Overview
Global Rice Husk Ash Market reached US$ 2.21 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 3.22 million by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
Rice husk ash (RHA) is widely used as a supplementary cementitious material in the construction industry. The US spent $1.25 trillion on construction in the private sector in 2021, compared to $346 billion in the public sector. The growing construction sector, especially in developing countries, was driving the demand for rice husk ash as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to cement.
With a rising emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials, RHA was gaining popularity due to its renewable and waste-to-resource nature. Builders and developers were increasingly incorporating RHA into their projects to reduce carbon footprints and promote environmentally friendly practices. Hence, the focus on sustainable building materials acts as a key trend for the growth of the rice husk ash market.
The Asia-Pacific region, particularly countries like India and China, was a significant hub for rice husk ash production and consumption. According to Invest India, a government investment promotion agency, the construction industry in India is estimated to reach $1.4 Tn by 2025. The growth of infrastructure and construction activities in this region was a major driver for the RHA market.
Dynamics
Increasing Demand for Sustainable Construction Materials
The construction industry is growing due to the rising population and urbanization. For instance, according to a report from the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Policy (DPIIT), the construction industry is the third-largest recipient of foreign direct investment, It brought in $51.5 billion between April 2020 and June 2021. Rice husk ash is commonly used as a supplementary cementitious material in the construction industry. Its pozzolanic properties make it a valuable ingredient in the production of sustainable and durable concrete.
Using rice husk ash in construction is environmentally friendly because it helps cut carbon emissions. Traditional cement production is a major greenhouse gas source, especially carbon dioxide. When builders mix rice husk ash with cement, it substantially lowers the carbon footprint of construction projects. This supports global actions against climate change and encourages sustainable building practices.
Growth in the Production of High-Quality Silica
High-quality silica from rice husk ash is a valuable material in electronics, chemicals, metallurgy, and ceramics industries. The growing demand in these sectors drives the need for rice husk ash silica. Notably, its cost-effectiveness compared to other silica sources appeals to manufacturers aiming to cut production costs without compromising quality.
Silica derived from rice husk ash is considered a sustainable and eco-friendly source compared to traditional sources like quartz or sand. This aligns with the global trend of shifting towards environmentally friendly and renewable resources, making rice husk ash a preferred choice for industries looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Problems Associated with Water/Cement Ratio
The incorporation of rice husk ash into concrete mixes can alter the water demand and workability of the mixture. Achieving the right water/cement ratio is crucial for the strength and durability of concrete. If not properly managed, the use of rice husk ash can lead to variations in water demand, making it challenging for builders to maintain the desired consistency and strength of concrete.
Rice husk ash is known to have a slower pozzolanic reaction compared to cement. This means that concrete containing rice husk ash may initially exhibit reduced early strength. This can be a concern for construction projects that require rapid setting and early strength development. Consistency in the quality of rice husk ash can be a challenge. Variations in the chemical composition and fineness of rice husk ash from different sources can affect its reactivity and impact the water/cement ratio.

Segment Analysis
The global rice husk ash market is segmented based on silica content, form, application, end-user and region.
Rising Demand for Sustainable Material in the Construction and Infrastructure Industry
The global population is steadily increasing, creating growth in the construction and infrastructure industry. In December 2022, China’s economic planner reported that China approved 106 significant construction projects worth a combined 1.5 trillion yuan ($214.9 billion) by the end of November 2022. The construction industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability and environmentally friendly building practices. Rice husk ash is considered a green and sustainable material due to its ability to reduce carbon emissions when used as a cement substitute.
Rice husk ash is a cost-effective alternative to traditional materials in construction applications. Its cost-efficiency makes it attractive for both large-scale infrastructure projects and smaller residential constructions, driving its usage. Hence the rising demand for sustainable material in the construction industry along with the cost-effectiveness of rice husk ash is boosting its demand.
Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)
Geographical Penetration
Asia-Pacific’s Growing Infrastructural Development
Asia-Pacific is a significant hub for rice production, with countries like India, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia being among the world’s largest rice producers. FAO reports that in Asia-Pacific, rice is currently cultivated on 146 million hectares, with China and India occupying more than half of the total harvested area. This region generates a substantial amount of rice husk ash as a byproduct of rice milling and drives its market growth in that region.
The Asia-Pacific has been experiencing rapid urbanization and infrastructure development. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, In 2021, The value of China’s construction output peaked at about CNY 29.31 trillion (USD 4.25 trillion). As a result, there is a high demand for construction materials, including rice husk ash, in this region. The construction industry’s growth is a significant driver for the rice husk ash market.
Awareness regarding the environmental advantages of incorporating rice husk ash in construction is on the rise in the Asia-Pacific region. This heightened awareness is boosting greater acceptance and utilization of rice husk ash across various construction applications. It aligns with the region’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly building practices, supporting the material’s growth in the construction sector.
Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Competitive Landscape
The major global players include Guru Corporation, Rescon, JASORIYA RICE MILL, Refratechnik, Astrra Chemicals, Global Recycling, K V Metachem, Rice Husk ASH, Pioneer Carbon and KRBL

