（April 15, 2026: Industry Observations）Entering the second quarter, beyond the traditional rubber industry, there has been an explosive increase in the demand for fumed silica in emerging fields such as lithium batteries, photovoltaics, and electronic adhesives. This trend is reshaping the overall demand landscape of the industry, leading to a persistent shortage of high-purity, low-metal-ion fumed silica products.  

Unlike in previous years, when the demand mainly came from the tire and rubber products sector, this year, the main driving force behind the growth in fumed silica demand comes from the new energy industry chain.  

In the field of lithium batteries, nano-sized fumed silica is used in separator coatings and electrolyte additives. It can significantly enhance a battery’s heat resistance, cycle life, and safety. As a result, many leading battery manufacturers have increased their purchases of this material, and the prices of specialized versions of fumed silica are more than twice as high as those of ordinary products.  

In the photovoltaic sector, fumed silica serves as a key reinforcing filler in adhesives and sealants for photovoltaic modules. With the expansion of production capacity in this area, demand for fumed silica has increased significantly year-on-year, making it a new source of profit growth for companies.  

At the same time, demand for electronic-grade and food/pharmaceutical-grade fumed silica is also steadily rising. The gross profit margins of these high-end products are generally higher than those of traditional varieties, which has prompted many companies to adjust their production capacity structures accordingly.  

Several companies have stated that while the supply and demand for ordinary fumed silica are currently stable, the production capacity for high-purity products with low impurities and high specific surface areas is nearly at full capacity, resulting in significantly extended lead times for orders.The industry believes that, as the standards for new energy materials continue to rise, the fumed silica industry is undergoing a transformation from being primarily used as a bulk filler to becoming a type of “functional new material.”

In the future, companies that possess the capability to produce materials suitable for electronic applications and lithium-ion batteries will hold a competitive advantage in this industry.