Global Refinery Catalyst Market Insights Forecasts to 2033

• The Global Refinery Catalyst Market Size was Estimated at USD 5.4 Billion in 2023
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 3.88% from 2023 to 2033
• The Worldwide Refinery Catalyst Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 7.9 Billion by 2033
• North America is Expected to Grow the fastest during the forecast period.

The Global Refinery Catalyst Market Size is anticipated to exceed USD 7.9 Billion by 2033, Growing at a CAGR of 3.88% from 2023 to 2033. The growing need for cleaner fuels, increased octane number requirement, and technological advancement are driving the market for refinery catalyst.

Market Overview

The refinery catalyst market is the commercial exchange of chemical compounds that are used in petroleum refineries to accelerate and control chemical reactions during the refining process, essentially improving the quality of fuels such as gasoline and diesel by removing unwanted impurities such as sulfur and nitrogen. A refinery catalyst is defined as any dual-functioning chemical substance that speeds up chemical reactions to convert crude oil into fuels and petrochemicals. They are employed in a variety of processes, including reforming, hydrotreating, and catalytic cracking. The efficiency and sustainability of the oil refining process are greatly increased by these catalysts.  Low-value crude oil can be swiftly transformed into premium petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, and other fuels with the aid of the catalyst. The upsurging investment for enhancing catalyst qualities and lower fuel costs are offering lucrative market growth opportunities. Further, the strict rules imposed on sulfur emissions surging the demand for cleaner fuels which aids in market expansion.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the refinery catalyst market based on various segments and regions forecasts revenue growth and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the refinery catalyst market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, type launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the refinery catalyst market.

Driving Factors

The growing need for high-octane fuel in the automotive industry owing to its low cost is propelling the refinery catalyst market. Technological advancements in catalyst development which include improved synthesis techniques are driving the market growth. The growing demand for high-performance catalysts in petroleum refining and environmental applications is driving the market demand for refinery catalyst. The increasing need for refinery catalysts due to their ability to effectively transform them into premium petroleum products like gasoline and diesel is driving the market demand.

Restraining Factors

The fluctuation in the prices of crude oil and strict regulations over emissions are negatively affecting the market growth. The increasing emphasis on minimizing the environmental impact of refinery industries is hindering the refinery catalyst market.

Market Segmentation

The refinery catalyst market share is classified into type and ingredients.

• The FCC catalyst segment accounted for the largest market share of the refinery catalyst market in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the type, the refinery catalyst market is classified into FCC catalyst, hydrotreating catalysts, hydrocracking catalysts, and catalytic reforming catalysts. Among these, the FCC catalyst segment accounted for the largest market share of the refinery catalyst market in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. FCC catalyst is a solid catalyst used in petroleum refineries to break down large hydrocarbons into smaller molecules for convenient usage. The increasing consumption of polyolefins for producing different plastic types is driving the market demand in the FCC catalyst.

• The zeolites segment dominates the market with the largest market share and is expected to witness a significant CAGR growth during the forecast period.

Based on the ingredients, the refinery catalyst market is classified into zeolites, metals, and chemical compounds. Among these, the zeolites segment dominates the market with the largest market share and is expected to witness a significant CAGR growth during the forecast period. Zeolite catalysts are often the most efficient and cost-effective methods for several refinery conversions, especially in upgrading refinery streams into high-quality fuels and lubricants. The increasing demand for these products in producing gasoline, diesel, and petroleum-derived products is driving the market.

Regional Segment Analysis of the Refinery Catalyst Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share of the refinery catalyst market over the predicted timeframe.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share of the refinery catalyst market over the predicted timeframe. The economic development, high crude oil production, and presence of refineries in the region are all contributing to driving the market. Further, the increasing need for transportation fuel as well as the growing refinery investment are propelling the market for refinery catalyst. The stringent environmental regulations and the need for high-quality catalysts to meet the strict emission standards are also contributing to market growth.

North America is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR growth of the refinery catalyst market during the forecast period. With 61,200 million barrels of oil reserves and a production rate of 15.3 million barrels per day, the United States is the world's largest importer of crude oil. The region’s large oil reserves and rising oil imports are responsible for driving the refinery catalyst market. Further, the rising need for refineries in the United States is contributing to propelling the regional market growth.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the refinery catalyst market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their type of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes type development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Albemarle Corporation
• BASF SE
• Haldor Topsoe A/S
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Clariant
• Axens
• Johnson Matthey
• China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation
• W R Grace
• Royal Dutch Shell plc
• Arkema
• ANTEN CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
• Shell Catalyst & Technologies
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent Developments

• In December 2024, BASF officially opened its new Catalyst Development and Solids Processing Center in Ludwigshafen, Germany. This research facility would serve as a hub for pilot-scale synthesis of chemical catalysts, enabling BASF to offer its global customers faster access to innovative technologies.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2023 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the refinery catalyst market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Global Refinery Catalyst Market, By Type

• FCC Catalyst
• Hydrotreating Catalysts
• Hydrocracking Catalysts
• Catalytic Reforming Catalysts

Global Refinery Catalyst Market, By Ingredients

• Zeolites
• Metals
• Chemical Compounds

Global Refinery Catalyst Market, By Regional Analysis

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