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

COVID Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the supply and demand dynamics of rice husk ash, a crucial construction material. Lockdowns and restrictions on movement disrupted supply chains, making it difficult to source and distribute rice husk ash. Reduced transportation options and labor challenges further hindered production and distribution, causing delays and shortages in the market.
Simultaneously, the construction industry, a significant consumer of rice husk ash, was impacted as many projects were delayed due to the pandemic. This reduced the demand for construction materials, including rice husk ash, and created a surplus in the market. Economic uncertainties stemming from the pandemic also led to reduced investment in construction, compounding the challenges faced by the rice husk ash industry.
Russia- Ukraine War Impact
The war disrupted supply chains and led to shortages of construction materials including rice husk ash in the region. This drove up prices and affected the availability of RHA. The conflict impacted shipping routes and transportation costs. Higher shipping costs can increase the overall cost of importing RHA, which may be passed on to consumers or result in reduced demand.
The Russia-Ukraine war has had a significant negative impact on Kuwait’s construction industry. The war has caused disruptions in the global economic system, leading to exceptionally high inflation rates for basic commodities in many Arab countries, including Kuwait. This surge in prices has particularly affected the local construction sector due to increased shipping costs.
By Silica Content


    • 80-84%
    • 85-89%
    • 90-94%
    • Above 95%


By Form


  • • Pallets
    • Powder
    • Flake
    • Nodule/Granules
    • Others


By Application


  • • Construction & Infrastructure
    • Steel Industry
    • Ceramic & Refractories
    • Silica Production
    • Others


By End-User


  • • Metallurgy Industry
    • Oil and Gas Industry
    • Construction Industry
    • Agriculture
    • Transportation Industry
    • Others


By Region


  • • North America


o U.S.
o Canada
o Mexico


  • • Europe


o Germany
o UK
o France
o Italy
o Russia
o Rest of Europe


  • • South America


o Brazil
o Argentina
o Rest of South America


  • • Asia-Pacific


o China
o India
o Japan
o Australia
o Rest of Asia-Pacific


  • • Middle East and Africa


Key Developments


  • • On January 17, 2023, Solvay, launched the company’s first unit of circular highly dispersible silica (HDS), made up of sodium silicate that was obtained from rice husk ash.
    • In September 2022, Evonik, Evonik partnered with the P?rner Group and Phichit BioPower to supply sustainable Ultrasil precipitated silica to various tire manufacturers. When making Ultrasil, green energy sources are used in the creation of a sodium silicate raw material derived from rice husk ash (RHA).
    • In January 2020, A group of researchers and students from the Viet Nam National University declared to finishsh fabrication of a a prototype of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery using rice husks.


Why Purchase the Report?


  • • To visualize the global rice husk ash market segmentation based on product, skill level, target audience, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
    • Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
    • Excel data sheet with numerous data points of rice husk ash market-level with all segments.
    • PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
    • Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.


The global rice husk ash market report would provide approximately 69 tables, 75 figures and 247 Pages.
Target Audience 2023


  • • Manufacturers/ Buyers
    • Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
    • Research Professionals
    • Emerging Companies