Diatomite Market

Diatomite Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

The global diatomite market is projected to generate a revenue of US$ 1.89 billion in 2024 and climb to a size of US$ 3.16 billion by 2034. Worldwide sales of diatomite are forecast to rise at a CAGR of 5.3% over the next ten years (2024–2024).

Diatomites, also known as diatomaceous earth, are a valuable source of material for paleoenvironmental study, economic exploitation, and the availability of reference species for taxonomy/systematics that are found all over the world. There are several possibilities to further utilize diatomite deposit biostratigraphies for palaeoenvironmental study, including previous temperatures, human-aquatic ecosystem interactions, and the evolution of diatom species across time.

Even though the application of diatomite is increasing in the construction sector, it is facing challenges from other substitute materials as they are more budget-friendly. However, diatomite is finding several new applications in the fields of organic chemistry, medicine, pharmaceuticals, building materials research, energy, and organic chemistry.

Key Market Growth Drivers

• Diatomite is widely used in many industries because of its versatility and beneficial properties, such as filtration, agriculture, absorbent, construction, personal care & cosmetics, food & beverages, and industrial cleaning.
• Several excellent properties such as high porosity, high surface area, and low density are contributing to overall diatomite market growth as these qualities make it an ideal material choice in many industries.
• Another crucial diatomite market trend is its increasing use in water treatment applications due to its excellent filtration capabilities.
• Due to diatomite's ability to shield crops from environmental changes and aid in moisture conservation, its application in agriculture is expanding.
• Diatomite's physical characteristics make it useful in a wide range of commercial applications. Its most popular uses are as fillers in paints and liquid filters.
• Additional applications of diatomite include insecticides, fine abrasion for toothpastes and polishes, and insulation for fire bricks.

Report Attribute	Detail
Diatomite Market Size (2024E)	US$ 1.89 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 3.16 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.3% CAGR
East Asia Market Share (2024E)	21.7%
North America Market Value (2024E)	US$ 231.9 Million
Sales of Flux Calcined (2034F)	US$ 1.47 Billion
Key Companies Profiled	Eagle-Picher Industries Inc.; Celite Corp.; Hayashi-Kasei; Chemviron; EP Minerals; Moltan Co; Grefco Minerals, Inc; U.S. SILICA; Showa Chemical Industry; Grefco Minerals, Inc.; Imerys; Fineton Industrial Minerals Limited; Dicalite Management Group; Jilin Yuantong Mineral

What’s Positively Affecting Diatomite Demand Growth?

“Ability of Diatomite to Improve Soil Aeration and Drainage”

Diatomite use is growing in the agriculture sector because of its multiple benefits as a soil conditioner, insecticide, and natural pesticide. By improving the soil structure, diatomite helps in improving soil aeration, drainage, and nutrient retention, which helps in healthier plant growth and increased crop yields. Additionally, its ability to retain moisture helps mitigate drought stress and reduce water consumption in agricultural fields and its natural insecticidal properties effectively control pests and pathogens by offering farmers an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides.

Which Aspects are Becoming Roadblocks for Diatomite Market Size Expansion?

“Availability of Other Alternative Budget Friendly Solutions”

Diatomite manufacturers are facing issues from competitive materials such as perlite, synthetic filter media, and carbon. These alternative options offer similar filtration or absorbent properties and are budget-friendly, which is adversely impacting diatomite market growth.

As a filter assistance, several other product replacements are capable of being used. One such alternative is perlite, a lightweight, porous volcanic rock that works well as a filter aid. Bentonite clay, activated carbon, and cellulose fibers are some other replacements. Each one of these alternatives has distinct qualities and is better suited for particular uses. For example, bentonite clay is widely used to filter wine and beer, whereas, activated carbon is used to remove pollutants from water.

Country-wise Insights

The East Asia region is projected to lead the market with 21.7% of the global diatomite market share in 2024. Eastern and Western Europe are expected to create lucrative opportunities for market players due to increasing application of diatomite in industrial manufacturing and agricultural activities in many countries. The North American market is also experiencing steady growth and diatomite sales are estimated to rise at 8.4% CAGR over the projection period.

Why is China a Leading Market in the East Asia Region?

“Growing Utilization of Diatomite-based Agricultural Products”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 233.2 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 480.5 Million

China is a key player in the East Asia region and is estimated to hold 57% market share in 2024. Primary reason behind high diatomite sales in China is rising demand for diatomite-based agricultural products as they serve as valuable soil conditioners, aid nutrient absorption, enhance soil aeration, and facilitate moisture retention, which helps in improving soil quality and crop growth.

Due to its insecticidal qualities, diatomite works well as a pesticide carrier, providing eco-friendly and long-lasting pest management solutions. As a result of China's huge agricultural sector, high value is being placed on crop production, insect control, and soil health. The market for agricultural goods containing diatomite is expanding, which is driving up diatomite sales in the country.

What is the Market Situation for Diatomite in the United States?

“Growing Application of Diatomite in Several Industries Due to its Filtration Benefits”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 183.9 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	8.3% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 407.3 Million

In the North American region, the United States is calculated to account for 79.3% of revenue share in 2024. Sales of diatomite in the country are growing because of its increasing application in several industries such as water treatment, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, etc. The primary reason behind this is the excellent filtration properties of diatomite. Diatomite’s capability to remove impurities and contaminants effectively is helping increase its scope in many industries in the United States. This sedimentary rock composed of fossilized skeletal material helps maintain high standards of water and products to ensure that industry compliances are met.

Category-wise Insights

By application, the market is segmented into filter aids, fillers, absorbents, construction materials, agriculture, and others. The filter aid segment is expected to account for significant market share throughout the projection period. Diatomite acts as a filter assistant and draws out tiny particles from liquids by coating a filter media with a porous layer. This layer facilitates the easier passage of liquid while also serving to trap particulates.

Filter aids have high porosity, which enables them to filter out even the tiniest particles. This is one of their primary benefits. Diatomaceous earth is also an ideal material for filtering since it is chemically inert. This means that it does not react with other chemicals. Water treatment, medicines, food & beverage processing, and other industries are among the common uses for filter aids.

Which Type of Diatomite Exhibits Higher Demand?

“Low-Density Property of Flux Calcined Driving its Demand”

Attribute	Flux Calcined
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 797.4 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.3% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.47 Billion

Based on product type, flux calcined holds a higher market share and the segment is also set to grow at a good pace compared to others. Diatomaceous earth is a naturally formed sedimentary rock made of the fossilized remnants of small aquatic animals known as diatoms, and it is processed into a material called flux calcined diatomite.

The product is heated to high temperatures during the calcination process, changing its chemical and physical characteristics. As a result, this material is low-density, extremely porous, and absorbent. Calcined grade finds extensive usage in a range of industrial applications, such as useful additives in paints, coatings, and plastics, as well as improved filtering agents, insulation, and absorbents.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the diatomite industry include Eagle-Picher Industries Inc., Celite Corp., EP Minerals, Moltan Co., Grefco Minerals, Inc., U.S. SILICA, Showa Chemical Industry, Grefco Minerals, Inc., IMERYS, Dicalite Management Group, and Jilin Yuantong Mineral.

• In May 2024, Sunrise Resources reached a deal to sell 29 mining claims in the Nevadan community of Crow Springs that were exclusively focused on diatomite to Dicalite Management Group.

Fact.MR provides detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of diatomite positioned across the world, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in this new market report.

Segmentation of Diatomite Market Research

• By Type :

  • Natural
  • Calcined
  • Flux Calcined

• By Application :

  • Filter Aids
  • Fillers
  • Absorbents
  • Construction Materials
  • Others

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • Latin America
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa