Global Magnesium Chloride De-icing Granule Market - 2023-2030

Overview

Global Magnesium Chloride De-icing Granules Market reached US$ 245.2 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 340.8 million by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

The ongoing recovery of global trade and commerce will help augment the demand for magnesium chloride de-icing granules during the forecast period. The recovery in volumes moved through road transport along with the encouraging growth of air cargo volumes will further augment demand for de-icing granules over the long term.

The long term growth of the global magnesium chloride de-icing granules market is endangered by the availability of more affordable and economical alternatives. For instance, sodium chloride, (common salt) is also an effective de-icing agent that is freely available at much more cheaper prices.

Dynamics

Increasing Frequency of Abnormal Weather Phenomenon

The rise of man-made climate change has resulted in more frequent and severe weather events, such as extreme temperature variations and harsher snow storms. Although the overall trend of global warming is towards an increase in global temperatures, regular weather events such as snowfalls and snow storms have become increasingly harshers and last longer.

The rising frequency and intensity of snow storms and heavy snow falls requires the usage of comprehensive de-icing solutions such as magnesium chloride grnaules. The global demand has been increasing across countries situated in the northern latitudes, which are more prone to these weather phenomenon during the winter months. As abnormal weather becomes increasing frequent, the demand for magnesium chloride de-icing granules is likely to increase significantly over the coming years.

Growth in Global Air Travel

Global passenger air travel has rebounded significantly in the post-pandemic period., in 2022, Global air passenger traffic in 2023 increased 10.9% over 2022, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Recovery in domestic and international air travel has been noticeably swift in developed regions such as Europe and North America. Increasing rates of air travel warrants that airport and other aviation infrastructure maintain full-time operationality.

The growth in global air travel has resulted in increased passenger volumes and has put increased stress upon airports to maintain operationality. Regular deicing of runways and airport aprons is necessary to keep the airport functioning during winter months. As passenger air travel volumes reach new post-pandemic highs, it will generate greater demand for magnesium chloride de-icing granules during the forecast period.

Supply Chain Constraints

The production, supply and distribution of magnesium chloride de-icing granules is wholly dependant on global supply chains. Most of the global production of magnesium chloride takes place in China, since Chinese factories have high production capacity and extremely competitive pricing. Very few manufacturers are left in North America and Europe that can compete with Chinese manufacturers.

However, the global supply chains have not fully recovered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The supply chain constraints are creating bottlenecks for the efficient distribution and sales of magnesium chloride granules. As a result, distributors are unable to completely satisfy the growing demand for deicing solutions.

Segment Analysis

The global magnesium chloride de-icing granules market is segmented based on type, end-user and region.

Roadways and Highways Generate the Most Highest Demand For De-icing Granules

Roadways and highways remain the largest end-user for magnesium chloride de-icing granules simply due to the vast network of roadways and highways that exist in northern developed countries of North America and Europe. Mobility in North America is entirely dependent upon car-based infrastructure. Therefore, to keep passenger and commercial traffic open during harsh winter conditions, regular de-icing is necessary.

Roadways and highways require a relatively higher volume of maintenance and de-icing as compared to parking lots and airports. Furthermore, airports can be be temporarily shut down on an extended basis due to bad weather. However, given the oversized importance of roadways, they must be maintained in working condition across all weather conditions.

Geographical Penetration

With Numerous New Projects, North America Garners Top Position

North America is expected to have the highest share within the global magnesium chloride de-icing granules market due to a significant share of its land area lying within northern latitudes and large of transportation infrastructure located therein. Over the last decade, North America has been regularly hit with polar vortexes, which dump unusually high amounts of snowfall and create high-intensity snow storms.

The northern and northeastern U.S. and nearly the entirety of Canada is regularly battered by heavy snow storms. For instance, in March 2023, a major winter storm dumped 1-2 inches of snow and created blizzard conditions throughout most of the northern, western and northeastern U.S.

U.S.-based companies are scaling up production of magnesium chloride with a view to reducing dependence on imports in light of growing geopolitical tensions with China. For instance, in November 2023, Compass Minerals, the only U.S.-based producer of magnesium chloride, announced the purchase of majority stake in Fortress, a U.S.-based maker of chemical salts and fire retardants for US$ 45 million. The acquisition is expected to strengthen the de-icing granule production capacity of the company.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic created a quandary for the global magnesium chloride de-icing granules market. The demand from the aviation industry fell drastically during the course of the pandemic as domestic and international air travel was curtailed to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Furthermore, the de-icing frequency of roadways and highways also decreased due to pandemic lockdown restrictions.

China is among the largest producers of magnesium chloride and stringent lockdowns in China dramatically reduced supplies, further complicated by disruptions in global shipping. Prices of magnesium chloride shot up as many de-icing service providers looked towards other alternatives. The overall situation has improved considerably in the post-pandemic period however, some lingering supply chain constraints still prevent the market from achieving its full growth potential.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The Russia-Ukraine war may have led to various changes in the demand for magnesium chloride de-icing granules, especially for both the warring countries. Due to the disruption to normalcy, Ukraine has had great difficulty in importing and stocking magnesium chloride granules for civilian applications. Most of the local stockpiles were requisitioned for the frontline during the winter months.

The Russian magnesium chloride de-icing granules market has also witnessed disruption due to the ward. The harsh economic sanctions imposed on Russia have led to a halt in official exports of magnesium chloride de-icing granules from western European distributors. To combat shortages, Russia started importing de-icing granules through the international grey market as well as from Chinese producers.

By Type

• Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate
• Anhydrous Magnesium Chloride

By End-User

• Highways & Roadways
• Parking Lots
• Airports
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In December 2023, the global market for magnesium chloride witnessed a significant downturn. A combination of various factors such as saturation in demand and cautious procurement strategies by buyers were some of the factors behind the slowdown.
• In November 2023, Compass Minerals, the only U.S.-based manufacturer of magnesium chloride purchased a majority stake in Fortress, a maker of Chemical salts for US$ 45 million. It will help the company to expand its offering of de-icing granules.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Snow & Ice Salt & Chemicals Unlimited LLC, Peters Chemical Company, Ninja De-Icer, Jinzhou Sata Fused Fluxes and New Materials Factory, Chemical Equipment Labs, Knight Chemicals, LLC, Zhengzhou Hoo Chemtec Co., Ltd, Buckmans Incorporated, East Coast Salt and Schoenberg Salt & Chemical.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global magnesium chloride de-icing granules market segmentation based on type, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of pouch tapes market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global magnesium chloride de-icing granules market report would provide approximately 51 tables, 43 figures and 181 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Chemical Manufacturers
• De-icing Equipment Manufacturers
• Airport Operators
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals