Global Coal Tar Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2031

Coal Tar Market Analysis

The coal tar market is witnessing advancements in extraction and distillation methods, significantly enhancing product quality. New technologies such as vacuum distillation and carbonization techniques are being employed to refine coal tar more efficiently, allowing for higher yields of valuable by-products such as creosote, pitch, and phenol. These by-products are in demand across industries, from aluminum production to pharmaceutical applications.

One significant advancement is in the improved utilization of coal tar pitch in the manufacturing of carbon electrodes, used in electric arc furnaces. This method increases the energy efficiency and performance of the steel and aluminum industries. Furthermore, coal tar-based products are gaining traction in the waterproofing and construction sectors, with new formulations making them more durable and environmentally compliant.

Technological innovations are also driving the use of coal tar in anti-corrosion coatings, especially in marine and infrastructure projects. These developments are boosting the demand for coal tar derivatives, ensuring sustained market growth, particularly in Asia-Pacific, where rapid industrialization is fueling demand across multiple sectors.

Coal Tar Market Size

The global coal tar market size was valued at USD 16.11 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 19.93 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 2.70% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include import export analysis, production capacity overview, production consumption analysis, price trend analysis, climate change scenario, supply chain analysis, value chain analysis, raw material/consumables overview, vendor selection criteria, PESTLE Analysis, Porter Analysis, and regulatory framework.

Coal Tar Market Trends

“Rise in Demand for Aluminum Smelting”

One specific trend driving the growth of the coal tar market is the increasing demand for coal tar pitch in aluminum smelting. Coal tar pitch is a crucial binding agent in the production of carbon anodes, which are used in the electrolysis process of aluminum manufacturing. As the global aluminum industry expands due to its applications in automotive, construction, and aerospace industries, the demand for coal tar pitch continues to grow. For instance, In January 2021, Aluminium is poised to transform the electric vehicle (EV) sector due to its significant weight advantages. Every kilogram of aluminium used in vehicle construction reduces the overall weight by an equivalent amount, improving efficiency. Notably, a reduction of 100 kg in an electric vehicle can enhance its driving range by 10-15%. This advancement highlights aluminium's crucial role in boosting EV performance and sustainability.

Report Scope and Coal Tar Market Segmentation     

Coal Tar Market Definition

Coal tar is a thick, black, viscous liquid produced as a by-product during the carbonization of coal to make coke or gas. It is composed of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, including aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene, and naphthalene, as well as phenolic compounds. Coal tar is commonly used in various industrial applications, such as a base for road tar, roofing materials, and coatings. It is also employed in medical treatments, particularly for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. However, coal tar contains potentially harmful chemicals and is regulated in many countries.

Coal Tar Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Growth in Wood Preservation

The rising demand for wood preservation is a significant factor driving the coal tar market. Coal tar creosote, a by-product, is widely used in wood treatment to enhance the durability and longevity of wooden structures. This is especially crucial in the construction and furniture industries, where treated wood is needed to withstand environmental conditions. For instance, In December 2020, The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) launched the AC332, a versatile multi-purpose helicopter aimed at the civilian market. Designed to meet diverse operational needs, this helicopter enhances China's capabilities in various sectors, including emergency services, logistics, and tourism. The introduction of the AC332 marks a significant advancement in Chinese aviation technology, contributing to the growth and modernization of the country's aerospace industry.

• Rising Demand for Carbon Black

The increasing demand for carbon black, a crucial material derived from coal tar, is significantly driving the coal tar market. Carbon black is extensively used in tire manufacturing to enhance strength, durability, and conductivity. With the automotive industry expanding, especially in emerging markets such as India and China, tire production is surging, leading to higher consumption of carbon black. For instance, the global tire market is expected to reach over USD 300 billion by 2026, driven by the rise in electric vehicles and mobility solutions. This increasing tire demand translates directly into higher coal tar usage for carbon black production, boosting market growth.

Opportunities

• Advancements in Lithium-Ion Batteries

The increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries, especially in electric vehicles (EVs), presents a significant opportunity for the coal tar market. Coal tar is a key precursor in producing graphite, a crucial component in battery anodes. With the global shift toward sustainable energy and the rapid expansion of the EV industry, graphite production is expected to surge, driving coal tar demand. For instance, The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) reported that during the fourth quarter of 2020, China, South Korea, Japan, and India produced approximately 25 million, 3.5 million, 8 million, and 3.4 million vehicles, respectively. Collectively, these nations accounted for nearly 50% of global automobile production. Additionally, the Indian automobile market attracted about USD 24.5 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from June 2020, reflecting its growth potential.

• Growing Road Infrastructure

The expanding road infrastructure sector creates significant opportunities for the coal tar market, particularly in asphalt applications. Coal tar pitch is widely used as a binder in asphalt, essential for road paving and construction projects. As governments and private investors increase spending on infrastructure development, particularly in emerging economies such as India and China, the demand for durable road materials has surged. For instance, India’s "Bharatmala Project," aimed at building 34,800 km of highways, highlights the rising need for high-quality asphalt, which in turn boosts coal tar consumption. This trend presents lucrative growth opportunities for coal tar manufacturers and suppliers globally.

