The Middle East & Africa talc market size is projected to reach US$ 152.08 million by 2031 from US$ 121.23 million in 2023; the market is expected to register a CAGR of 2.9% during 2023–2031. The use of reinforced plastics in the automotive industry is emerging as a significant future trend in the Middle East & Africa talc market
Talc is commonly used in the pulp & paper industry as a pitch control agent, coating pigment, and functional filler. The demand for paper packaging is increasing in various sectors. Paper and paperboard are widely used for the manufacturing of ice-cream cups, microwave popcorn bags, baking paper, milk cartons, and fast food containers. Quick-service restaurants (QSR) and fast-food restaurants are among the most significant users of paper packaging products. The pulp and paper industry is growing with the increasing use of paper-based packaging, especially amid the scaling up of e-commerce operations, particularly in developing countries. Thus, the flourishing paper & pulp industry propels the talc market growth in the region.
Talc is a hydrated magnesium silicate. Talc deposits are formed from the transformation of high magnesium rocks by siliceous hydrothermal fluids. Most of the talc originates from the alteration of dolomite or ultramafic intrusive rocks. It is always found in combination with other minerals. Carbonates and chlorite are the most common associated minerals. While each talc deposit has a distinguishing morphology and mineralogy, all types exhibit unique properties such as softness, water repellency, chemical inertness, platyness, and an affinity for organic substances. These properties make talc suitable as a multifunctional filler and process enabler in an array of applications from plastics to paper and ceramics to paint. Talc is used as an anti-sticking agent, anti-caking agent, lubricant, carrier, thickener, strengthening filler, smooth filler, and adsorbent.
Talc is used in industries such as paints & coatings, plastics, agriculture, and food. Its incorporation into paints reduces the use of primary pigment, which lowers manufacturing costs. Talc also reinforces paint films, and improves the durability and stain resistance of paint. Owing to its rust-inhibitive and corrosion-resistance properties, the finish lasts longer. Also, talc as an extender increases the viscosity of paint. The strong growth of the construction, automotive, and industrial sectors propels demand for paints and coatings, benefitting the Middle East & Africa talc market.
Talc is a core additive for all types of ceramics as it helps improve the vitrification process. It also assists in reducing firing temperatures and shortening firing cycles. Since talc has a high-temperature resistance, it improves the thermal shock resistance of ceramics and reduces fractures. Further, the growing demand for smartphones, tablets, and other electronic items that are used on a daily basis is projected to propel the size of the global electronic ceramics market to ~US$ 16 billion by 2026. Ceramics possess good heat conductivity and chemical erosion resistance, which makes them a popular choice in the manufacturing of an integrated circuit or microchip "package." The Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, has become one of the world's most prosperous marketplaces for ceramic tiles. The GCC aggressively exports tiles to countries in Africa and the Middle East. Thus, the continuous progress of the ceramics industry offers lucrative opportunities for the growth of the Middle East & Africa talc market.
Key segments that contributed to the derivation of the Middle East & Africa talc market analysis are the deposit type and end-use industry.
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size in 2023 | US$ 121.23 Million |
| Market Size by 2031 | US$ 152.08 Million |
| Global CAGR (2023 - 2031) | 2.9% |
| Historical Data | 2021-2022 |
| Forecast period | 2024-2031 |
| Segments Covered |
By Deposit Type
|
| Regions and Countries Covered | Middle East and Africa
|
| Market leaders and key company profiles |
The Middle East & Africa talc market is evaluated by gathering qualitative and quantitative data from post-primary and secondary research, which includes important corporate publications, association data, and databases. A few of the developments in the Middle East & Africa talc market are listed below:
The "Middle East & Africa Talc Market Size and Forecast (2021–2031)" report provides a detailed analysis of the market covering below areas:
The List of Companies - Middle East & Africa Talc Market
The expansion of the paper & pulp industry and the increasing demand from various end-use industries drive the market growth.
The paper and pulp segment held the largest market share in 2023. Talc plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and performance of paper products. It is widely used in the paper manufacturing process as a functional filler and coating agent.
A few of the key players in the Middle East & Africa talc market include Green Egypt, Avani Group of Industries, Omega Fine Products, Alphastone, Alex International for Mining and Refractories, Gulf Minerals, Imerys SA, SCR-Sibelco NV, Golcha Minerals Pvt Ltd, and IMI Fabi SpA.
The use of reinforced plastics in the automotive industry is emerging as a significant future trend in the Middle East & Africa talc market.
The market is expected to register a CAGR of 2.9% during 2023–2031.
The talc carbonate segment held a larger market share in 2023. Talc carbonate ores mainly contain talc carbonate and chlorite traces. Carbonate is typically dolomite (magnesium and calcium carbonate) or magnesium carbonate (magnesite). This combination imparts specific properties to the talc, including a relatively higher purity, softness, and a smooth, greasy texture.