Rising Automotive Vehicle Production to Boost the Growth of the Precipitated Silica Market

The Precipitated Silica Market size is estimated to reach US$3.6 billion by 2027, after growing at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period 2022-2027. The growth of the precipitated silica market would be highly influenced by increasing demand from the transportation sector, including automotive, aerospace, cosmetics, agriculture and others. Precipitated Silica or amorphous precipitated silica is a synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide that is used as a thickening agent, having applicability in fertilizers, rubber tires, cosmetics and others. The surging demand for precipitated silica in the transportation sector and bolstering growth for automotive vehicles are boosting its growth scope.

According to European Automobile Manufacturer Association, South America car production grew by 11% while US car production grew by 3.1% in 2021. With the rising emphasis on automotive vehicle production and utilization in the tire and non-tire applications across various sectors, the Precipitated Silica industry is observed to achieve robust growth. 

Based on the applications, the Precipitated Silica market can be segmented into Rubber (Reinforcement) [Tires {Automotive (Passenger Vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles and Heavy Commercial Vehicles), Aviation and Others} and Non-Tires (Industrial Rubber, Silicone Rubber, Footwear and Others)], Non-Rubber [Food, Agrochemicals (Pesticides, Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides and Others), Food, Feed, Coatings, Paints and Inks, Adhesives and Sealants, Battery Separators, Synthetic Paper, Personal Care, Detergents and Others] and Others. The leading segment in the Precipitated Silica industry has been evaluated to be rubber reinforcement. During the forecast period 2022-2027, the rubber segment is projected to grow with a CAGR of 7.9%. This can be attributed to growth factors such as increasing utilization of automotive tires, an upsurge in transportation activities and urbanization trends.

According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicles Manufacturers (OICA), the global production of passenger cars increased from 55,834,456 units in 2020 to 57,054,295 units in 2021. Thus, the precipitated silica industry would grow significantly as a result of emerging rubber (reinforcement) applications of precipitated silica in aerospace, automotive and others over the forecast period.

Based on geography, the Precipitated Silica market can be segmented into North America, South America, Europe, APAC and ROW. According to IndustryARC's analysis, Asia-Pacific has emerged as the most profitable region. In 2021, the Asia-Pacific region held a 43% share of the total revenues earned by the market, globally. The Asia-Pacific region is estimated to grow rapidly due to the established base for the transportation sector (majorly automotive) and surging manufacturing base. The automotive sector is lucratively growing in Asia-Pacific countries, including China, India and others due to rising public transportation, demand for fuel-efficient vehicles and changing lifestyle.  

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the automotive industry in India is expected to reach US$251.4-282.8 billion by the year 2026. With robust growth scope for precipitated silica in the automotive industry across APAC countries, the Precipitated Silica industry would emerge significantly over the forecast period.

In August 2019, Evonik Industries AG released the latest Precipitated Silica variant for whitening toothpaste in the personal care sector.

Key companies holding major shares in the Precipitated Silica market are Evonik Industries, PQ Corporation, Oriental Silica Corporation, Wacker Chemie AG, Tata Chemicals Ltd, AntemChem Co., Ltd, Solvay SA, IQE Group, Huber Engineered Materials and PPG industries.