Why did the Iron oxide Price Change in July 2025? The Iron Oxide Production Cost Trend varied month-to-month: April saw rising import costs from tariff disruptions; May had stable production with cheap Asian imports; June reversed the trend with sharply elevated input costs from Brazil and China.

In 2024, the average price of iron oxide in the United States was estimated at *** U.S. dollars per kilogram, a slight decrease in comparison to the price reported in the previous year. Nevertheless, when compared to 2019, iron oxide prices in the North American country have nearly tripled. Iron oxide pigments are commonly used in concrete and other building materials.

During the last quarter of 2024, the iron oxide prices in the United States reached 1035 USD/MT in December. Due to low demand and market saturation, the market continued to decline in Q4 2024. Slow commercial real estate activity and rising loan rates were challenges for the building industry. Market conditions deteriorated due to supply chain limitations, port labor strikes, and increased freight prices.

Product	Category	Region	Price
Iron Oxide	Specialty Chemical	USA	1035 USD/MT
Iron Oxide	Specialty Chemical	Indonesia	840 USD/MT
Iron Oxide	Specialty Chemical	Germany	935 USD/MT
Iron Oxide	Specialty Chemical	Brazil	935 USD/MT

Explore IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Iron Oxide Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition,” offers an in-depth analysis of iron oxide pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Chemicals and Allied Products: Iron Oxide Pigments was 281.90000 Index Jun 1983=100 in September of 2021, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Chemicals and Allied Products: Iron Oxide Pigments reached a record high of 282.50000 in June of 2021 and a record low of 100.00000 in August of 1983. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Chemicals and Allied Products: Iron Oxide Pigments - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

In Q1 2025, the U.S. Iron Oxide market experienced a mix of price increases followed by a sharp decline in March. Prices rose in January due to higher import costs and supply constraints, driven by logistical issues, tariffs, and strong demand from the construction and coatings sectors. February saw a further price increase, influenced by persistent supply challenges and trade disruptions. The anticipation of tariff impacts and stockpiling by contractors temporarily inflated demand, further driving price hikes.

The iron oxide market is expected to experience consistent growth, with a market size of USD 2.8 billion in 2025 set to be around USD 4.3 billion by 2035, demonstrating a CAGR of approximately 4.1%. This growth will be driven by demand from construction, coatings, plastic, and cosmetics sectors.

Market Metrics	Values
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 2.8 billion
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 4.3 billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	4.1%

Country Wise Analysis

Countries	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	3.5%
UK	2.6%
France	2.4%
Germany	2.9%
Italy	2.2%
South Korea	3.1%
Japan	2.8%
China	4.6%
Australia	2.5%
New Zealand	2.1%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Market Share (%)
Lanxess AG	22-26%
Huntsman International LLC	16-20%
Toda Kogyo Corporation	12-16%
Cathey Industries	8-12%
Jiangsu Yuxing Industry and Trade Co. Ltd.	6-10%
Others (combined)	30-40%

Learn about the increasing demand for iron oxide pigments worldwide and the projected market trends for the next decade, including expected growth rates in volume and value.

In 2024, the Indian iron oxide pigment market increased by 9.4% to $156M, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% over the period from 2012 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Iron oxide pigment consumption peaked at $171M in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Iron Ore fell to 101.57 USD/T on August 19, 2025, down 0.05% from the previous day. Over the past month, Iron Ore's price has risen 3.81%, and is up 3.65% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Iron Ore - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on August of 2025.

The global iron oxide market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand from various sectors such as construction, paints & coatings, and plastics. The market, estimated at $2.5 billion in 2025, is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is primarily fueled by the expanding infrastructure development globally, increasing urbanization, and the rising demand for aesthetically pleasing and durable products in various applications. The diverse applications of iron oxide pigments, ranging from providing color in paints and coatings to enhancing the properties of plastics and ceramics, are major contributors to market expansion. Specific color variants like red and yellow iron oxides are particularly in high demand due to their wide-ranging applications and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, technological advancements in pigment production, focusing on improved color consistency and durability, are further stimulating market growth. However, several factors could potentially restrain market expansion. Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly iron ore, can significantly impact the production cost and profitability of iron oxide manufacturers. Environmental regulations related to pigment manufacturing and usage, along with growing concerns regarding the potential health hazards associated with certain types of iron oxide, pose challenges to the market's sustained growth. Despite these restraints, the overall market outlook remains positive, with substantial growth opportunities driven by the aforementioned factors and the continued expansion of key end-use industries. The competitive landscape is characterized by both large multinational corporations and smaller regional players, leading to a dynamic and evolving market structure. This report provides a detailed analysis of the global iron oxide market, a multi-billion dollar industry crucial to numerous sectors. We delve into market size, segmentation, key players, and future growth projections, offering valuable insights for stakeholders across the value chain. This in-depth analysis incorporates data-driven forecasts, competitive landscapes, and future growth opportunities, making it an essential resource for informed decision-making.

In September 2022, the iron oxide pigment price stood at $1,293 per ton (FOB, China), shrinking by -4.6% against the previous month.

1424 Global import shipment records of Iron Oxide with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

The global iron oxide market is experiencing robust growth, driven by its extensive applications across diverse industries. While the exact market size for 2025 isn't provided, considering a hypothetical CAGR of 5% (a reasonable estimate given industry growth trends) and a base year value (let's assume $10 billion for illustrative purposes), the market size in 2025 could be estimated around $12.76 billion (this is an illustrative estimation). This growth is projected to continue over the forecast period (2025-2033), fueled by increasing demand from the construction, paints & coatings, and plastics sectors. The rising construction activity globally, particularly in developing economies, significantly contributes to the market's expansion. Furthermore, the growing preference for eco-friendly pigments in various applications, along with ongoing advancements in iron oxide production technologies, are contributing factors. Key market segments include red, black, yellow, orange, brown, and green iron oxides, each with its specific applications and market share. Major players like Lanxess, Huntsman, and Cathay are shaping the competitive landscape through strategic expansions and innovations. However, factors such as fluctuating raw material prices and stringent environmental regulations pose challenges to market growth. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook for the iron oxide market remains positive. The increasing demand for durable and cost-effective pigments, coupled with ongoing research and development efforts to enhance the performance and sustainability of iron oxides, promise sustained growth in the coming years. Regional variations exist, with Asia-Pacific likely representing a substantial share due to rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries like China and India. North America and Europe are expected to maintain steady growth, while the Middle East and Africa may witness accelerated growth aligned with infrastructural development projects. The market segmentation by application and type provides granular insights for strategic decision-making by industry participants.

121 Global export shipment records of Iron Oxide Pigment with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

Iron Oxide Market valued at USD 2.79 billion in 2025, is anticipated to reaching USD 3.98 billion by 2032, with a steady annual growth rate of 5.2%.

The global food grade iron oxide market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for natural food colorants across various food and beverage applications. The market's expansion is fueled by the rising consumer preference for clean-label products, free from artificial additives and synthetic colors. This shift towards natural ingredients is particularly strong in developed regions like North America and Europe, where health-conscious consumers are willing to pay a premium for naturally colored foods. Furthermore, the growing popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets is contributing to the market's growth, as iron oxide pigments provide a safe and effective coloring solution for plant-based products. While precise market sizing data was not provided, a reasonable estimation based on industry trends and competitor activity suggests a current market value in the low billions (USD), with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the mid-single digits. This growth trajectory is expected to continue through 2033. However, several factors could constrain market growth. Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly iron ore, can directly impact the production costs of food grade iron oxide, leading to price volatility. Stringent regulatory approvals and compliance requirements related to food safety and colorant usage pose another challenge. Furthermore, the availability of substitute coloring agents and consumer perceptions regarding the safety and efficacy of iron oxides can influence market uptake. Nevertheless, the overall outlook remains positive, with continuous innovation in the production of high-quality, sustainably sourced food grade iron oxides and expansion into emerging markets bolstering the growth trajectory. Companies like Magna Pharmaco, Food Ingredient Solutions, and others are actively participating in market growth through investments in research and development, focusing on delivering diverse product portfolios.

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The iron oxide pigment market share is expected to increase by USD 532.39 million from 2020 to 2025, and the market’s growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 4.14%.

This iron oxide pigment market research report provides valuable insights on the post COVID-19 impact on the market, which will help companies evaluate their business approaches. Furthermore, this report extensively covers iron oxide pigment market segmentation by product (synthetic and natural), end-user (construction, paints and coatings, foundry, industrial chemicals, and others), and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, MEA, and South America). The iron oxide pigment market report also offers information on several market vendors, including Applied Minerals Inc., BASF SE, CATHAY INDUSTRIES, Hunan Sanhuan Pigment Co. Ltd., Kronos Worldwide Inc., LANXESS AG, Titan Kogyo Ltd., Venator Materials Plc, Xinxiang Rongbo Pigment Science and Technology Co. Ltd., and Yipin Pigments GmbH among others.

What will the Iron Oxide Pigment Market Size be During the Forecast Period?

Download the Free Report Sample to Unlock the Iron Oxide Pigment Market Size for the Forecast Period and Other Important Statistics

'APAC will generate growth across all the years of the forecast period between 2020 and 2025'

Iron Oxide Pigment Market: Key Drivers and Trends

The increasing offshore exploration and production investments is notably driving the iron oxide pigment market growth, although factors such as the high cost of development and quality maintenance may impede market growth. Our research analysts have studied the historical data and deduced the key market drivers and the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the iron oxide pigment industry. The holistic analysis of the drivers will help in deducing end goals and refining marketing strategies to gain a competitive edge.

