Diatomite Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Source (Fresh Water Diatomite and Saltwater Diatomite), By Application (Filter Media, Cement Additive, Filler, Absorbent, Insecticides, Others), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Diatomite Market was valued at USD 1.21 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.55 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.22% during the forecast period.  In 2021, the average of agricultural land in China amounted to approximately 164.7 million hectares.

Diatomite, also known as diatomaceous earth, is a naturally happening, sedimentary rock that is composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms. These microscopic single-celled algae are a type of phytoplankton that thrives in aquatic environments such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. Diatomite is known for its unique physical and chemical properties, which make it useful in a variety of industrial and consumer applications. Diatomite has several unique physical and chemical properties that make it a valuable industrial material. One of the most notable properties is its high porosity, which allows it to absorb liquids and gases up to several times its own weight. This makes diatomite useful as an absorbent material in a variety of applications, such as in kitty litter, industrial spill cleanup, and as a filtration medium for beer, wine, and other beverages.

Diatomite's high porosity and unique structure make it an excellent filtration medium. It is used in a variety of industries, such as the production of beer, wine, and other beverages, as well as in the filtration of swimming pool water, pharmaceuticals, and industrial wastewater. Diatomite's high absorbency makes it useful as an absorbent material in a variety of applications, such as in kitty litter, industrial spill cleanup, and as a drying agent in food processing.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Filtration Media

The global diatomite market is witnessing robust growth, primarily driven by the increasing demand for efficient and sustainable filtration media across multiple industries. Diatomite, a naturally occurring, silica-rich sedimentary rock formed from the fossilized remains of diatoms, offers superior porosity, low density, and high surface area, making it an ideal candidate for use in filtration applications. These properties enable it to effectively remove impurities from liquids and gases, making it indispensable in water treatment plants, food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, and industrial filtration systems.

One of the major growth drivers for the diatomite market is the expanding water treatment industry. With rising concerns over water quality and stringent environmental regulations, municipalities and industries alike are increasingly adopting advanced filtration technologies that incorporate diatomite. Its ability to filter fine particles without the use of chemicals makes it an environmentally friendly choice, particularly attractive in regions with growing water scarcity issues. Additionally, the food and beverage sector relies heavily on diatomite for clarifying products like beer, wine, fruit juices, and edible oils. As consumer demand for clean-label and contaminant-free products increases, so too does the need for effective, natural filtration materials.

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are also contributing significantly to the demand for diatomite-based filtration media. Diatomite ensures product purity and compliance with regulatory standards by filtering out microbial contaminants during drug production. Its usage in biofiltration and chromatography further supports its relevance in this sector. Moreover, as global pharmaceutical production ramps up to meet the needs of an aging population and increased healthcare access, the demand for reliable filtration solutions is growing proportionately. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India's pharmaceutical exports reached ₹1.8 trillion (US$23.04 billion) in FY22.

In industrial applications, diatomite is used for filtering oils, chemicals, and solvents. The surge in chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, and food ingredient production worldwide is creating new opportunities for diatomite producers. Furthermore, with industries prioritizing sustainability and seeking alternatives to synthetic filter aids, diatomite—being naturally occurring and biodegradable—is emerging as a preferred choice.

The global diatomite market is experiencing strong momentum due to its pivotal role as a filtration medium in various critical sectors. As industries seek more sustainable and efficient methods for purification and quality control, the demand for high-performance diatomite products is expected to continue its upward trajectory. This trend is likely to encourage further investment in diatomite mining, processing technologies, and application development in the years to come.

Expansion in the Agriculture Industry is Driving Market Growth

The global diatomite market is witnessing significant growth, largely driven by the rapid expansion of the agricultural sector. Diatomite, also known as diatomaceous earth, is a naturally occurring, silica-rich sedimentary rock composed of fossilized remains of diatoms. Its unique physical and chemical properties—such as high porosity, low density, and abrasiveness—make it an ideal material for use in various agricultural applications, including as a natural pesticide, soil conditioner, and animal feed additive.

One of the most prominent factors fueling demand for diatomite in agriculture is the growing global emphasis on sustainable and organic farming practices. Diatomite serves as a non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, helping to reduce the use of synthetic agrochemicals while enhancing soil health. Its ability to absorb moisture and improve aeration in soil also promotes healthier root development and improves crop yields. As the global population continues to grow, the pressure to increase agricultural productivity sustainably is driving farmers and agribusinesses to adopt diatomite-based products. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the agricultural sector employed approximately 873 million individuals in 2021, representing 27% of the global workforce. This marks a decline from 1.027 billion, or 40% of the global workforce, in the year 2000.

Diatomite is gaining traction in animal husbandry, where it is used as an anti-caking agent in animal feed and as a natural insecticide in livestock farming. It helps control parasites and insects without harming animals or contaminating the environment. With rising demand for high-quality livestock and dairy products, the use of diatomite in this segment is expected to grow steadily. The expansion of agriculture, particularly the shift towards sustainable and organic practices, is a major driver of growth in the global diatomite market. As stakeholders continue to prioritize eco-friendly farming inputs, the use of diatomite is expected to rise, reinforcing its position as a critical material in modern agriculture. As per the press release titled “First Revised Estimates of National Income, Consumption Expenditure and Capital Formation for 2021–22” issued by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on January 31, 2023, the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the livestock sector stood at approximately ₹12,27,766 crore. Between 2014–15 and 2020–21, the sector recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.93%. For the financial year 2021–22, the GVA of the livestock sector at constant prices was estimated at ₹6,54,937 crore, accounting for around 30.47% of the total GVA of the Agriculture and Allied Sector.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

Limited Availability of High-Quality Diatomite Deposits

One of the major challenges faced by the diatomite market is the limited availability of high-quality diatomite deposits. Diatomite deposits are geographically restricted and are not uniformly distributed across the globe. This creates logistical challenges in transportation and can cause supply chain disruptions. Diatomite mining is a costly process, especially in areas where the deposits are deep underground or located in remote regions. The high cost of mining and transportation can impact the overall profitability of diatomite producers, leading to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. Diatomite faces competition from several substitute products such as perlite, vermiculite, and activated carbon, which can perform similar functions in many applications. This competition can impact the overall demand for diatomite, leading to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. The mining and processing of diatomite can have a negative impact on the environment, particularly if the mining is done using open-pit mining methods. Environmental regulations and concerns about sustainability are increasingly becoming a factor in the diatomite market, which could lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory compliance costs for producers. The demand for diatomite is driven by several end-use markets such as filtration, agriculture, personal care, and industrial applications. Fluctuations in these end-use markets can impact the overall demand for diatomite, leading to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.

Key Market Trends

Technological Advancements

The global diatomite market is witnessing significant growth, fueled by rapid technological advancements across various end-use industries. Diatomite, also known as diatomaceous earth, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that can be easily crumbled into a fine white powder. It possesses unique physical properties such as high porosity, low density, high surface area, and excellent filtration capabilities. These characteristics have made it increasingly valuable in sectors such as agriculture, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, construction, and food and beverage processing.

One of the major technological developments impacting the diatomite market is the advancement in filtration technologies. Diatomite is widely used as a filtration aid due to its superior permeability and particle retention capabilities. Innovations in membrane and bio-filtration systems have enhanced the demand for diatomite as a cost-effective and natural filter medium. Additionally, improvements in processing technologies have allowed manufacturers to develop customized grades of diatomite with enhanced filtration performance, further expanding its application in breweries, pharmaceuticals, and industrial wastewater treatment.

In agriculture, the integration of nanotechnology with diatomite-based soil amendments has opened new avenues for improved soil health and crop yield. Diatomite’s ability to retain moisture and nutrients makes it an ideal additive in sustainable farming practices. The development of precision agriculture tools has also enabled more efficient application of diatomite-based products, boosting productivity and reducing environmental impact.

The construction industry is adopting diatomite as an eco-friendly additive in lightweight concrete and insulation materials. Advancements in material science have enabled diatomite to be used in the production of energy-efficient building materials with better thermal and acoustic insulation properties. These innovations are particularly relevant in the context of green building standards and sustainable construction practices.

The pharmaceutical and personal care industries are also contributing to market growth, with diatomite being utilized as an excipient and abrasive in tablets and toothpaste. Technological progress in formulation science has improved the compatibility and safety profile of diatomite in these applications, supporting broader adoption. The growing focus on environmental sustainability has led to increased use of diatomite in pollution control technologies. Emerging solutions in air purification and oil spill cleanup are utilizing diatomite for its absorbent and chemical inertness properties. As environmental regulations become stricter, diatomite is being explored as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials in environmental remediation. Continuous technological innovations across filtration, agriculture, construction, pharmaceuticals, and environmental applications are driving the expansion of the global diatomite market. As industries prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, the role of technologically refined diatomite products is expected to strengthen, positioning the market for robust growth in the coming years.

Segmental Insights

Source Insights

Based on the Source, the Saltwater Diatomite segment has emerged as the dominating segment in the Global Diatomite Market in 2024, due to its superior purity, higher silica content, and broader industrial applicability compared to freshwater diatomite. Saltwater diatomite is primarily derived from marine deposits, which contain diatom skeletons with intricate structures and a higher concentration of silica—making it exceptionally efficient for filtration, insulation, and abrasive applications.

The dominance of this segment is significantly driven by the growing demand from the food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and industrial filtration sectors, where high-performance filtration media is critical. Saltwater diatomite's uniform pore size and structural consistency make it highly suitable for use in filtering beverages like beer, wine, and juices, as well as in water purification and swimming pool filters. Moreover, its superior thermal insulation capabilities have resulted in increased use in industrial furnaces and construction materials, particularly in emerging economies undergoing rapid industrialization.

Another key factor supporting the growth of the saltwater diatomite segment is the expanding availability of marine diatomite deposits in countries such as the United States, China, and Peru. These regions have invested in advanced mining and processing technologies to enhance production efficiency and product quality, thus strengthening supply chains and export potential.

Furthermore, saltwater diatomite’s chemical stability and non-toxicity align well with global sustainability goals and regulations promoting environmentally friendly materials, further solidifying its market leadership. Overall, the combination of superior properties, expanding industrial uses, and technological advancements has positioned saltwater diatomite as the dominant segment in 2024..

Application Insights

Based on the Application, the Filter Media segment has emerged as the fastest-growing segment in the Global Diatomite Market in 2024, due to several key factors driving its increasing demand worldwide. Diatomite, also known as diatomaceous earth, possesses unique physical and chemical properties such as high porosity, low density, and excellent filtration capabilities, making it an ideal material for use as filter media.

One of the primary drivers behind the rapid growth of the filter media segment is the rising global demand for clean water and wastewater treatment. As environmental regulations become more stringent, industries and municipalities are increasingly investing in efficient filtration systems to remove contaminants and impurities from water sources. Diatomite-based filter media provides an effective, natural, and cost-efficient solution for water purification, beverage filtration, and chemical processing, which enhances its attractiveness. The growth in various end-use industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and chemicals is fueling the demand for high-quality filtration solutions. For example, in the beverage industry, diatomite is widely used for clarifying beer, wine, and fruit juices, ensuring product purity and quality. The pharmaceutical sector uses diatomite filter media for sterilizing and purifying liquids, further expanding its market scope.

Technological advancements in diatomite processing and filtration equipment are improving the efficiency and lifespan of diatomite filter media, encouraging wider adoption. The environmental sustainability of diatomite as a naturally occurring, non-toxic mineral also aligns with the global shift toward eco-friendly industrial processes.

Download Free Sample Report

Regional Insights

Based on Region, the Asia Pacific emerged as the dominating region in the Global Diatomite Market in 2024, due to a confluence of several strategic and economic factors. Primarily, rapid industrialization and urbanization across countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea have significantly driven demand for diatomite in various end-use industries, including construction, agriculture, filtration, and manufacturing. The region’s expanding construction sector, fueled by government infrastructure projects and rising urban populations, has increased the consumption of diatomite as a lightweight aggregate and insulator. Additionally, Asia Pacific’s robust agricultural sector is another major contributor, as diatomite is widely used as a natural pesticide and soil conditioner, enhancing crop yield and sustainable farming practices in countries like India and China. The growing demand for clean water and industrial filtration systems, particularly in rapidly developing economies, further bolsters the use of diatomite in water treatment plants and beverage industries. Moreover, the presence of abundant diatomite reserves and mining activities in this region ensures a steady supply chain, reducing dependence on imports and lowering production costs. Favorable government policies, such as incentives for mining and export, alongside increasing foreign direct investment, have attracted multinational corporations to invest and expand their production capacities within Asia Pacific. Technological advancements in mining and processing methods have also enhanced the quality and application range of diatomite sourced from this region. Lastly, the rise in environmental awareness and demand for eco-friendly materials has encouraged the adoption of diatomite as a sustainable alternative in multiple applications, further solidifying Asia Pacific’s leading position in the global diatomite market in 2024.

Recent Development

• In May 2025, Chuanshan International was awarded a mining license to extract diatomite in the region. This approval follows the company’s successful fulfillment of all regulatory requirements to commence operations in an area identified as rich in various mineral deposits.
• In May 2025, a study published in *ScienceDirect* reported the successful preparation of NH₂-MIL-125/diatomite composites with varying NH₂-MIL-125 loadings, utilizing an in-situ nucleation growth technique to form NH₂-MIL-125 crystals directly on the diatomite surface. Characterization results indicated a morphological transition of NH₂-MIL-125 from tetragonal plates to triangular blocks, while ensuring uniform dispersion throughout the diatomite matrix.
• In March 2024, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) alleged that a regional fertilizer distributor based in Kenya engaged in fraudulent practices by supplying substandard fertilizer to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

Key Market Players

• Imerys S.A.
• Calgon Carbon Corporation
• Showa Chemical Industry Co.
• Diatomit CJSC
• Dicalite Management Group, Inc.
• Jilin Yuan Tong Mineral Co., Ltd.
• Qingdao Best diatomite Co.Ltd.,
• EP Minerals LLC
• U.S. SILICA Holdings Inc.
• Shenzhou Xinglong Products of Diatomite Co,.Ltd.

Report Scope

In this report, global Diatomite market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends, which have also been detailed below:

• Diatomite Market, By Source:
• Fresh Water Diatomite
• Saltwater Diatomite
• Diatomite Market, By Application:
• Filter Media
• Cement Additive
• Filler
• Adsorbent
• Insecticides
• Others
• Diatomite Market, By Region:
• North America
• United States
• Mexico
• Canada
• Europe
• France
• Germany
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• Italy
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Japan
• Singapore
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Competitive landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in Global Diatomite market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Diatomite Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected].