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Zircon market to expand until 2006

Jun 18, 2002
Zircon market to expand until 2006In spite of falling demand for many raw materials, the zircon market (the most cost-effective opacifier for ceramic glazes) appears to be holding strong with increases in 2001. The market is expected to expand uninterruptedly until 2006 with an annual increase in demand of 2.1% compared to a 1% increase in supply.
These are the findings of a recent analysis of the global zircon industry unveiled by TZ Mineral International, an Australian consulting firm specialising in minerals of titanium, zircon and industrial pigments. According to TZMI, the real cause of zircon's success is China, where strong demand for zircon is making up for weak demand from other areas and ensuring the sector's growth through the current economic downturn.
China has already overtaken the United States and the other major zircon consumers and according to forecasts, Chinese demand for ceramic, chemical compounds of zirconium and glass for television screens will grow constantly over the next few years. The ceramic industry is the main final user of zircon, although a further increase in prices may benefit competitor substances. Nonetheless, TZMI expects prices to stabilise in the medium term.

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