Market Challenges And Opportunities

Drivers

Rise in demand for lime in the production of precipitated calcium carbonate-

Growing demand for lime in the production of precipitated calcium carbonate is expected to serve as a major driving factor for the market of U.S. lime. As per the National Lime Association precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is an innovative product derived from lime. Paper, plastic, paint, rubber, and ink are just a few of the applications for precipitated calcium carbonate. Furthermore, because to its high calcium content, precipitate calcium carbonate is utilised in the manufacture of calcium-based antacid formulations and multi-vitamin tablets. Due to its high calcium concentration, PCC may be used to create multivitamin/mineral pills and calcium supplements with large dosages. Precipitated calcium carbonate production utilizes the milk of lime process, which involves direct carbonation of hydrated lime slurry.

Growth in the construction industry in the U.S.

Growth in the construction industry in the U.S. is propelling the market growth of lime in the region. Lime is commonly used in steel manufacturing. The main application of lime in construction is in soil stabilization for airfields, highways, earthen dams, and building foundations plus lime could be used with specific chemicals to make other metals, and it is also a crucial component in lime slurry mortar and plaster. For instance, according to the associated general contractors of America, construction employment increases in 42 states and D.C. from May 2022 to May 2023, while 24 states add construction employees for the month. Therefore, growth in the construction industry of the U.S. is expected to accelerate the market growth of the overall U.S. lime market over the forecast period.

Market Restraints

Limited storage time of lime-

Storage time of lime is a key challenge faced by manufacturers, especially among the major players and this is expected to hinder the market growth of lime. Lime cannot be stored for a longer period because lime changes its chemical and physical characteristics very easily. When lime comes in contact with moisture and carbon dioxide it eventually becomes unsuitable for use. Limited production of lime due to harsh weather conditions is expected to hinder the market growth of the U.S. lime. Limited production of lime is a major factor expected to restrict the market growth of lime in the U.S. over the forecast period.

Market Opportunity-

Escalation in consumption of cement in the U.S.

A rise in the consumption of cement is expected to represent potential opportunities for the lime market. As the popularity of the construction business started to rise in the U.S., cement, which is considered one of the important factors for construction, also requires lime content. It can be seen that the percentage of lime in cement is 62 – 65%, i.e. approximately 60 – 67%. Since lime mortar produced by lime aging has strong water retention, it may be used with cement mortar to increase mortar water retention and therefore facilitate building. According to the data from the U.S Energy Information Administration, the total energy consumption of the cement industry in 2022 was 406.9 trillion Btu.

Growth in the pulp & paper industry

Increase in the pulp & paper industry in the U.S. country is expected to present lucrative growth opportunities to the market of the U.S. Lime. Lime can be used as a coagulant in color removal, an air conditioner, and, to a lesser extent, a neutralizing agent in the treatment of pulp and paper mill liquid wastes. It's also utilized to recover valuable by-products from pulp and paper mill trash. For instance, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, U.S. Producer Price Index by Commodity: Pulp, Paper, and Allied Products: Wood Pulp reached a record high of 222.30000. Therefore, the growing pulp and paper industry in the country is expected to augment the market growth of the U.S. lime over the forecast timeframe.