Industrial Silica Sand Market Size & Share, by Product Type (Wet Silica Sand, Dry Silica Sand, and Resin-coated Silica Sand); Application; and End use - Global Supply & Demand Analysis, Growth Forecasts, Statistical Report 2025-2037

  • Report ID: 3397
  • Published Date: Jul 01, 2025
  • Report Format: PDF, PPT

Industrial Silica Sand Market Outlook:

Industrial Silica Sand Market size was valued at USD 12.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 20.5 billion by the end of 2037, rising at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period, 2025 to 2037. In 2025, the industry size of industrial silica sand is estimated at USD 13.4 billion.    

Hydraulic fracturing utilization ("frac sand") for oil and gas extraction is still the primary growth driver of the market. U.S. Geological Survey reported that frac sand led the way for a 12% increase in total industrial sand demand - 121 MM tons in 2023 - due to greater sand per well consumption and increased shale production. U.S. exports of industrial sandstone, including frac sand, increased by 19% in 2023 to approximately 7.6 MM tons, making the total national tonnage net exports, while demonstrating the world's reliance on the quality and processing sophistication of U.S. sand.

The raw materials supply is based on high-purity quartz reserves largely from hard rock mining operations, with U.S. mine production having increased from about 115 kto in 2022 to 131 kto in 2023. Current estimates indicate Wisconsin has more than 61 extraction operations and over 31 processing facilities, with combined capacity greater than 13 million tons/year of total industrial sand. The very latest trade volumes indicate 291 k tons of imports (↓13%) compared to 7.6 Mt exports (↑19%) in 2023. The Producer Price Index for nonmetallic mineral products was ~305.9 in May 2025 (up ~0.4% MoM), and the Import Price Index was 142.9, using adjustments to CPI that are related to indices of land costs. Federal Government Research and Development investments in research on silica binders, and to improve handling of crystalline silica, have established EPA projects and programs to improve health and efficiency of processing.

Industrial Silica Sand Market Size
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Growth Drivers

  • Expansion in glass manufacturing: As silica sand is the main raw material used in the glass manufacturing process, there is a considerable demand for it. Global glass production is expected to reach over 210 million tons in 2022, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Urbanization and the growth of the building and packaging industries will continue to fuel demand for flat and container glass. The coming demand for silica is also driven by solar glass. The IEA predicts that global solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity will reach over 5,401 Gigawatts (GW) from just over 3,801 GW in 2022 by 2030, which means more silica sand will be consumed to manufacture low-iron solar glass.
  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) installations: Rising solar PV installations are also driving the demand for silica sand to manufacture photovoltaic glass and polysilicon. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported that total global solar PV capacity reached 1,386 GW in 2023 and is forecast to add at least 301 GW annually until at least 2030 to meet net-zero targets. High-purity silica sand is required to make polysilicon and tempered sheets of solar glass. Asia Pacific is the largest manufacturing region; China is responsible for over 76% of global solar glass production.

1.Emerging Trade Dynamics and Market Prospects: A Statistical Overview

Import & Export Data (2019–2024)

Year

Major Exporters

Major Importers

Shipment Value (USD Billion)

2019

U.S., Australia

China, Japan

3.1

2020

U.S., Australia

China, Japan

2.7

2021

U.S., Australia, Belgium

China, Japan, South Korea

3.3

2022

U.S., Australia, Belgium

China, Japan, South Korea

3.6

2023

U.S., Australia, Belgium

China, Japan, South Korea

3.7

2024

U.S., Australia, Belgium

China, Japan, South Korea

3.9 (est.)

Key Trade Routes

Trade Route

Share of Global Trade (%)

Value (USD Trillion)

Year

Japan-to-Asia

15%

0.50

2021

Europe-to-North America

22%

0.46

2021

Overall Trend Summary

Metric

Value

Year

Global Industrial Silica Sand Trade

USD 3.6 trillion

2022

Largest Market

Asia-Pacific

2022

2.Industrial Silica Sand Market Overview

Price History & Unit Sales (2019–2023):

Year

Avg. Price (USD/ton)

Global Sales (MMT)

