Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) Additives Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Product Type (Binder, Fluxing Agents, Carbonaceous Materials, Reducing Agents, Antioxidants/Stabilizers, Alloying Elements, Deoxidizers, Desulfurizers and Other Product Type

Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) Additives Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Product Type (Binder, Fluxing Agents, Carbonaceous Materials, Reducing Agents, Antioxidants/Stabilizers, Alloying Elements, Deoxidizers, Desulfurizers and Other Product Types), Additive Type, Form, Production Method, Composition, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) Additives Market is accounted for $4.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $6.8 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period. Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) Additives are materials incorporated into the production process of HBI to enhance its properties, such as increasing its efficiency in steelmaking and improving the overall quality of the final product. HBI is a solid form of sponge iron produced by compressing direct reduced iron (DRI) at high temperatures to form dense, transportable briquettes. The additives are designed to optimize the production and use of HBI, which is an intermediate product used primarily in electric arc furnaces (EAF) for steel production.

According to US News, over half of the packaged food and beverage products purchased by US households in 2019 contained three or more additives. By 2023, approximately 60% of the purchased foods included coloring or flavoring agents, preservatives, and sweeteners.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing demand for high-quality steel

The growing need for premium steel in a variety of industries, such as infrastructure, construction, and automotive, is a major factor propelling the market for HBI additives. HBI additives are essential to improving the metallurgical characteristics of iron as industries work to improve product performance and durability. By optimizing properties including strength, density, and chemical composition, these additives make HBI a desirable feedstock for electric arc furnaces (EAFs). The need for HBI and its related additives is further fuelled by the growing preference for EAF steelmaking, which is motivated by its flexibility and environmental benefits.

Restraint:

Fluctuating raw material prices

For manufacturers and end users, fluctuating raw material costs in the market for Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) additives pose significant challenges. Price fluctuation makes it harder for suppliers to maintain steady pricing and profitability because it raises production costs. Supply networks may be disrupted by this uncertainty, which could result in delays and uneven product quality. Investment decisions are also impacted since stakeholders may be reluctant to commit to new projects when costs are uncertain. Higher prices could make HBI additions less appealing to end users than alternatives. Overall, these variations impede market expansion, acceptance, and planning in steelmaking processes that are influenced by price.

Opportunity:

Expanding global infrastructure projects

The need for premium steel is being driven by enormous investments in energy, transportation, and building infrastructure, especially in emerging economies. HBI additives are essential for improving steelmaking processes' efficiency and guaranteeing constant quality to satisfy the demanding specifications of infrastructure applications. Green building techniques, government programs, and urbanization are all contributing to this trend's acceleration. Furthermore, the use of sustainable building materials is in line with the cleaner production techniques made possible by HBI additives, which makes them crucial for the development of contemporary infrastructure across the world.

Threat:

Limited geographical distribution of HBI production

HBI production is concentrated in specific regions, such as the Middle East, Latin America, and parts of Europe, creating supply chain constraints for other markets. This unequal distribution restricts additive producers' access to essential raw materials, raises transportation costs, and lengthens lead times. Pricing and supply are unpredictable for steelmakers in areas with low HBI production due to their reliance on imports. Additionally, regional differences in infrastructure and technology acceptance can hinder HBI additives from being widely used, which could have an impact on worldwide market expansion.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major effect on the market for hot briquetted iron (HBI) additives by lowering demand for steel in important industries like construction and automotive, stopping production, and upsetting supply networks. Due to travel restrictions and lockdowns, industrial operations and infrastructure projects were delayed, which reduced the use of steel and, in turn, HBI additives. Additionally, supply delays and higher costs were caused by logistical difficulties and shortages of raw materials. However new demand is being generated by the post-pandemic recovery, which is being supported by government stimulus plans and infrastructure expenditures. It is anticipated that a focus on green steel production and a move toward robust and sustainable supply chains will improve the market's long-term prospects.

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

The binder segment is estimated to be the largest, due to their vital role in improving the metallurgical performance, durability, and strength of briquettes. Increased steel production, fuelled by industrial growth and infrastructure, encourages the use of binder. Advanced binders that increase efficiency are additionally urged by the move to more environmentally friendly steelmaking and higher quality standards. Furthermore, prospects for binders designed for high-performance and environmentally friendly iron briquetting processes are created by the growing use of electric arc furnaces (EAF) and green steel efforts.

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

The construction segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period, because of the great need for high-quality steel in construction and infrastructure projects. The need for HBI additives rises as a result of government investments in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and residential complexes, as well as rapid urbanization and population expansion. Stricter environmental laws and sustainable building methods also promote cleaner and more effective steel production, which is consistent with HBI's advantages. Smart city initiatives and global mega-projects also accelerate the market's growth trajectory.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is expected to have the largest market share during the forecast period driven by accelerating urbanization, industrialization, and infrastructure spending, especially in nations like China and India. The need for HBI and its additives is increased by the region's rising steel production, which is driven by the developing manufacturing, automotive, and construction industries. The use of electric arc furnaces (EAF) and government programs promoting sustainable and green steel production also contribute to the market's expansion.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to growing need for premium steel in sectors like energy, automotive, and construction. HBI use is increased and the requirement for additives is increased by the region's emphasis on cutting carbon emissions and implementing sustainable steelmaking methods. Increased spending on innovative production technology, such as electric arc furnaces (EAF), contributes to market expansion. Furthermore, a strong industrial base and government infrastructure projects support the market for HBI additives.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) Additives Market include ArcelorMittal, Baosteel Group, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., Comsigua CA, Hyundai Steel, Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC, JSW Group, Kobe Steel, Libyan Iron and Steel, Metalloinvest MC LLC, Nippon Steel, Orinoco Iron S.C.S., Qatar Steel, Shagang Group, Sumitomo Metal Industries, Tata Steel, and Voestalpine Group.

Key Developments:

In September 2024, Nippon Steel Announces Governance Policy for U. S. Steel. Nippon Steel continues to believe that the Transaction will enhance American national security by reinforcing U. S. Steel and its domestic production capabilities, bringing cutting-edge technologies into the United States, and ultimately making the American industrial base and supply-chain.

In April 2022, ArcelorMittal acquired 80% shareholding in Voestalpine’s world-class Hot Briquetted Iron (‘HBI’) plant located in Corpus Christi, Texas. This acquisition would help the company to strengthen its position and guarantee the security of supply to ArcelorMittal facilities, including AM/NS Calvert in Alabama.

Product Types Covered:
• Binder
• Fluxing Agents
• Carbonaceous Materials
• Reducing Agents
• Antioxidants/Stabilizers
• Alloying Elements
• Deoxidizers
• Desulfurizers
• Other Product Types

Additive Types Covered:
• Metallic Additives
• Non-Metallic Additives

Forms Covered:
• Powders
• Briquettes
• Granules
• Other Forms

Production Methods Covered:
• Hot Briquetting
• Cold Briquetting

Compositions Covered:
• Iron Content
• Carbon Content
• Sulfides & Phosphates
• Other Compositions

Applications Covered:
• Electric Arc Furnace
• Basic Oxygen Furnace
• Blast Furnace
• Foundry Furnace
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:
• Construction
• Automotive
• Energy
• Machinery & Equipment
• 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