Fluorspar Market Analysis

Fluorspar Market Analysis

The fluorspar market, according to product, has been segmented into acidspar, metaspar, ceramic grade, and others such as natural fluorspar, crystals, etc. Acidspar contains over 97% calcium fluoride and is mainly used in the production oh hydrofluoric acid which is then used to manufacture a variety of products including foam blowing agents, fluorocarbon chemicals, refrigerants, fluoride chemicals, etc. This is the largest product segment which is likely to grow with a CAGR above 4.5% during the forecast timeframe.
 

Ceramic product segment in fluorspar market valued more than USD 10 million in 2016. The ceramic grade contains 85% to 96% calcium fluoride and is mostly used in the production of ceramics, specialty glass, and enamelware. The product is employed to make surface treatments and glazes to obtain opalescent and hard glossy surfaces along with other appearances that make glass objects more durable and attractive.
 

Based on application, the global fluorspar market is segmented into aluminum production, steel production, hydrofluoric acid production and other minor applications such as ornamental & lapidary, optics, etc. Hydrofluoric acid production accounted for the majority of the fluorspar market share in 2016 and will hold sway during the forecast timeframe. This segment will grow by a CAGR exceeding 4% during the forecast period.
 

Aluminum production application segment accounted for more than 15% of the overall fluorspar market share in 2016. Automobile demand has witnessed fast growth owing to increasing income levels in the emerging economies. The aircraft manufacturing industry has also witnessed fast gains owing to growing number of air passengers in the world. These factors coupled with increasing defense spending in most of the countries around the globe will bolster aluminum demand and in turn enhance the aluminum production application segment’s market growth.
 

North America fluorspar market will witness growth of more than 3.5% CAGR during the forecast period. The U.S. is the one of the largest consumers of the product and due to the absence of large sources of fluorspar in the country, most of the product is imported from Mexico. The product is mainly used in the U.S. to manufacture hydrofluoric acid and other fluorine compounds. The high growth observed in the U.S. oil & gas sector in the last few years will increase hydrofluoric acid demand for refining actives which will have a positive effect on the fluorspar market.
 

Europe is significant fluorspar market accounting for more than 15% share of the overall industry share. Germany, Italy, and France will drive demand for the product in the forecast timeframe. Increasing steel demand from a rapidly rising construction industry in Europe, mostly in the Eastern European region, will spur demand for fluorite to be used in steel production. Latin American market will witness steady gains of more than 3.5% CAGR in coming years. Proximity to Mexico, which is a second largest producer of fluorspar, will increase product processing activities in the region which will contribute towards the fluorspar market growth during the forecast timeframe.