 Restraints/Challenges

• Volatile Raw Material Prices

The coal tar market faces significant challenges due to volatile raw material prices, particularly fluctuations in crude oil. These price variations can disrupt production costs, leading to unpredictability in manufacturing expenses. As raw material prices rise, manufacturers may struggle to maintain profitability while attempting to keep competitive pricing. This instability can result in decreased investments in the sector, as companies may hesitate to commit to long-term projects or expansion due to uncertainty in cost structures. Consequently, this volatility can stifle growth opportunities and hinder overall market development, limiting the coal tar industry's ability to adapt to changing economic conditions.

• Shift to Alternatives

The shift toward eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives is a significant challenge for the coal tar market. As industries increasingly prioritize sustainability, there is a growing demand for bio-based products and renewable materials, which directly compete with coal tar. This trend is particularly pronounced in construction and manufacturing sectors, where companies are focused on reducing their environmental impact. The preference for greener alternatives undermines the demand for traditional coal tar products, leading to market contraction. Consequently, manufacturers face pressure to adapt to changing consumer preferences, which may result in decreased sales and reduced market share for coal tar products in the long term.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions. Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Coal Tar Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type, grade and applications. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyse meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Type

• Medium Temperature Coal Tar Pitch
• High Temperature Coal Tar Pitch
• Low Temperature Coal Tar Pitch
• Others

 Grade

• Aluminium Grade
• Binder and Impregnating Grade
• Special Grade

Applications

• Aluminium Smelting
• Graphite Electrodes
• Roofing
• Carbon Fiber
• Refractories
• Other Applications

Coal Tar Market Regional Analysis

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by type, grade and applications as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada and Mexico in North America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina and Rest of South America as part of South America.

Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the coal tar market during the forecast period due to the rising demand for aluminum driven by the aerospace, automobile, and space industries. The region boasts the largest automotive sector, contributing to industrial development. In addition, increasing demand for graphite electrodes and carbon fiber in automotive applications further supports the growth of the coal tar market in this region.

North America is expected to show significant growth in the coal tar market due to the rising demand for coal tar in various applications, including paints, dyes, aluminum, photographic materials, and tires. This region is the leading consumer in the global coal tar market, which is probably to enhance overall market growth during the forecast period, driven by increasing industrial activities and infrastructure development.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.   

Coal Tar Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Coal Tar Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• JFE Holdings, Inc. (Japan)
• POSCO (South Korea)
• voestalpine AG (Austria)
• Himadri Specialty Chemical Ltd. (India)
• ArcelorMittal (Luxembourg)
• Lone Star Specialities, LLC (U.S.)
• NIPPON STEEL Chemical & Material Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Severstal (Russia)
• Stella-Jones (Canada)
• Tata Steel (India)
• Bathco Ltd. (U.K.)
• Bilbaína de Alquitranes, S.A. (Spain)
• Coopers Creek Chemical Corporation (U.S.)
• Crowley Chemical Company, Inc. (U.S.)
• DEZA a. s. (Czech Republic)
• Hengshui Zehao Chemicals Co., Ltd. (China)
• Koppers Inc. (U.S.)
• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Japan)
• Zauba Technologies & Data Services Private Limited (India)
• Rain Carbon Inc. (U.S.)
• Shandong Weijiao Holding Group Co., Ltd. (China)

Latest Developments in Coal Tar Market

• In July 2023, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) commenced commercial production of coal tar pitch at its Barauni refinery in Bihar. The new facility boasts a capacity of 10,000 tonnes per annum, strategically positioned to address the rising demand for coal tar pitch within India. This initiative aligns with the country’s focus on enhancing domestic production capabilities and reducing reliance on imports for this essential industrial material
• In January 2021, Aluminium is poised to transform the electric vehicle (EV) sector due to its significant weight advantages. Every kilogram of aluminium used in vehicle construction reduces the overall weight by an equivalent amount, improving efficiency. Notably, a reduction of 100 kg in an electric vehicle can enhance its driving range by 10-15%. This advancement highlights aluminium's crucial role in boosting EV performance and sustainability
• In October 2021, Sichuan Longhao Flight Training Co. made a significant commitment by ordering 20 Cessna Skyhawk piston aircraft, with delivery scheduled by the end of 2022. This acquisition underscores the growing demand for pilot training resources in China, reflecting a broader trend towards enhancing aviation capabilities. The Cessna Skyhawk's reputation for reliability and efficiency positions it as an ideal choice for flight training programs
• In December 2020, The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) launched the AC332, a versatile multi-purpose helicopter aimed at the civilian market. Designed to meet diverse operational needs, this helicopter enhances China's capabilities in various sectors, including emergency services, logistics, and tourism. The introduction of the AC332 marks a significant advancement in Chinese aviation technology, contributing to the growth and modernization of the country's aerospace industry

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