Lime Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Product (Quick Lime and Slaked/Hydrated Lime), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Lime Market is accounted for $50.75 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $69.98 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. Lime is basically a high-volume and low-cost commodity mineral that is prepared from limestone and mainly utilized as a chemical additive. It is a calcium-containing inorganic mineral composed of oxide and hydroxide compounds and is primarily alkaline in nature.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2025, half of the world's population will be living in water-stressed areas. According to the European Lime Association, the steel industry is the largest consumer of calcium hydroxide and currently utilizes more than 35% of the product produced worldwide.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing demand from end use industries

There has been significant growth in the production of minerals across the globe in the recent past. This can be mainly attributed to the increasing demand for ferrous and non-ferrous metals from several end-use industries such as automotive, construction, shipping and fabrication, among others as lime is mainly used to eliminate impurities during the manufacturing process of iron, steel, alumina, gold, silver, copper and lead, among other metals.

Restraint:

High carbon footprint of lime

Lime is primarily manufactured from limestone, wherein it is heated to break from calcium carbonate to calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. The CO2 generated during the production process is one of the greenhouse gases that have led to several calamities and global warming while leading to drastic consequences. Furthermore, production is a highly energy-intensive process and adds to the industry's overall carbon footprint.

Opportunity:

The growing focus on wastewater recycling

There is growing concern about pollution caused by industries by way of harmful emissions and ineffective wastewater treatment. Countries such as the US and those in Western Europe are enforcing regulations on wastewater treatment and recycling among industries. Emerging countries such as India and China are also focusing on industrial water recycling to counter water scarcity and groundwater pollution.

Threat:

Storage concerns of lime

The absorption of moisture and presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere makes lime incompatible for use. Along with this, less storage time is a major challenge faced by manufacturers in the lime market as the physical and chemical characteristics of lime change when it is stored for more than six months.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the lime market, causing disruptions across various stages of the supply chain. Lockdowns and restrictions led to labor shortages in lime-producing regions, affecting harvesting and processing operations. Additionally, logistical challenges, including reduced transportation options and port closures, hampered the distribution of limes. Demand fluctuations also occurred, with an initial surge due to increased consumer focus on health and immunity, followed by a decline as the foodservice sector suffered from closures.

The quick lime segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The quick lime segment in the lime market is experiencing significant growth due to its widespread application across various industries. Quick lime, also known as calcium oxide, is extensively used in steel manufacturing, where it serves as a flux to remove impurities. The construction sector also drives demand, utilizing quick lime for soil stabilization and as a key ingredient in cement. Environmental regulations mandating the use of quick lime in water and wastewater treatment further bolster its market growth. Additionally, its role in the chemical industry for producing calcium compounds and in agriculture for soil conditioning contributes to the rising demand, making quick lime a critical component in diverse industrial applications.

The fertilizer & sugar production segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The fertilizer and sugar production segments are significant drivers of growth in the lime market. In fertilizer production, lime is essential for neutralizing soil acidity, enhancing nutrient availability, and improving soil structure, thereby boosting crop yields. The demand for lime in this sector is growing due to the rising need for efficient agricultural practices to meet global food demand. The expansion of the global sugar industry, particularly in emerging economies, is contributing to increased lime consumption. Both are expected to continue their upward trajectory, supported by advancements in agricultural technologies and rising sugar consumption worldwide.

Region with largest share:

The lime market in North America is experiencing significant growth, driven by several factors. The construction industry, a major consumer of lime for applications such as soil stabilization and asphalt production, is expanding due to increased infrastructure projects. Additionally, the steel industry, which uses lime for purifying steel, is seeing resurgence. Environmental regulations promoting the use of lime in flue gas desulfurization to reduce emissions further boost demand. The agricultural sector also contributes to market growth, utilizing lime to improve soil quality and crop yields. Technological advancements and increased lime production capacities are supporting this upward trend, ensuring a steady supply to meet the rising demand.

Region with highest CAGR:

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing significant growth in the lime market, driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. The construction industry's expansion, particularly in infrastructure development, is boosting the demand for lime as a key material in cement and concrete production. Additionally, the steel industry, a major consumer of lime for purification processes, is flourishing due to increased manufacturing activities. Environmental regulations promoting the use of lime for wastewater treatment and flue gas desulfurization are further contributing to market growth.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Lime market include Adbri, Boral Limited, Carmeuse, CSR Limited, Graymont Limited, Imerys, Lhoist, Linwood Mining & Minerals Corp., Louisiana-Pacific, Mississippi Lime Company, Nordkalk, Pete Lien & Sons, Inc., Shandong Zhongxin Calcium Industry Co., Ltd., Sibelco Ltd., United States Lime & Minerals Inc., Valley Minerals LLC and Wagners.

Key Developments:

In May 2024, at the in-cosmetics show in Paris, Imerys has showcased its mineral-based solutions for the personal care industry. The company has highlighted two new product developments for make-up and toiletries. Among the new products presented at in-cosmetics, Imerys highlighted the use of ImerCare 400D, previously launched as an absorption agent, as a mattifying agent for lipsticks and a natural alternative to synthetic silica.

In October 2023, Sweden-based OX2 and Finland-based Nordkalk have announced plans to jointly investigate the opportunities for the production of e-fuel on Gotland, Sweden. Specifically, the parties will initiate a pilot study on how a facility should be planned, how the use of the area can be maximized and how the harbor of Storugns can be developed.

Products Covered:

• Quick Lime
• Slaked/Hydrated Lime

Distribution Channels Covered:

• Offline
• Online

Applications Covered:

• Pulp & Paper
• Glass
• Cement
• Environment
• Fertilizer & Sugar Production
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:

• Construction
• Agriculture
• Mining and Metallurgy
• Chemical
• Waste-Water Treatment
• Industrial
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances