April 13, 2026 Comprehensive News

Recently, the silica market has exhibited clear characteristics of “reviving foreign trade and diverging domestic sales.” The adjustment in the demand structure of downstream industries, combined with the recovery of foreign trade channels, have collectively shaped a new competitive landscape for the industry. The varying strategic focus of companies in different segments has become a key factor in their core competitiveness.

I. Continuous recovery in foreign trade orders and accelerated recovery of export channels

As the global manufacturing sector gradually recovers, the silica industry in the field of foreign trade is experiencing significant growth opportunities. According to customs statistics, in the first quarter of 2026, China’s exports of silica increased by 21.5% year-on-year, with markets in Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America performing particularly well.

Among the key export products, high-whisker silica now accounts for over 52% of total exports, an increase of 8 percentage points compared to the same period last year. This type of silica is mainly supplied to overseas manufacturers of new energy tires and high-end coatings. In contrast, the export growth rate for ordinary industrial-grade silica remained around 3%, indicating an increasingly clear trend towards differentiated product exports.

In terms of foreign trade channels, many companies have added “customized models” as services to develop products tailored to the specific performance requirements of overseas customers—for example, particle size, specific surface area, and dispersibility. At the same time, these companies are also optimizing international logistics and delivery times to further strengthen their market share overseas.

II. Significant polarization in the domestic sales market, with an expanding demand gap for high-end products  
The domestic market for fumed silica shows a clear trend of “polarization,” with differences in demand across various application areas accelerating the upgrading of product portfolios.  

1. There has been a surge in demand for high-purity fumed silica used in lithium battery separators and electrode pastes. In the first quarter, domestic sales increased by 32% year-on-year. Some companies have nearly reached full capacity for their high-end products, leading to tight spot supplies, and many have begun expanding their production capacity.  

2.Traditional rubber industry: Demand remains stable, with a focus on mid-to-low-end fumed silica products. However, there is a growing demand for highly dispersed types of fumed silica used in green tires. Companies are accelerating process improvements to meet the environmental requirements of tire manufacturers.  

3.Cosmetics and fine chemicals: Demand for specific applications such as abrasives in toothpaste and matting agents in coatings is steadily increasing. Consumers are demanding higher levels of whiteness, purity, and particle size distribution, prompting companies to invest more in refined production processes.  

III. Companies accelerate process improvements, with green development and differentiation becoming key priorities  
In response to changing market demands, fumed silica producers are focusing on technological upgrades and product innovation, with two main areas of emphasis:Promotion of green technologies: The CO2 acidification method and continuous production processes are being rapidly adopted. Compared with the traditional sulfuric acid method, these technologies can reduce carbon emissions by more than 30% while also lowering raw material costs, making them a key approach for companies to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Differentiated product competition: Companies are focusing on developing core competitiveness through high purity, high dispersion, and customized products. They are launching specialized models for areas such as electronic materials, high-end coatings, and new energy applications, thereby avoiding the low-price competition associated with general-purpose products and further enhancing the added value of their offerings.

IV. Outlook for the future market: Dual drivers of domestic and international demand will lead to increased market differentiation

In the second quarter of 2026, the silica market will continue to be driven by both domestic and international demand. On the export side, there will be sustained demand from overseas markets for new energy tires and electronic materials, meaning that exports of high-value-added products are expected to maintain rapid growth. On the domestic front, there will still be a supply-demand gap for high-end products, while competition in the standard-grade product segment is expected to intensify.

Industry experts predict that market differentiation will further accelerate in the future. Companies that possess green production capabilities, strong research and development capabilities for high-end products, and stable foreign trade channels will continue to dominate the market. However, small and medium-sized enterprises that lack technological upgrades and channel expansion capabilities will face increasingly limited prospects. The overall trend towards a market that emphasizes high-end quality, customization, and environmental sustainability is irreversible.