Nepheline Market is Expected to Reach $195.03 Million by 2027

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, "Nepheline Market by Product Type and Application: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027," the global nepheline market size was valued at $171.70 million in 2019, and is projected to reach $195.03 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 2.3% from 2020 to 2027.

Nepheline (nephelite) is an igneous rock that belongs to feldspathoid group. It contains low silica content and has similar structure to tridymite mineral consisting of two polymorph groups and aluminosilicate of sodium & potassium. Nepheline syenite, nepheline monzonite, and nephelinites are types of nepheline that are available in the market. Nepheline syenite is plutonic rock that can be used to improve resistance to breaking & scratching, enhance chemical durability, and improve thermal endurance. Nephelinite a is fine grained aphanitic igneous rock that is made up of nepheline and pyroxene, and if the quantity of sodic plagioclase exceeds the quantity alkali feldspar in nepheline syenite it is known as nepheline monzonite.   

The growth of the global nepheline market is driven by surge in use of nepheline syenite as an alternative source for potassium and aluminum. In addition, nepheline syenite is widely used in paints & coatings, owing to its tint retention, weatherability, sheen uniformity, chemical & stain resistance, prolonged durability, and its ability to improve brightness. Furthermore, utilization of nepheline-based refractories in sectors such as power plants, metallurgy, furnaces, and reactors acts as a key driving force of the global market. 

On the contrary, constituents such as iron, titanium, mica, and calcite minerals in nepheline syenite provokes quality problem due to different sintering properties. Thus, use of nepheline syenite during manufacturing of floor tile requires additional purification techniques, which, in turn, increases the downstream cost, thus hampering the market growth.  

India, China, Canada, Morocco, and Italy are the countries that have major nepheline reserve and expansion of the ceramic and electronic industries are predicted to offer potential growth opportunities in the upcoming period. 

The global nepheline market is segmented into product type, application, and region. By product type, the global market is segregated into nepheline syenite, nepheline monzonite, and nephelinites. The nepheline syenite segment accounted for the highest revenue in 2019, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.4% during the forecast period. This is attributed to increase in demand for nepheline syenite in applications such as glass, ceramic, coatings, plastic, and rubber. 

On the basis of application, the market is categorized into ceramic product, glass product, refractories, and others. The glass product segment acquired the largest revenue share attributable to extensive use of nepheline-based glass product in applications such as electronic gadgets, construction & housing, healthcare, packaging, and insulation. This is the major factor that is escalating the use of nepheline for production of container glass, thereby contributing toward the growth of the global market. 

Region wise, the nepheline market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Presently, North America accounts for the largest share of the nepheline market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. 

The major companies profiled in this report include AGSCO Corporation, Unimin Corp. (COVIA), Phos Agro Group of Companies, Anglo Pacific Minerals Ltd., Anyang Country Mining Co Ltd., SCR Sibelco, RUSAL PLC, The 3M Company, Fineton Industrial Minerals Ltd., and North Cape Minerals AS.

Key findings of the study

• Asia-Pacific nepheline market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of around 3.5%, in terms of revenue, during the forecast period.
• By product type, the nepheline syenite segment accounted for the largest nepheline market share in 2019.
• On the basis of application, in 2019, the glass products application garnered the largest share.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE GLOBAL NEPHELINE MARKET

• The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the global economy and is subsequent shrinking the GDP in global economies, thereby changing consumer spending patterns globally.
• Several challenges have been faced by the glass industry due to the outbreak of the pandemic such as temporary closure of manufacturing sites and travel restrictions, which, in turn, has created logistical supply issue and delay is shipment.
• Major ceramic and tile manufacturers across the world are facing problems despite of no construction ban. This is attributed to disruption in value chain and closure of other industries that are directly or indirectly linked with the ceramic sector.
• The real estate sector is directly dependent on the growth of the ceramic tile sector. Owing to unavailability of raw materials, slowdown in the construction sector, and restrictions laid by government to prevent the spread of virus, the demand for ceramic tile has declined considerably. Thus, consumption and production of nepheline have been hampered during the COVID-19 pandemic.      
• In addition, other industries such as refractories and glass are hit due to the global health crisis, which, in turn, has negatively affected the global nepheline market.