Zinc Powder Global Market Insights 2025, Analysis and Forecast to 2030, by Manufacturers, Regions, Technology, Application

Zinc Powder Market Summary

Zinc powder is a finely divided form of zinc, typically produced from refined zinc ingots, used in applications ranging from corrosion-resistant coatings to chemical synthesis. Its high reactivity and surface area make it ideal for industrial processes like silver and gold smelting, paint formulations, and sewage treatment. The global zinc powder market is characterized by a fragmented structure, with a mix of large-scale producers and small to medium-sized enterprises. Production is heavily dependent on zinc concentrate availability, which has faced supply constraints due to declining ore grades and reduced mining capital expenditure. The market is segmented into spherical and flake zinc powder, with flake powder dominated by technical barriers and a single major player, ECKART. Emerging trends include the development of high-purity zinc powder for pharmaceutical applications and eco-friendly coatings, while challenges include raw material shortages and competition from alternative materials.

Market Size and Growth Forecast

The global zinc powder market is projected to reach USD 2.0–3.0 billion by 2025, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3%–5% through 2030. This growth is driven by steady demand in coatings, smelting, and emerging pharmaceutical applications, despite supply-side constraints in zinc concentrates.

Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific is expected to lead the zinc powder market with a growth rate of 4%–6%, driven by China, India, and South Korea. China, a major zinc producer, dominates consumption in coatings and smelting, supported by its vast industrial base. India’s infrastructure growth and South Korea’s advanced electronics sector fuel demand for zinc powder in paints and chemicals. North America, with a growth rate of 3%–5%, is led by the United States, where corrosion-resistant coatings and pharmaceutical applications drive consumption. Europe, with a growth rate of 2.5%–4.5%, sees demand in Germany and the UK for coatings and sewage treatment, though environmental regulations push for greener formulations. South America, with growth estimated at 3%–5%, is supported by Brazil’s mining and industrial sectors. The Middle East and Africa, with a growth rate of 2.5%–4.5%, experience demand in South Africa for smelting and coatings, though economic constraints limit growth.

Application Analysis

Silver and Gold Smelting: Expected to grow to USD 700–900 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.5%–5.5%, zinc powder is critical for precious metal extraction, with demand tied to global mining activities.

Coating & Paint: Projected to grow at 4%–6%, zinc powder provides corrosion resistance, with trends toward eco-friendly, low-VOC formulations.

Sewage Treatment: With growth estimated at 3%–5%, zinc powder is used for heavy metal removal, driven by stricter environmental regulations.

Dye: Expected to grow at 2.5%–4.5%, zinc powder supports chemical synthesis, with steady demand in textile industries.

Pharmaceutical: Projected to grow at 4%–6%, high-purity zinc powder is used in drug synthesis, with growth tied to expanding healthcare needs.

Others: This segment, with growth of 2.5%–4.5%, includes niche applications like battery production.

Key Market Players

Umicore: A Belgian company, Umicore produces zinc powder for coatings and smelting, focusing on sustainable production methods.

EverZinc: A Belgium-based leader with a 100,000-ton capacity, EverZinc supplies zinc powder for paints and pharmaceuticals, emphasizing high-purity grades.

ECKART: A German firm, ECKART dominates the flake zinc powder market, serving coatings and pigments with advanced technical expertise.

Grillo-Werke: A German manufacturer, Grillo-Werke produces zinc powder for industrial and chemical applications, prioritizing eco-friendly processes.

Jiangsu Tiancheng Zinc: A Chinese producer with a 50,000-ton capacity, it supplies zinc powder for coatings and smelting, targeting domestic markets.

New Welllink: A Chinese company with a total capacity of 57,500 tons across its Hunan and Sichuan facilities, New Welllink focuses on coatings and chemicals.

Jiangsu Yejian: A Chinese firm with an 18,000-ton capacity, Jiangsu Yejian serves regional coating and smelting markets, competing on cost.

Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

Threat of New Entrants: Moderate. The zinc powder market has moderate barriers due to accessible production technology for spherical powder, but flake powder’s technical complexity, dominated by ECKART, limits new entrants. Capital costs and zinc concentrate supply constraints further deter newcomers, though small-scale producers can enter low-margin segments.

Threat of Substitutes: Moderate. Alternatives like aluminum powder in coatings or chemical precipitants in smelting compete, but zinc powder’s cost-effectiveness and performance maintain its dominance. Emerging eco-friendly materials may challenge market share in coatings, particularly in regulated regions.

Bargaining Power of Buyers: Moderate to High. Buyers in coatings and smelting, such as paint manufacturers and mining firms, have strong negotiating power due to multiple suppliers and commoditized spherical powder. High-purity pharmaceutical applications face less buyer leverage due to specialized requirements.

Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Moderate to High. Limited zinc concentrate availability, with global production declining 1.5% in 2024, strengthens supplier power, particularly for integrated producers like Umicore. Price volatility in zinc ingots further impacts costs for non-integrated manufacturers.

Competitive Rivalry: High. The fragmented market sees intense competition among global players like EverZinc and regional SMEs like Jiangsu Tiancheng Zinc. Price competition dominates spherical powder, while ECKART’s monopoly in flake powder drives innovation in high-value applications, intensifying rivalry.

Market Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities

Infrastructure Growth: Rapid urbanization in Asia Pacific and Latin America drives demand for zinc powder in corrosion-resistant coatings for construction and infrastructure projects.

Pharmaceutical Expansion: Increasing use of high-purity zinc powder in drug synthesis, particularly in emerging markets, supports growth in healthcare applications.

Environmental Regulations: Stricter wastewater treatment standards globally boost demand for zinc powder in sewage treatment, creating opportunities for manufacturers.

Eco-Friendly Coatings: The shift toward low-VOC and sustainable coatings aligns with zinc powder’s properties, enabling producers to capture market share in green applications.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in high-purity zinc powder for batteries and electronics open new high-value markets, diversifying revenue streams.

Challenges

Raw Material Shortages: Declining zinc concentrate production, down 1.5% in 2024, constrains supply, raising costs and limiting scalability for non-integrated producers.

Regulatory Pressures: Environmental regulations in Europe and North America increase compliance costs for zinc powder production, particularly for emissions and waste management.

Competition from Alternatives: Aluminum and organic compounds challenge zinc powder’s market share in coatings and smelting, requiring continuous performance improvements.

Price Volatility: Fluctuations in zinc ingot prices, driven by global supply deficits, squeeze margins for manufacturers in price-sensitive applications like paints.

Technical Barriers: The flake zinc powder segment’s high technical barriers, dominated by ECKART, limit opportunities for smaller producers to enter high-value markets. Show more