North America

Europe

Asia

2019

$29

231

$31

$36

$26

2020

$27

226

$29

$33

$24

2021

$33

241

$36

$41

$29

2022

$46

251

$51

$49

$43

2023

$41

246

$46

$43

$39

Raw Material Costs

Factor

Impact

Energy prices

+11% energy cost → +6% sand price

Mining labor costs

16% wage rise (2020–2023)

Geopolitical Events

Event

Price Impact

Region Affected

Russia-Ukraine war

+23% (2022)

Europe

US-China tariffs

+9% (2019–2021)

Asia

Environmental Regulations

Regulation

Effect

Compliance Cost

EPA silica dust rules

+$6/ton production cost

North America

EU Green Deal

11% output reduction by 2025

Europ

Challenges

  • Volatile raw material prices: Market volatility due to varying costs of energy and transportation has produced prices for silica sand that point to fluctuation. For example, silica sand prices in the U.S. rose from USD 36 per ton in 2020 to more than USD 56 per ton in 2022, as a result of increases in freight rates and fuel prices. The industrial silica sand market volatility affects profitability and long-term supply relationships, especially in segments like glass production, foundry, and hydraulic fracturing, where planning production and pricing is based on being able to nail down input costs.
  • Health hazards and workplace liabilities: Respirable crystalline silica is a serious occupational risk. According to the CDC, 2.4 million U.S. workers are exposed to silica every year at work, which provides employers with potential claims and fines based on the demographics of employees who are exposed. OSHA also handed out more than $1.9 million in operating silica-related penalties during the 2018-2023 reporting period. Companies can use dust suppression, personal protective equipment (PPE), and medical surveillance, each of which increases operating costs for employers. Also, the concept of strict liability makes the industry unattractive for new employers.

Industrial Silica Sand Market Size and Forecast:

Report Attribute Details

Base Year

2024

Forecast Year

2025-2037

CAGR

4.3%

Base Year Market Size (2024)

USD 12.9 billion

Forecast Year Market Size (2037)

USD 20.5 billion

Regional Scope

  • North America (U.S., and Canada)
  • Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, South Korea, Rest of Asia Pacific)
  • Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, NORDIC, Rest of Europe)
  • Latin America (Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Rest of Latin America)
  • Middle East and Africa (Israel, GCC North Africa, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East and Africa)

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Industrial Silica Sand Market Segmentation:

Application Segment Analysis

The glassmaking segment is predicted to gain the largest market share of 42.3% during the projected period by 2037, due to sustained demand for flat glass, container glass, and specialty glass primarily for the automotive, building & construction, and solar photovoltaic (PV) industries. The USGS noted that glassmaking consumes high-purity silica sand. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has indicated that solar PV installations are experiencing substantial growth worldwide. Photovoltaic glass modules will require substantial high-grade silica sand inputs for solar glass. Growth in glassmaking as a subsection of building & construction will be supported by further demand in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and ongoing construction glass demand driven by urbanization.

End Use Segment Analysis

The construction segment is anticipated to constitute the most significant growth by 2037, with 34.3% market share, mainly due to strong infrastructure spending and urban development, as well as green building materials, which are supporting construction demand. For instance, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) expects increasing demand for concrete, cement, and specialty construction materials that are produced and use silica sand. Furthermore, OECD reports expect global infrastructure investment to exceed USD 94 trillion by 2040, which is favorable for sand-based concrete and mortars.

Our in-depth analysis of the global market includes the following segments:

                                                  Segment

          Subsegment

Application

  • Glassmaking
  • Foundry
  • Hydraulic Fracturing
  • Construction
  • Chemicals
  • Others

Product Type

  • Wet Silica Sand
  • Dry Silica Sand
  • Resin-coated Silica Sand

End use

  • Construction
  • Oil & Gas
  • Automotive
  • Chemicals
  • Electronics
  • Others
Vishnu Nair
Vishnu Nair
Head - Global Business Development

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Industrial Silica Sand Market - Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific Market Insights

By 2037, the Asia Pacific market is expected to hold 38.4% of the industrial silica sand market share due to the rapid expansion of the infrastructure industry, and there are significant expansions in the glass and foundry industries in the region. By 2037, the Asia Pacific industrial silica sands market will exceed USD 7.3 billion, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% (2025-2037). The required silica sand is driven by Chinese demand, followed by India and Japan. The increased manufacturing of electronics and solar PV in Southeast Asia also enhances consumption. Sustained construction government spending in ASEAN nations will also elevate longer-term demand.

China dominates the market with a massive consumption of industrial silica sand, dominated by usage in glass, solar panels, and foundries. The market for industrial silica sand in China was forecasted to reach USD 3.9 billion by 2037, at a CAGR of 4.7% (2025-2037). China's dominant position in photovoltaic manufacturing and flat glass manufacturing is the driving force for high silica sand demand. The country has produced over 61 million tons of glass with silica sand as the main raw material, according to China Glass Network.

India's industrial silica sand market is forecasted to surpass USD 1.4 billion in market size by 2037, growing at a healthy CAGR of 5.8% (2025-2037). The strong construction sector growth is a significant driver, as would be the continuing expansion of glass production and the growth of the ceramics industry. Additionally, the government of India is introducing significant initiatives such as the PMAY scheme (Housing for All), and subsequent infrastructure corridors will elevate the consumption of silica sand. With India's focus on ramping up solar PV manufacturing, consumption of high-purity silica sand will further increase.

Country-Specific Market Insights of Industrial Silica Sand

Country

2037 Market Size (USD Billion)

CAGR (2025-2037)

Key Application Sector

Japan

0.86

3.9%

Glass & Foundry

China

3.9

4.7%

Glass & Solar PV

India

1.4

5.8%

Construction & Glass

Indonesia

0.48

4.8%

Construction & Foundry

Malaysia

0.54

4.6%

Glass & Electronics

Australia

0.93

3.7%

Glass & Industrial Processing

South Korea

0.67

4.2%

Electronics & Glass

Rest of Asia Pacific

1.26

4.5%

Mixed Industrial Applications

North America Market Insights

The North America market is expected to hold 31.1% of the market share, and an estimated value of approximately $3.3 billion, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% (2025-2037). The glass manufacturing, hydraulic fracturing, and foundry industries drive demand for engineered quartz, glass, and hydraulic fracturing sands. The United States of America accounted for most regional production, with steady imports to Canada for glass and construction applications.

The industrial silica sand market in the U.S. was worth an estimated $2.9 billion as of 2024, with demand remaining strong through shale gas exploration, especially through hydraulic fracturing, glass production, and demand in solar PV glass. As per communications from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), domestic production in 2023 was approximately 111 million tons, with production in Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin driving the market. Frac sand, as it is still required for the lease of new shale gas developments, is the main sub-segment. The steady construction demand in the US energy and foundry sectors has also propelled solid growth.

The industrial silica sand market in Canada was estimated to grow to approximately $401 million in 2024 due to strong growth in glass manufacturing, construction, and oil sands processing. Fairly steady imports assist domestic production, especially when sourcing high-purity sand needed for float glass and chemical applications, with imports to Canada primarily from Ontario and Alberta. The Canadian market is projected to grow at a stable CAGR of 3.7% (2025-2037), resulting from Canada’s significant planned infrastructure investments and emerging Canadian clean energy glass applications.

Europe Market Insights

The European market is expected to hold 18.7% of the market share due to major contributors to ethanol production being the construction, glass production, and foundry industries. In 2025, the market is valued at USD 2.8 billion and is forecasted to reach USD 3.8 billion by 2037, growing at a CAGR of 2.2% (2025-2037). The construction and demand from the automotive and electronics sectors drove demand in Germany and the UK. Consumption and production patterns traced through Member States are influenced by greater use of renewable energy, glass panels, increasing available capital, and new workplace silica dust laws under the EU OSH framework.

In 2025, Germany's market share was valued at USD 741 million and is expected to grow to USD 951 million by 2037, representing a CAGR of 2.2% (2025-2037). Germany leads in value due to quality production glass, the manufacture of solar photovoltaic panels, the use of foundry sand in automotive casting, and because Germany produced more than 11 million tons of silica sand in 2024. The silica sand deal has long contributed to process innovation in manufacturing in the automotive industry, and is driving demand for premium silica sand for manufacturing excellence.

The UK is valued at USD 411 million in 2025 and set to grow to USD 491 million by 2037, realizing a CAGR of 1.6% (2025-2037). In the UK, demand is driven by glass container manufacturing, ceramics, and hydraulic fracturing. The UK produced approximately 4.6 million tons of silica sand in 2024, with some primary deposits located in Cheshire, Norfolk, and Surrey. REACH alignment after Brexit is still a factor driving the import-export of silica sand within the European landscape.

Country-Specific Market Insights of Industrial Silica Sand

Country

Market Size 2025 (USD Million)

Market Size 2037 (USD Million)

CAGR (2025-2037)

Production Volume 2024 (Million Tons)

UK

411

491

1.6%

4.6

Germany

741

951

2.3%

11

France

381

461

1.7%

3.9

Italy

296

361

1.9%

3.4

Spain

241

291

1.8%

2.7

Russia

521

641

1.9%

8.6

Nordics

186

221

1.6%

1.8

Rest of Europe

131

161

1.8%

1.5

Industrial Silica Sand Market Share
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Key Industrial Silica Sand Market Players:

    The global industrial silica sand market is heavily consolidated, dominated by companies like U.S. Silica Holdings, Sibelco, and Covia Holdings, all of whom have strategic acquisitions, existing integrated supply chains, and substantial technological innovation. Similarly, Japanese companies - Toyota Tsusho, Mitsubishi Corporation, Tochu Corporation, etc. focus on supplying high-purity silica, a critical component of the rapidly advancing electronics and automotive supply chains. Importantly, Australian companies are investing significantly in expanding their silica reserves to meet Asia Pacific demand, while Malaysian businesses are focused predominantly on an export-oriented mode of production. Major strategies for maintaining and growing the international industrial silica market include capacity expansions, joint ventures for specialty silica grades of silica, and vertically integrating businesses to have access to raw materials and ensure cost and ultimately competitive advantages during an era of increased environmental regulation.

    Some of the key players operating in the market are listed below:

    Official Company Name

    Country of Origin

    Approx. Market Share (%)

    U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.

    USA

    8.6

    Sibelco Group

    Belgium

    7.8

    Fairmount Santrol (now Covia Holdings Corp.)

    USA

    7.6

    Toyota Tsusho Corporation

    Japan

    3.9

    Badger Mining Corporation

    USA

    3.5

    Australian Silica Quartz Group Ltd

    Australia

    xx

    Quarzwerke Group

    Germany

    xx

    Short Mountain Silica

    USA

    xx

    European Industrial Minerals Ltd

    UK

    xx

    Syarikat Sebangun Sdn. Bhd.

    Malaysia

    xx

    VRX Silica Limited

    Australia

    xx

    Premier Silica LLC

    USA

    xx

    Here are a few areas of focus covered in the competitive landscape of the market:

    • Company Overview
    • Business Strategy
    • Key Product Offerings
    • Financial Performance
    • Key Performance Indicators
    • Risk Analysis
    • Recent Development
    • Regional Presence
    • SWOT Analysis

Recent Developments

  • In May 2024, Sibelco, a Belgian company, launched SibelClean Ultra-Pure Silica, a >99.9% SiO₂ sand that primarily targets semiconductor and solar PV glass markets. The EU Chips Act has rapidly boosted demand, but in Q2 2024, Sibelco reported a 13% YoY growth in contracts, primarily from demand in German and Dutch solar producers.
  • In February 2024, U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. launched its Ultra White Proppant Series, intended for high-pressure hydraulic fracturing within shale basins. It features 16% more crush resistance and 11% more permeability than previous products. Overall, preliminary demand was up 8% over the previous version within the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale, supporting the company's claim as a significant player within the proppant market, which has been forecasted to grow at a 5.6% CAGR from 2024 to 2029.
  • Report ID: 3397
  • Published Date: Jul 01, 2025
  • Report Format: PDF, PPT

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The industrial silica sand market size was USD 12.9 billion in 2024.

The global industrial silica sand market size was USD 12.9 billion in 2024 and is likely to reach USD 20.5 billion by the end of 2037, expanding at a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period, i.e., 2025-2037.

U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc., Sibelco Group, Fairmount Santrol (now Covia Holdings Corp.), Badger Mining Corporation, Australian Silica Quartz Group Ltd, Quarzwerke Group, Short Mountain Silica, European Industrial Minerals Ltd, and Syarikat Sebangun Sdn. Bhd. are some of the key players in the market.

The glassmaking segment is expected to hold a leading share during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is projected to offer lucrative prospects with a share of 38.4% during the forecast period.
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