Key Iron Oxide Pigment Market Driver

The increasing offshore exploration and production investments is one of the key drivers supporting the iron oxide pigment market growth. The increase in the demand for energy and the depletion of onshore reserves have made oil and gas companies invest significantly in offshore oil and gas reserves. Significantly, the rising drilling activities and the high demand from the offshore rigs and floating production storage and offloading are likely to foster the demand for iron oxide pigments. These pigments are used as lubricants in oil drilling rigs and as catalysts in the petroleum industry. Moreover, global offshore oil production is mainly concentrated in a few countries such as the US, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Norway, and Mexico. Therefore, the increasing offshore activities and construction projects are fueling the consumption of oil and gas, thereby driving the demand for iron oxide pigments.

Key Iron Oxide Pigment Market Challenge

The high cost of development and quality maintenance may hamper the iron oxide pigment market growth during the forecast period. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the global oil demand fell drastically owing to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2021, Brent crude oil spot prices rose over $83 per barrel from $38 per barrel in October 2020, owing to the recovery of the global economy from the COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of 2021. In addition, the economic scenario also plays a crucial role in having a broader outlook on the performance of the market. Moreover, the pricing structure of raw materials differs from one region to another based on the import and export tariffs. Furthermore, uncertain economic activities in the raw material markets affect the prices of raw materials and also iron oxide pigments, thereby posing a challenge to market growth.

This iron oxide pigment market analysis report also provides detailed information on other upcoming trends and challenges that will have a far-reaching effect on the market growth. The actionable insights on the trends and challenges will help companies evaluate and develop growth strategies for 2021-2025.

Market Overview

The global commodity chemicals market covers companies that primarily produce industrial and basic chemicals, including, but not limited to, plastics, synthetic fibers, films, commodity-based paints and pigments, explosives, and petrochemicals. The market excludes chemical companies that produce diversified chemicals, fertilizers and agricultural chemicals, industrial gases, and specialty chemicals. Technavio calculates the global commodity chemicals market size based on combined revenue generated by manufacturers of industrial and basic chemicals.

Who are the Major Iron Oxide Pigment Market Vendors?

The report analyzes the market’s competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including:

Applied Minerals Inc.
BASF SE
CATHAY INDUSTRIES
Hunan Sanhuan Pigment Co. Ltd.
Kronos Worldwide Inc.
LANXESS AG
Titan K

The global black iron oxide pigment market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand from various industries. While precise figures for market size and CAGR are unavailable, we can make reasonable estimations based on industry trends. Considering the substantial application in construction, coatings, plastics, and inks, and observing growth in related sectors, a conservative estimate places the 2025 market size at approximately $800 million. Given the projected expansion in infrastructure development, particularly in emerging economies, and ongoing technological advancements in pigment production, a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5-7% over the forecast period (2025-2033) appears plausible. This suggests a market size exceeding $1.2 billion by 2033. Key drivers include the rising demand for durable and aesthetically pleasing coatings in construction, the expanding plastics industry, and the continuous innovation in pigment production leading to enhanced performance and cost-effectiveness. Growth is also fueled by stringent environmental regulations favoring environmentally friendly pigments like black iron oxide. However, market expansion faces certain restraints. Fluctuations in raw material prices, primarily iron ore, can impact production costs and profitability. Furthermore, competitive pressures from alternative pigments and the potential for supply chain disruptions pose challenges to sustainable growth. Market segmentation varies by application (coatings, plastics, inks, etc.) and geographic regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, etc.). Leading companies like Lanxess, Sun Chemical, and others are actively involved in expanding their production capacities and investing in research and development to meet the growing demand and compete effectively. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to exhibit the strongest growth, driven by significant infrastructure projects and industrialization. Strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions are likely to reshape the market landscape in the coming years.

The average iron oxide pigment export price stood at $921 per ton in February 2025, falling by -2.6% against the previous month.

Red and Yellow Iron Oxide Pigments: These dominate the market, prized for their vibrant colors, excellent tinting strength, and exceptional durability in paints, coatings, plastics, and construction materials. Their cost-effectiveness further enhances their widespread use. Black Iron Oxide Pigments: Essential for their magnetic properties and intense color, black iron oxide pigments find applications in electronics, ceramics, and cosmetics. Their unique characteristics make them valuable in specialized applications requiring high performance. Nano-Sized Ferric Oxide Particles: This segment represents a significant area of growth, driven by advancements in nanotechnology. Their unique properties enable diverse applications in biomedical imaging, drug delivery, and advanced electronic components. Synthetic vs. Natural Iron Oxide: The market comprises both synthetically produced and naturally mined iron oxides. The choice between the two often depends on factors such as purity requirements, cost considerations, and desired pigment properties. Key drivers for this market are: Growing infrastructure development. Rising demand for automobiles. Increasing urbanization.. Potential restraints include: Volatility in raw material prices. Environmental concerns related to mining and production. Stringent regulatory requirements.. Notable trends are: Development of eco-friendly production methods. Digitalization of the supply chain. Increased use of nano-sized ferric oxide in advanced applications..