Market Size (2013)
2013
$839.88M
Vertical: CNMBase Year: 201711 Sections
Market Size (2013)
2013
$839.88M
Projected (2023)
2023
$1.14B
CAGR (2013–2023)
3.1%
3.1%Key Players
104+
Petroleum pitch is a viscoelastic polymer derived from various petroleum sources such as naphtha and gas oils. The different forms of pitch are tar, bitumen, and asphalt. The pitch produced from plastics is also known as resin, while that made from plants is called rosin. With the increase in demand for brake pads in the aerospace and automotive industries, market players are introducing carbon-based products as they provide high density and thermal resistance along with being lightweight as compared to counterparts such as sintered metals and other organic materials. This is expected to drive the growth of the global petroleum pitch market. However, the increasing use of PAN in the manufacturing of carbon fibers, carbon felt, and graphite felt would restrain market growth during the forecast period. Industry players may avail of opportunities in road construction as the use of petroleum pitch for road surface sealings increases durability and reduces maintenance costs.
On the basis of type, the market has been segmented into high performance, universal, and others. The high performance type segment accounted for the largest market share in 2017 and is expected to register a CAGR of around 3.46% to reach USD 672.4 million by the end of 2023. This growth can be attributed to the increasing use of high-performance petroleum pitch in major industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and chemicals.
Based on application, the market has been segmented into brake pads, road surface sealings, aluminum anodes, insulation, refractory bricks, and others. The brake pads segment accounted for the largest share of the global petroleum pitch market and was valued at USD 954.1 million in 2017; it is expected to reach to USD 1,135.1 million by the end of 2023. This market growth can be attributed to the expanding automotive and aerospace industries with the increasing demand for lightweight brake pads with significant energy absorption capacity to improve fuel efficiency.
Based on region, the market has been divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The market in Asia-Pacific accounted for a 34.72% share and was valued at USD 331.3 million in 2017; it is expected to reach USD 402.1 million by the end of 2023. The increasing demand for automobiles in emerging markets such as China, India, and Indonesia as a result of improving living standards and rising disposable incomes is likely to drive the demand for brake pads and, hence, positively influence the petroleum pitch market in Asia-Pacific.
The prominent players in the global petroleum pitch market are focused on developing carbon-based products and road surface sealing materials. Also, industry participants such as Koppers Inc., Rain Carbon Inc., and Org Chem Group are emphasizing the expansion of their footprint to meet the increasing demand for carbon-based and road construction materials in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.
TABLE 1 Market synopsis
Global Market Size (2017)
· 2017: USD 954.1 Million
· 2023: USD 1,135.1 Million
CAGR (2018–2023)
· 3.03%
Key Regions
· Asia-Pacific: 34.72%
· North America: 28.14%
· Europe: 24.56%
Key Countries
· US
· China
· Germany
Key Market Drivers
· Increasing demand in the manufacturing of brake pads
· Surging use in manufacturing various carbon-based products
Key Market Opportunities
· Growing demand in road construction
Key Vendors
· Koppers Inc.
· Rain Carbon Inc.
· Org Chem Group
The Petroleum Pitch Market market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2013 to 2023.
Historical performance and future projections (2020–2030, USD Billion)
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View Subscription PlansPetroleum pitch is a viscoelastic polymer derived from various petroleum sources such as naphtha and gas oils. The different forms of pitch are tar, bitumen, and asphalt. The pitch produced from plastics is also known as resin, while that made from plants is called rosin.
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View Subscription PlansResearch Process
Market Research Future analysis is conducted by industry experts who offer insight into industry structure, market segmentation, technology assessment, competitive landscape (CL), and market penetration, as well as on emerging trends. Besides primary interviews (~80%) and secondary research (~20%), their analysis is based on years of professional expertise in their respective industries. Our analysts also predict where the market will be headed in the next five to 10 years, by analyzing historical trends and current market positions. Furthermore, the varying trends of segments and categories in different regions are estimated based on primary and secondary research.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted to gain a deeper insight into the market and the industry performance. For this particular report, we have conducted primary surveys (interviews) with the key level executives (VPs, CEOs, marketing directors, and business development managers, among others) of the major players active in the market. In addition to analyzing the current and historical trends, our analysts predict where the market is headed over the next five to 10 years.
Secondary Research
Secondary research was conducted to collect and identify information useful for an extensive, technical, market-oriented, and commercial study of the petroleum pitch market. It was also used to obtain key information about major players, market classification and segmentation according to industry trends, regional markets, and developments related to the market and technology perspectives. For this study, analysts have gathered information from various credible sources, such as annual reports, SEC filings, journals, white papers, corporate presentations, company websites, international organizations of chemical manufacturers, and paid databases.
