Indium Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Product (Primary Indium, Secondary Indium and Refined Indium), Form (Indium Metal, Indium Compounds, Indium Alloys and Indium-based Products), Purity, Application, End User and By Geography

Indium Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Product (Primary Indium, Secondary Indium and Refined Indium), Form (Indium Metal, Indium Compounds, Indium Alloys and Indium-based Products), Purity, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Indium Market is accounted for $1.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $1.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. Indium is a soft, malleable, post-transition metal primarily obtained as a by-product of zinc ore refining. It appears silvery-white and is renowned for having good oxidation resistance and conductivity. Indium is used in electronics, specifically in the synthesis of indium tin oxide (ITO), which is used in touchscreens, flat-panel displays, and solar energy systems. Moreover, solders, alloys, semiconductors, and coatings all use it. Because of its special qualities, indium is essential for cutting-edge technologies like electronics and solar energy.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023, the global refinery production of indium was estimated to be 900 metric tons in 2022.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rising demand for electronics

The increasing demand for electronic items such as smartphones, tablets, flat panel displays, laptops, and monitors is driving the growth of the indium market. Technological advancements in various fields, including app development, artificial intelligence, and robotics, have further surged the demand for indium-containing equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic has also boosted sales of electronic products as more people work and learn from home. Additionally, the digital transformation in developing countries is further propelling the demand for indium in electronic applications.

Restraint:

Fluctuations in raw material prices

Indium production is heavily dependent on the extraction of other metals, primarily zinc and copper. As a byproduct, indium's availability and price are subject to fluctuations in the demand and prices of these primary metals. The scarcity of indium in the Earth's crust further exacerbates price volatility. These fluctuations create uncertainty for manufacturers and end-users, potentially limiting market growth. The interdependence of indium production with other metal markets makes it challenging to maintain stable pricing, impacting the overall market dynamics.

Opportunity:

Growth in the semiconductor industry

Indium is crucial in producing advanced semiconductor devices, particularly in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G. The increasing demand for high-performance computing and communication devices is driving the need for indium-based components. As these technologies continue to evolve and expand, the demand for indium in semiconductor applications is expected to grow, offering substantial opportunities for market players to capitalize on this trend.

Threat:

Environmental and health concerns

Indium mining and production can lead to negative environmental impacts such as soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Additionally, exposure to indium compounds has been linked to health issues, including lung damage in workers. These concerns may lead to stricter regulations and increased production costs, potentially hindering market growth. The industry faces pressure to develop more sustainable and safer production methods to address these environmental and health challenges.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the indium market. Initially, supply chain disruptions and manufacturing slowdowns negatively affected production and distribution. However, increased demand for electronic devices due to remote work and learning boosted indium consumption in certain sectors. The pandemic also accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, potentially driving long-term demand for indium-containing products. Overall, the market experienced short-term volatility but may benefit from the accelerated digital transformation in the long run.

The primary indium segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

Over the forecasted timeframe, the primary indium segment is anticipated to dominate the market share. Primary indium, derived directly from mining and refining processes, is crucial for applications requiring high purity, such as in the production of indium tin oxide (ITO) for flat panel displays, touchscreens, and solar cells. Its superior quality and versatility make it the preferred choice for advanced electronic and optoelectronic applications. The growing demand for high-performance electronic devices and renewable energy technologies is expected to drive the continued dominance of the primary indium segment in the market.

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

The photovoltaics segment is expected to register lucrative growth during the estimation period. Indium plays a critical role in the production of thin-film solar cells, particularly in copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) technology. These solar cells offer advantages such as flexibility, lightweight properties, and better performance in low-light conditions compared to traditional silicon-based cells. The increasing global focus on renewable energy and the declining costs of solar technology are driving the rapid growth of the photovoltaics segment. As countries worldwide invest in solar energy infrastructure, the demand for indium in this application is expected to surge, contributing significantly to market growth.

Region with largest share:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to hold the largest market share in the indium market. This dominance is attributed to the region's strong electronics manufacturing base, particularly in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. The high concentration of consumer electronics, display technology, and semiconductor industries in Asia Pacific drives substantial demand for indium. Additionally, the region's growing investments in renewable energy, especially solar power, further boost indium consumption. The presence of major indium producers and the rapid technological advancements in the region contribute to its leading position in the global indium market.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecasted timeframe, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR in the indium market. The rapid industrialization, increasing disposable incomes, and growing adoption of advanced technologies in emerging economies like India and Southeast Asian countries are driving this growth. The expansion of the electronics industry, coupled with significant investments in renewable energy projects, particularly in China and India, is expected to fuel the demand for indium. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting domestic manufacturing and technological innovation in the region are likely to accelerate market growth.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Indium Market include Nippon Rare Metal, Inc., Umicore, Teck Resources Limited, Nyrstar, Avalon Advanced Materials Inc., Indium Corporation, Lipmann Walton & Co. Ltd., Zhuzhou Keneng New Material Co., Ltd., ESPI Metals, AIM Metals & Alloys LP, DOWA Electronics Materials Co., Ltd., Xinlian Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., PPM Pure Metals GmbH, Korea Zinc, Guangxi China Tin Group, Yuguang Gold and Lead Co., Ltd., and Zhuzhou Smelter Group.

Key Developments:

In October 2024, as one of the leading materials providers to the electronics assembly industry, Indium Corporation® is proud to feature its industry-leading Durafuse® solder technology at the Battery Show North America in Detroit, Michigan. By offering advanced materials solutions like Durafuse® and Indalloy®, Indium Corporation helps automakers and battery manufacturers tackle the challenges of electrification and develop next-generation EV technologies.

In December 2021, Nippon Rare Metal, Inc. Started production and distribution of Indium alloy foils and wires.

Products Covered:
• Primary Indium
• Secondary Indium
• Refined Indium

Forms Covered:
• Indium Metal
• Indium Compounds
• Indium Alloys
• Indium-based Products

Purity Covered:
• High-Purity
• Low-Purity

Applications Covered:
• Flat Panel Displays
• Semiconductor Materials
• Photovoltaics
• Solders
• Alloying Element
• Thermal Interface Materials
• Batteries
• Optoelectronics
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:
• Electronics and Semiconductors
• Automotive
• Aerospace and Defense
• Energy and Power
• Healthcare and Medical Devices
• Industrial Manufacturing
• 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