Japan Refractory Materials Market Overview, 2029

The Japanese refractory material market is long-standing and inextricably linked to the country's industrial development, particularly in industries such as steel, cement, glass, and petrochemicals. From the Meiji period's industrial revolution to the postwar economic boom, Japan's need for high-performance refractory materials has constantly expanded, bolstering its position as a global leader in sophisticated manufacturing. Japan's refractory market dates back to the late nineteenth century, when industrialisation accelerated during the Meiji era (1868-1912). The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) is in charge of industrial policies, ensuring that the refractory market is in line with Japan's overall economic and environmental goals. METI fosters materials technology innovation, with a focus on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Another notable entity is the Japan Refractory Manufacturers Association (JRMA), which represents Japan's leading refractory producers. It acts as a collaboration and advocacy platform, working with the government to influence regulations and standards that affect the refractory business. In response to rising demand from high-tech industries, the industry has shifted towards advanced materials such as high-performance ceramics and specialised refractories for electronics and aerospace applications. Companies are also expected to follow ISO standards, notably those governing quality management (ISO 9001) and environmental management (ISO 14001), to ensure that refractory materials meet both performance and environmental requirements. The COVID-19 epidemic had a tremendous impact on the Japanese refractory business, as well as many other sectors throughout the world. The initial repercussions were felt in early 2020, when global supply systems were disrupted, causing raw material shortages and production delays. The temporary suspension of industrial facilities, particularly in the steel and cement industries, led to a decrease in demand for refractories. However, the market began to rebound in late 2020 and early 2021 as Japanese firms adjusted to new health and safety requirements. During the epidemic, refractory producers increased their attempts to implement digital technologies and remote monitoring to improve production efficiency.

According to the research report, "Japan Refractory Material Market Outlook, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Japan Refractory material market is anticipated to add to more than USD 630 Million by 2024–29. As Japan focusses on high-tech and sophisticated manufacturing, the need for high-performance refractory materials has changed. Though smaller in size than other major global producers such as China and India, Japan's refractory market stands out for its emphasis on innovation, quality, and environmental sustainability. In recent years, the Japanese refractory industry has seen several significant trends. One of the most significant trends is the increased demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient refractory materials. The push for sustainability has resulted in the development of refractory goods that use less energy in high-temperature processes, allowing enterprises to lower their carbon impact. The trend towards sophisticated refractories, such as those utilised in high-tech industries like electronics and aerospace, is especially noticeable. Japan's refractory market is dominated by a few major domestic and foreign firms. Krosaki Harima Corporation, one of Japan's largest and most established refractory manufacturers, dominates the industry with a significant presence in the steel, cement, and nonferrous metals industries. AGC Ceramics Co., Ltd., a part of the AGC Group, is a significant player in the glass and ceramic sectors. AGC Ceramics manufactures high-performance refractories for glass furnaces and other high-temperature applications in the chemical and semiconductor industries. Although Japan's steel production has struggled in recent years due to global competition and falling domestic demand, the industry still requires high-quality refractories for blast furnaces, converters, and ladles. The emphasis on high-value steel products for automotive, building, and infrastructure applications fuels demand for innovative refractory solutions. Japanese companies such as Krosaki Harima and Shinagawa Refractories have developed alliances with global players like RHI Magnesita and Vesuvius to gain access to sophisticated technologies and extend their position in international markets.

In Japan's refractory material market, there are two major categories, shaped (pre-formed) and unshaped (monolithic). Both types are essential to the operation of high-temperature industrial operations like steelmaking, cement production, glass manufacture, and petrochemicals. However, in recent years, the industry has shifted towards unshaped refractory materials, a trend witnessed in many affluent economies, including Japan. Unshaped refractories have grown in popularity in Japan due to their adaptability, ease of use, and low cost. Unlike curved refractories, monolithics may be placed faster, repaired more readily, and have a smooth lining that increases performance in high-temperature applications. Krosaki Harima, for example, is a monolithic refractory industry leader that collaborates with the steel industry to develop products that can survive extreme temperatures. Shinagawa Refractories, another key competitor, has likewise concentrated on expanding its monolithic product line, working with international partners to provide novel refractory solutions. Shaped refractories, typically constructed of fireclay, high-alumina, and magnesia, are used to line furnaces, kilns, and incinerators. Shaped refractories have always played an important role in Japan's industrial processes due to their longevity and ease of replacement in high-temperature conditions. However, the market share of shaped refractories has increasingly decreased in favour of more adaptable options. Shinagawa Refractories has formed agreements with companies in Australia and Southeast Asia to capitalise on cutting-edge technology and increase its market reach. This cross-border collaboration promotes the interchange of expertise and innovation, allowing Japanese companies to provide some of the world's most advanced refractory solutions.

In their chemical composition and resistance to various slags and conditions in high-temperature processes. Each variety meets certain industrial requirements, particularly in the steel, cement, glass, and petrochemical industries. Basic refractory materials dominate the market due to Japan's dominant steel sector. Basic refractories are preferred in settings with high quantities of alkali and lime, which are common in blast furnaces and basic oxygen furnaces. The steel industry's dominance in Japan, one of the world's top steel producers, has fuelled demand for basic refractories, propelling them to the market's lead. Key local enterprises such as Krosaki Harima Corporation and Shinagawa Refractories Co., Ltd. are key providers of basic refractories. They have large product lines geared towards the steel industry, where these materials are critical for linings in converters, ladles, and electric arc furnaces (EAFs). Their ongoing research and development to improve the performance and longevity of fundamental refractories increases their market position. Acidic refractories materials are important in applications where acidic slags are present, but they are less common in steelmaking, limiting their overall market share in Japan. However, high-purity silica-based refractories continue to be in high demand in Japan's glass industry, another important sector in the country's industrial landscape. Neutral refractory materials are employed in a variety of sectors, including petrochemicals, nonferrous metals, and ceramics. Their adaptability enables them to be used in operations involving both acidic and basic environments. In Japan, the demand for neutral refractories has increased, particularly in high-temperature industrial operations that necessitate durable and adaptable materials.

Japan's refractory material market is distinguished by the usage of fireclay, alumina, magnesia, silica, and other specialised refractory materials, each fulfilling a specific industrial requirement. Alumina-based refractories have emerged as the dominating category, owing to their adaptability and widespread applicability across industries, particularly in the steel and cement sectors. They are widely utilised in the steel, cement, and nonferrous metals sectors. Alumina refractories are preferred for high-temperature linings in furnaces and kilns, especially blast furnaces, rotary kilns, and electric arc furnaces. They are Japan's most often utilised refractory material due to their endurance and performance in harsh situations. Fireclay refractories are utilised in low-temperature applications like glass, ceramics, and nonferrous metals. Despite their historical importance, fireclay refractories have a lower market share in Japan than other materials. Their weaker resistance to high temperatures limits their usage in steelmaking, Japan's major refractory market. However, they are still useful in industries where lesser heat resistance is sufficient, such as small-scale furnaces and kilns. Magnesia refractories are important in steel production because they are resistant to alkaline slags. They are mostly utilised in basic oxygen furnaces (BOFs) and electric arc furnaces. While they play an important role in steel production, their market share is lower than that of alumina refractories.



Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Refractory Material market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Form
• Shaped
• Unshaped

By Chemistry
• Basic
• Acidic
• Neutral

By Chemical Composition
• Fireclay
• Alumina
• Magnesia
• Silica
• Others

By End Use
• Metals & Metallurgy
• Cement
• Glass & Ceramics
• Power Generation
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Refractory Material industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.