Market Size Estimation
Both the top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the market and to estimate the size of various other dependent sub-markets of the overall petroleum pitch market. The key players in the market were identified through secondary research, and their market contributions in the respective regions were determined through primary and secondary research. This entire process included the study of the annual and financial reports of the top market players and extensive interviews for key insights with industry leaders such as CEOs, VPs, directors, and marketing executives. All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources. All the possible parameters that affect the market covered in this research study have been accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to arrive at the final quantitative and qualitative data. This data has been consolidated, and detailed inputs and analysis by Market Research Future added before being presented in this report. The following figure shows an illustrative representation of the overall market size estimation process employed for the purpose of this study.
Base Year
2017
Historical Period
2013 – 2017
Forecast Period
2017 – 2023
Primary Interviews
150+
Historical data (2013–2017) and forecast period (2017–2023)
Our research process spans primary interviews with industry stakeholders combined with comprehensive secondary data analysis, validated through triangulation across multiple independent sources.
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View Subscription PlansThreat of New Entrants
Considering the historical and current scenario in the global petroleum pitch market, the target market is projected to have a high threat of new entrants owing to the absence of tier-1 players and low requirements for capital and technical know-how.
Threat of Rivalry
The petroleum pitch market is estimated to experience a moderate threat of rivalry. This is mainly due to the limited commercialization of the product. Additionally, the existing players are not undertaking any significant developments to increase their market shares. The absence of tier-1 manufacturers is also an important factor due to which there is a moderate threat of rivalry.
Threat of Substitutes
At present, the threat of substitutes for petroleum pitch is high. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and coal tar pitch are the major substitutes for petroleum pitch. These products are more widely used than petroleum pitch in similar applications. PAN-based carbon fibers are gaining popularity and coal tar is increasingly used as a binder in manufacturing aluminum anodes.
Bargaining Power of Suppliers
The bargaining power of suppliers is estimated to be moderate. The market has an insignificant presence of organized suppliers. The leading petroleum companies and carbon fiber manufacturers are using petroleum pitch for captive consumption, which is limiting the flow of this product into the market.
Bargaining Power of Buyers
The bargaining power of buyers is estimated to be moderate to low as there is a gap between demand and supply in the market.
Market estimates by geography (2023)
InsightAsia Pacific leads with $402.14M by 2023.
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View Subscription Plans| REGION | 2013 | 2017 | 2023 | CAGR | SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle East and Africa | $60.60M | $71.40M | $84.00M | 3.3% | 7% |
| North America | $237.09M | $274.86M | $317.89M | 3.0% | 28% |
| Asia Pacific | $287.76M | $340.64M | $402.14M | 3.4% | 35% |
| Europe | $209.75M | $239.16M | $271.94M | 2.6% | 24% |
| South America | $44.68M | $51.59M | $59.19M | 2.9% | 5% |
| Total | $839.88M | $977.65M | $1.14B | 3.1% | 100% |
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View Subscription PlansTotal Market Size
$1.14B
| APPLICATION | REVENUE ($B) | GROWTH RATE | MARKET PENETRATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Performance | $672.43M | 3.1% | 54% |
| Universal | $340.88M | 3.1% | 60% |
| Others | $121.80M | 3.1% | 53% |
* Revenue projections based on 2025 estimates. Growth rates represent CAGR 2024–2030. Market penetration indicates current adoption rate within addressable market segments.
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Analytical insights on Petroleum Pitch Market covering market dynamics, competitive landscape, and strategic outlook.
The Petroleum Pitch Market market is projected to reach $1.14B by 2023, growing at 3.1% CAGR. The High Performance segment holds the largest share.
Petroleum pitch-based carbon fibers are primarily used in manufacturing automotive and aircraft brake pads. This is mainly due to the high density and thermal resistance of these materials. These brake pads weigh less than those manufactured using sintered metals and other organic materials. Additionally, petroleum pitch-based carbons fibers exhibit significant energy absorption capacity, which is a prerequisite in brake pads.
Carbon-based products manufactured using petroleum pitch such as carbon fiber reinforced ceramics are ideal for several engineering applications where friction is a critical component. In modern-day automobiles, aircraft, and machinery there is a growing demand for materials that are lightweight and have high power densities and thermal stability. This is likely to fuel the demand for carbon fiber-based materials.
Carbon fiber reinforced ceramic materials are suitable for almost all major transportation systems such as railways, aviation, and automotive where they are used in primary and secondary or emergency braking systems. All vehicles comprise translational or rotational parts that are decelerated by incorporated brake systems. Carbon fiber-based ceramic matrix composites are widely used in such applications. Moreover, the rapidly increasing demand for automobiles across the globe is likely to propel the growth of the petroleum pitch market during the forecast period.
