: Get instant access to report
The rising demand from construction and infrastructure sectors is driving the growth of the bentonite market. Rapid urbanization and massive public expenditure on smart cities are propelling the need for sodium bentonite in civil engineering. Builders use bentonite slurry to stabilize boreholes during pile foundation work. This material prevents cave-ins in deep excavations by exerting hydrostatic pressure against the soil walls. The mineral is driving efficiency in tunneling projects as it supports the excavation face and provides necessary lubrication for boring equipment.
The application of bentonite is increasing in agriculture, water treatment, and filtration. Bentonite serves as an ideal soil-preserving natural material used in organic farming to protect and maintain soil quality. It is an excellent adsorbent, capable of absorbing approximately 75% to 80% of impurities when combined with either zeolite or limestone and coagulants in water treatment and filtration processes. Therefore, the growth of organic farming and the increasing number of water treatment plants worldwide are projected to further propel the market growth of bentonite over the forecast timeframe.
The increasing demand for personal care and consumer care products, including toiletries and similar items, is anticipated to further boost market growth. Bentonite is commonly utilized as a raw material in the manufacturing of soaps and detergents due to its exceptional bleaching properties. As a result, the rising global demand for consumer care products is projected to significantly increase the market growth of bentonite during the forecast period.
For instance, in Mar 2022, Givaudan Active Beauty redefines hyaluronic acid with the introduction of Cristalhyal™ e-Perfection, a sustainable and patented vectorized complex composed of bentonite clay and high molecular weight (HMW) hyaluronic acid (HA). Bentonite clay can be activated to effectively encapsulate molecules of HMW HA within the interstitial parts of particular lamellar structures.
Key players in Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) systems and landfill operations are actively promoting the use of sodium bentonite clay to enhance performance and comply with government regulations regarding municipal waste landfill applications. This trend is gaining momentum in developed countries like the U.S. and the U.K., which is expected to drive the market growth of bentonite over the forecast period. Moreover, the increasing awareness of environmental protection and sustainable practices has led to a greater emphasis on innovative waste management solutions, further boosting the demand for sodium bentonite clay in various applications.
*Definition: The Bentonite Market utilizes smart mineral processing and advanced milling machines to refine and package high-grade clay products. This sector focuses on using automated beneficiation and computer systems to handle tasks like air classifying, moisture level monitoring, and bagging industrial minerals with high precision. They are widely used in large-scale mining operations and refinery facilities where chemical consistency and swelling capacity are essential parts of mineral production. Specialized engineered instruments and assembly lines can help in minimizing the risk of mineral contamination as well as reducing the reliance on human labor for repetitive processing tasks prior to the product reaching industrial end users. The demand for these solutions comes from drilling contractors, metal foundries, and civil engineering firms that must comply with strict environmental and material performance guidelines.
Share
Share
About Author
Vidyesh Swar is a seasoned Consultant with a diverse background in market research and business consulting. With over 6 years of experience, Vidyesh has established a strong reputation for his proficiency in market estimations, supplier landscape analysis, and market share assessments for tailored research solution. Using his deep industry knowledge and analytical skills, he provides valuable insights and strategic recommendations, enabling clients to make informed decisions and navigate complex business landscapes.
Missing comfort of reading report in your local language? Find your preferred language :
Transform your Strategy with Exclusive Trending Reports :
Frequently Asked Questions
Joining thousands of companies around the world committed to making the Excellent Business Solutions.
View All Our Clients
Schedule a meeting with report Author
