Automotive Catalyst Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis, and Forecast (2025 – 2031)

Automotive Catalyst Market Size

The global automotive catalystmarket size was valued at $14.38 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $20.98 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.

Automotive Catalyst Market Overview

Automotive catalysts, such as catalytic converters, are critical components in vehicle exhaust systems designed to reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gases like carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen (N₂), and water vapor (H₂O). These devices use precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium to catalyze chemical reactions, ensuring compliance with stringent global emission standards such as Euro 6 and India’s BS-VI norms.

Companies like BASF SE, Johnson Matthey, and Umicore dominate this market, leveraging advancements in nanotechnology and hybrid catalyst systems to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on costly metals. For instance, Johnson Matthey’s development of three-way catalysts that operate efficiently at lower temperatures (below 400°C) improves fuel economy while meeting stricter regulations.

Automotive Catalyst Market Dynamics

The automotive catalystmarket is expected to witness significant growth in the future due to the stringent emission regulations, increased vehicle production, and growing demand for cleaner emissions. However, the high cost of precious metals, rise in popularity of electric vehicles, and supply chain disruptions are restraining the growth of the market.

Furthermore, expansion into emerging markets, development of new catalyst materials, and recycling and reuse of precious metals are the key trends propelling the automotive catalystmarket.

Increased Vehicle Production is Driving the Automotive Catalyst Market

The increased vehicle production is significantly impacting the automotive catalystmarket, by driving demand for emission control technologies. As vehicle production rises, so does the need for automotive catalysts to meet stringent emission standards.

• For instance, in 2022, global passenger car production increased by 8% compared to 2021, reaching 61.59 million units. This growth in vehicle production creates a corresponding demand for automotive catalysts, as these components are essential for reducing harmful emissions from internal combustion engines.
• Companies like BASF SE and Johnson Matthey are major players in the automotive catalyst market, benefiting from increased vehicle production.
• For example, in 2022, Tata Motors announced plans to invest $3.08 billion in its passenger vehicle business over the next five years, which is expected to boost demand for automotive catalysts in India.

Additionally, governments in developing nations are investing in emission control technologies, further supporting the growth of the automotive catalyst market.

In terms of specific product launches, companies are focusing on developing more efficient and lightweight catalysts to meet evolving emission standards. For instance, advancements in three-way catalytic converters have become more prevalent due to their ability to reduce nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide emissions effectively. These technological innovations, coupled with increased vehicle production, are driving the growth of the automotive catalyst market.

By Type, the PalladiumSegment is projected to be the Largest Segment in the Automotive Catalyst Market

Palladium is the largest segment in the automotive catalystmarket, driven by several factors, including stringent emission regulations and the increasing demand for efficient catalytic converters. Palladium is a crucial component in these converters, as it helps reduce harmful emissions from vehicles.

• Companies like Johnson Matthey and BASF SE are key players in the automotive catalyst market, with palladium being a dominant material.
• For instance, Johnson Matthey has been investing in technologies that optimize palladium use in catalytic converters, enhancing their efficiency while reducing costs.

Governments worldwide are implementing stricter emission regulations, such as the Euro 6d standards in Europe, which require vehicles to use more advanced catalytic converters, further driving the demand for palladium.

In terms of product launches, there are no recent specific announcements focused solely on palladium-based automotive catalysts. However, the ongoing innovation in catalyst design and materials is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements and consumer demand for cleaner vehicles.

By Geography, Asia PacificHolds the Largest Share in the Market Revenue

Asia Pacific holds the largest share of the automotive catalystmarket, driven by several factors, including rapid industrialization, stringent emission regulations, and increasing vehicle production. As of 2024, Asia Pacific accounted for a significant share of the global catalyst market, with countries like China and Japan leading the way due to their strong manufacturing and industrial bases. The region's dominance is further supported by government initiatives promoting domestic manufacturing capabilities to boost economic growth. For instance, countries like India and Indonesia are witnessing significant growth in automobile production, which fuels the demand for automotive catalysts to meet emission standards.

• Companies like BASF SE are actively investing in the Asia Pacific region. In recent years, BASF SE extended its mobile emission catalyst facility in Chennai, India, to enhance its presence in the market.

Additionally, the implementation of stringent emission regulations in countries like China and India is driving the adoption of advanced catalyst technologies.

• For example, China's National VI emission standards, implemented in 2020, have led to increased demand for high-performance catalysts to reduce emissions from vehicles.

Furthermore, the growth of international investments from leading North American and European players aids technology transfers in the region, supporting the development of more efficient catalysts.

In terms of specific product launches, companies are focusing on developing catalysts that meet the evolving emission standards in Asia Pacific. While there are no recent specific product launches mentioned, the ongoing innovation in catalyst design and materials is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements and consumer demand for cleaner vehicles. The Asia Pacific automotive catalyst market is expected to continue growing, driven by factors such as rising vehicle production and government support for cleaner emissions technologies.

Key Target Audience:

• Automobile Manufacturers (OEMs)
• Catalyst Manufacturers
• Government Regulatory Bodies
• Environmental Organizations

List of the Key Players Profiled in the Report Includes:

• BASF SE
• Johnson Matthey
• Solvay
• LB MINERALS, Ltd
• Umicore
• Corning Incorporated
• Cataler Corporation
• DCL International

Market Segmentation:

The research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry analysis with size, share, and forecast for the below segments:

Market by, Type:

• Platinum
• Palladium
• Rhodium
• Other Types

Market by, Vehicle Type:

• Passenger Cars
• Light Commercial Vehicles
• Two-Wheelers
• Off-Road Vehicles
• Heavy Commercial Vehicles

Market by, Type of Catalyst:

• Three-Way Catalysts (TWC)
• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
• Lean NOx Trap (LNT)
• Oxidation Catalysts

Market by, Sales Channel:

• Original Equipment Manufacturers
• Aftermarket

Market by, Geography:

The automotive catalystmarket report also analyzes the major geographic regions and countries of the market. The regions and countries covered in the study include:

• North America (The United States, Canada, Mexico), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia Pacific), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Rest of South America), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

The report offers insights into the following aspects:

• Analysis of major market trends, factors driving, restraining, threatening, and providing opportunities for the market.
• Analysis of the market structure by identifying various segments and sub-segments of the market.
• Understand the revenue forecast of the market for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.
• Analysis of opportunities by identification of high-growth segments/revenue pockets in the market.
• Understand major player profiles in the market and analyze their business strategies.
• Understand competitive developments such as joint ventures, alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and new product launches in the market.

Show more