Petroleum pitch offers excellent binding properties leading to its use in road surface sealings. The application of these types of binders during road construction aids in increasing durability and significantly reducing maintenance costs. The trade of road construction materials has been increasing across the globe, offering opportunities to players in the petroleum pitch market.
At present, infrastructure development, especially in emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa, is expected to provide lucrative opportunities to petroleum pitch manufacturers. Additionally, rapid urbanization and industrialization, increasing road renovation, and rising government spending on road construction in developing nations offers immense scope for growth to industry participants during the forecast period.
The global petroleum pitch market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.03% during the forecast period of 2018 to 2023. The factors favoring the growth of this market are increasing product demand in the manufacturing of brake pads and its surging use in manufacturing various carbon-based products. In the coming years, the rising demand for passenger cars and commercial vehicles in emerging automotive markets may fuel the demand for petroleum pitch-based carbon fibers.
However, PAN is proving to be a major substitute for petroleum pitch-based insulations, which is likely to diminish the growth of the global petroleum pitch market during the review period.
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Profiles of 104 companies operating in the Petroleum Pitch Market market, including revenue, employee count, and market positioning where available.
Showing 104 of 104 companies
ORG CHEM Group
Company Headquarters: US Founded: 1979 Workforce: NA Company Working: ORG CHEM Group (ORG CHEM) specializes in the distillation of heat-sensitive materials through the short path distillation process. The company offers its customers distillation and toll processing, recycling of heat-sensitive materials, and products based on heat-sensitive material platforms. It has a presence in the US and Canada, with three facilities in central US.
Rain Carbon Inc.
Company Headquarters: US Founded: 1897 Workforce: 1,750 Company Working: Rain Carbon Inc. (RCI) is one of the world's leading producers of tar-derived base chemicals. It engages in the production of important raw materials for manufacturing carbon-based products and advanced materials. The company has 15 production sites and 1,750 employees across North America, Asia, and Europe.
Koppers Inc.
Company Headquarters: US Founded: 1988 Workforce: 1,800 Company Working: Koppers Inc. (Koppers), a subsidiary of Koppers Holdings Inc., engages in the production and sale of carbon compounds, treated wood products, and wood preservation chemicals. The products offered by Koppers serve various applications such as railroads, specialty chemicals, rubber, agriculture, steel, aluminum, utility, and construction. The company operates through three major business segments—carbon materials and chemicals, performance chemicals, and railroad and utility products and services. As part of its carbon materials and chemicals segment, it manufactures petroleum pitch. The company has a significant presence in North America, Australasia, and Europe.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Company Headquarters: Japan Founded: 1933 Workforce: ~40,507 Company Working: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, is primarily engaged in the production and sales of chemical products and services. It is primarily known for its design, research & development, and manufacturing molded products & components, supplemental materials & adhesives, composite materials, and synthetic papers. The company offers products for drinking water, water purifiers, hollow fiber membrane filters, alkaline ionizers, artificial carbonated water generators. It also offers photovoltaic, battery, display, imaging, lighting, information, semiconductor, and insulating materials. The company has 15 manufacturing facilities and eight research & development units in Japan. Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings America, Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Europe GmbH, and Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporate Staff, Inc. are its subsidiaries.
ThalesNano Inc
Company Headquarters: Hungary Founded: 2003 Workforce: The company has employed more than 50 employees. Company Working: ThalesNano Inc. is a leading provider of benchtop flow chemistry instruments and solutions for laboratories around the world. Their innovative systems, including flow reactors and continuous flow reagents, enable chemists to perform complex reactions efficiently, enhancing productivity and accelerating discovery processes. ThalesNano's technology offers precise control over reaction parameters, resulting in higher yields, reduced reaction times, and improved safety compared to traditional batch processes. Their solutions find applications in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, petrochemicals, and academia. ThalesNano is committed to advancing the field of flow chemistry through continuous research and development, providing scientists with the tools they need to achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to the scientific community
Vapourtec Ltd
Company Headquarters: UK Founded: 2003 Workforce: The company has employed more than 50 employees. Company Working: Vapourtec Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of continuous flow chemistry systems and reactors, revolutionizing chemical synthesis and manufacturing processes. Their highly modular and scalable systems enable precise control over reaction parameters, resulting in improved safety, efficiency, and productivity. Vapourtec's technology offers numerous advantages, including faster reactions, improved selectivity, reduced waste, and increased scalability. Their solutions find applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, agrochemicals, and academia. With a commitment to innovation, Vapourtec continuously develops new reactor modules, software, and accessories to meet the evolving needs of the chemical synthesis community, empowering scientists and engineers to achieve more sustainable and efficient chemical processes
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Petroleum Pitch Market