Calcium Sulfate Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Type (Dihydrate, Anhydrous Calcium Sulfate, and Hemihydrate), Form, Grade, Purity Level, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Calcium Sulfate Market is accounted for $2.46 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $3.69 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period. Calcium sulfate is a chemical compound composed of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen, typically found in nature as gypsum (dihydrate) or anhydrous calcium sulfate. It is widely used in various industries, including construction, agriculture, and chemical processing. In construction, it serves as a key ingredient in drywall and cement production. In agriculture, it is utilized as a soil conditioner to improve soil structure. Additionally, it plays a role in manufacturing plaster, water treatment, and certain food products as an additive.

According to the China Paper Association, China's total pulp production in 2022 reached 85.87 million tons, marking a 5.01% increase from 2021. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China's construction output was valued at approximately $4.9 trillion in 2022, representing a 3.8% increase.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rising demand for plaster and cement

Plaster of Paris and gypsum are the two main forms of calcium sulfate, which is essential for the manufacturing of cement and plaster goods used in the building sector. The demand for drywall, plaster, and cement-based materials rises as infrastructure projects and urbanization pick up speed. The growing trend of energy-efficient and sustainable buildings, which favor gypsum-based materials due to their durability and environmental advantages, is another factor driving this demand. As a result, the growing construction industry drives the demand for calcium sulfate worldwide.

Restraint:

Fluctuating raw material prices

Price fluctuations for raw materials, especially gypsum, a crucial raw material, provide a problem for the calcium sulfate industry. The fluctuations in gypsum prices, which are impacted by supply chain interruptions, mining expenses, and worldwide demand, can cause fluctuations in calcium sulfate production costs. Manufacturers are impacted by this volatility, which creates price uncertainty and makes it challenging to stick to a consistent pricing strategy. Furthermore, abrupt price increases may affect the profitability of calcium sulfate manufacturers and raise end-user costs, which may impede market expansion, particularly in price-sensitive sectors like construction.

Opportunity:

Growing construction industry

Calcium sulfate, particularly in the form of gypsum, is a key ingredient in drywall, cement, and plaster, which are essential for residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects. The rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in emerging economies, coupled with increasing investments in green buildings and energy-efficient construction, further boost demand for calcium sulfate-based products. Its properties, such as durability, fire resistance, and environmental sustainability, make it a preferred choice, fueling its adoption in the expanding global construction sector.

Threat:

Substitution by alternative materials

Innovations in construction and manufacturing have led to the development of eco-friendly and cost-effective substitutes such as magnesium-based products, polymer composites, and synthetic alternatives. These materials often offer improved performance, such as higher durability, flexibility, or environmental benefits, which make them attractive to industries like construction and agriculture. Additionally, regulatory pressures for sustainable practices have prompted some manufacturers to explore alternatives to calcium sulfate. As these substitutes gain traction in key applications, they pose a competitive threat, potentially limiting the growth of calcium sulfate in certain markets.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the calcium sulfate market. The temporary shutdown of construction activities and supply chain disruptions led to a decline in demand for products like drywall and cement, affecting market growth. However, the healthcare industry's increased demand for calcium sulfate in pharmaceuticals and medical-grade plaster mitigated some losses. As economies reopened, the construction sector rebounded, driving a recovery in demand. Nevertheless, ongoing logistical challenges and raw material price fluctuations continued to influence the market.

The dihydrate segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The dihydrate segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its extensive use in the construction and agriculture industries. In construction, it is a key ingredient in drywall, plaster, and cement, essential for residential and commercial projects. In agriculture, its role as a soil conditioner to improve water infiltration and reduce soil compaction boosts its demand. Additionally, its non-toxic and recyclable nature aligns with sustainable practices, further driving its adoption in eco-friendly construction and farming solutions worldwide.

The water treatment segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the water treatment segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to its effectiveness in removing impurities and balancing pH levels. It is widely used in industrial and municipal water treatment processes to prevent scaling in pipes and equipment. The rising demand for clean and treated water, driven by urbanization and industrialization, further fuels its adoption. Additionally, stricter environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives promote the use of calcium sulfate as an eco-friendly solution in water treatment systems.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, due to the booming construction industry in countries like China, India, and Japan. Its extensive use in drywall, plaster, and cement production caters to the region's growing housing and commercial demands. Additionally, agricultural applications, such as soil conditioning, are boosting demand in farming-centric economies. The region's focus on sustainable building practices and industrial growth further strengthens the calcium sulfate market's expansion.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to High demand for gypsum-based products, such as drywall and cement, supports growth in the construction sector, particularly in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, its use as a soil conditioner enhances agricultural productivity, driving demand in farming regions. Stricter environmental regulations and a growing emphasis on sustainable building practices further boost market growth, while advancements in industrial applications contribute to its expanding presence.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Calcium Sulfate Market include Saint-Gobain, USG Corporation, Knauf, BASF SE, Etex Group, Cargill, Inc., Votorantim Cimentos, Hindalco Industries Limited, Gyptech, Mosaic Company, LafargeHolcim, Delta Chemical Corporation, Lafarge, Raleigh Mineral, and Gypsemna.

Key Developments:

In January 2025, Saint-Gobain announces the introduction in the United Kingdom (UK) of plasterboard manufactured entirely from recycled materials, a world first for the Group. The Gyproc SoundBloc Infinaé 100 marks a major milestone for the whole industry towards circularity as it is among the world’s first plasterboards manufactured entirely from gypsum recycled materials.

In June 2024, CGC Inc., the Canadian division of USG Corporation, announced its partnership with supplier Groupe Beauchesne will expand beyond wallboard to include CGC’s industry-leading ceiling products. The agreement comes into effect.

Types Covered:
• Dihydrate
• Anhydrous Calcium Sulfate
• Hemihydrate

Forms Covered:
• Hydrated
• Anhydrous

Grades Covered:
• Food Grade
• Technical Grade
• Pharmaceutical Grade
• Other Grades

Purity Levels Covered:
• High Purity (>99%)
• Standard Purity (90-99%)
• Low Purity (90%)

Applications Covered:
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Chemical Industry
• Food and Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Oil & Gas
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:
• Building Materials
• Soil Treatment
• Water Treatment
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements