The global chromium salts market is anticipated to secure US$ 4,591 million in 2023. During the timeframe of 2023 to 2033, the market is likely to display a CAGR of 5.2% while amassing revenue worth US$ 7,621.9 million by 2033.
The growth of the market can be attributed to the fast expansion of the dye and pigment market. Rapid industrialization in developing countries like India, China, Japan, and Brazil is projected to play an important role in strengthening the chromium salts market.
Chromium nitrate is the most common chromium salt used as a corrosion inhibitor in chromium-containing catalysts, ceramic glazes, glassware, garment dyeing, and printmaking. Chromium chloride is a popular chromium salt that is used for electroplating and as a mordant. It can also be used as a disintegration reagent since it can absorb oxygen.
The inorganic salts of chromium always occur as a crystalline powder or as flakes, which are soluble in water. The salts of chromium are of various colors of the rainbow of which yellow dominates. The melting points of these salts vary to some extent and are usually between 180 and 2500°C. In addition, their solubility in water varies to some extent.
The conventional method of producing chromium includes citrus and lime-free roasting techniques. These methods have a major flaw since it results in ecological harm and poor resource use. This condition reduces the atmospheric rate of mass transfer in the process, leading to a poor chromium extraction rate.
What are the Factors Driving the Global Chromium Salts Market?
Increasing Demand for Pharmaceuticals to Develop the Chromium Salts Market
The growing application of inorganic compounds as catalysts for the production of several medicines is anticipated to augment the market size during the forecast period. Moreover, the advent of various oncological and autoimmune disorders is increasing the demand for drugs and medicine, thus, positively influencing the market. It helps to keep blood sugar levels normal by improving the way body uses insulin. It is also used to cure high cholesterol, diabetes, bipolar disorder, and many other ailments.
Other factors contributing to the market growth include increasing demand for the product for metal treatment, leather treatment, and water treatment. Further, its application in electroplating, tanning, printing, dyeing, and oxidants are expected to widen the market size in the forthcoming time.
Acquisitions among players are expected to benefit the market during the forecast period. For instance, In August 2019, Brother Enterprises Holding announced the acquisition of LANXESS South Africa. Lanxess in South Africa is engaged in the production of chrome tanning agents used in leather tanning & processing and the production of chromium salts. The acquisition is projected to provide a steady supply of raw materials at a low cost to Brother Enterprises Holding.
What are the Factors Hampering the Global Chromium Salts Market ?
Associated Negative Impact of Chromium on Environment and Human Health to Hamper the Market
Chromium pollution is a significant environmental threat, adversely impacting our environment and natural resources, especially water and soil. Excessive exposure could lead to higher levels of accumulation in human and animal tissues, leading to toxic and detrimental health effects.
Owing to wide industrial applications, chromium is considered a serious environmental pollutant. Contamination of soil and water by chromium is of recent concern chromium occurs in nature in bound forms that constitute 0.1 – 0.3 mg kg of the Earth’s Crust. Such factors are likely to impede market growth in the coming time.
Segmentation Analysis
How is Metallurgy Developing the Global Chromium Salts Market ?
Addition of Chromium Imparts Strength to the Alloy
According to the analysis, the metallurgy segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
Chromium salt witnesses a high demand in metallurgy since it can form alloys with iron, nickel, or cobalt. The addition of chromium imparts strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance to the alloy.
Chromium is an essential alloy element used in the manufacturing of high-strength steel owing to its excellent mechanical, high oxidative, high hardness, and corrosion resistance properties. It has no substitute in stainless steel or any other superalloys and scrap can be used as an alternative to ferrochromium in some metallurgical end uses.
Regional Analysis
What is the Role of North America in Developing the Global Chromium Salt Market ?
Growing Application of Chromium Salt for Commercial Use to Drive the Regional Market
The study reveals that North America is expected to dominate the global chromium salt market during the forecast period. In 2023, the region is expected to secure 25.8% of global revenue.
The development of the regional market can be attributed to the increasing application of chromium salt for commercial use. Chromium is a vital element for the formulation or manufacturing of stainless steel grade for commercial application and is mostly used as an additive to strengthen steel and boost corrosion protection.
Further, the presence of strong players in the region is expected to benefit the regional market in the forecast period. For instance, Catalog. Gemini Pharmaceuticals, Goodfellow Corp, N.T Ruddock, Chemicals 101 Corp., and Belmont Metals, among others, are some of the renowned players in the regional market.
How are Start-ups Contributing to the Development of the Global Chromium Salts Market?
M.S Chemicals, Spectochem Industries, Atotech, Strem Chemicals Incorporated, Om Group Inc., Oxkem, Cannock Chemicals, and Collins Chemical Blacking, are some of the new names in the industry that are making significant contributions in expanding the market size during the forecast period.
Competition Analysis
Key players in the global chromium salts market include MerckMillipore, Sigma Aldrich, Otsuka Chemical Co Ltd, Loba Chemie, Fisher Scientific, Lenntech, Arkema SA, Bann Química, Behn Meyer, Chemtura Corporation, Solutia Incorporated, Emerald Performance Materials, Eastman Chemicals Co and Lanxess AG among others.
Recent Development in the Industry Include:
In January 2020, German Specialty Chemicals Company Lanxess announced that it has accomplished the sale of its chrome chemical business to Brother Enterprises Holdings which is a China-based leather chemical manufacturing company. Lanxess in South Africa has its facilities in two locations, Newcastle and Merebank in South Africa. Under the agreement, the Lanxess is anticipated to produce and supply the chrome tanning salts to Brother Enterprises until 2024.
In December 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. the world leader in serving science, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of PPD, Inc., a leading global provider of clinical research services to the biopharma and biotech industry, for US$ 17.4 Billion.
