Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate Market size was estimated at USD 2.19 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 2.33 billion in 2026, at a CAGR of 5.81% to reach USD 3.26 billion by 2032.

Calcium sulfate hemihydrate, commonly known as plaster of Paris or bassanite, represents an intermediate hydration state of calcium sulfate that underpins a multitude of industrial and consumer applications. This finely divided powder is produced through the controlled calcination of gypsum at temperatures between 100 and 150 °C, yielding a material that, upon rehydration, sets into crystalline gypsum with a characteristic exothermic reaction and minimal solubility in water. Its ability to transform from powder to rigid structure upon mixing with water has made it indispensable in construction, medical, agricultural and food-grade applications.

The calcium sulfate hemihydrate market has undergone profound evolution as technological innovation converges with environmental imperatives. Advanced crystallization techniques and membrane separation technologies have facilitated unprecedented control over particle morphology and purity, enabling producers to meet stringent pharmaceutical and food-grade requirements while simultaneously reducing energy intensity. On the sustainability front, commercial-scale deployment of low-carbon calcination processes and integration of renewable energy sources reflect a sector-wide pivot toward decarbonization, aligning with global regulatory mandates and corporate sustainability goals.

In early 2025, the United States introduced sweeping tariff measures that have reshaped the cost structure and supply chain resilience of calcium sulfate hemihydrate. Under emergency powers, a universal 10% tariff on all imports came into force on April 5, 2025, imposing additional duties on traditional gypsum trade routes and prompting buyers to reassess sourcing strategies. Concurrently, a 30% tariff on imports from China, effective May 14, 2025, and a 25% tariff on Canadian goods from April 3, 2025, have further elevated landed costs and accentuated reliance on domestic and alternative suppliers. Moreover, a Section 232 investigation into pharmaceuticals initiated on April 1, 2025, signals potential future duties on hemihydrate excipients used in medical and dental formulations, underscoring the need for proactive compliance and advocacy.

Insights into the market’s segmentation by application, form, grade and distribution channel reveal a nuanced mosaic of demand drivers and value pools. Within agricultural end uses, calcium sulfate hemihydrate serves as a soil amendment in animal feed supplements, fertilizer additives and direct soil conditioners, benefiting from growing investments in sustainable farming practices and salinity management. In construction, its role spans floor screed formulations, plasterboard production, stucco facades and wall plasters, where regulatory focus on indoor air quality and rapid-setting compounds has bolstered adoption. Food and beverage applications leverage hemihydrate’s function as a coagulant in tofu and cheese, additive in bakery and cereal products, and clarifying agent in brewing and winemaking, supported by approvals under E516 and FAO firming agent classifications. Medical uses encompass bone cement and hemostatic dressings, while pharmaceutical-grade hemihydrate is employed as an excipient in tablet formulations, reflecting its biocompatibility and controlled-setting characteristics.

Regional market dynamics vary significantly across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific, driven by divergent regulatory landscapes, infrastructure investments and agricultural policies. In the Americas, robust construction activity in North America and renewed focus on soil resilience in South America have reinforced demand for both building-grade plaster and agricultural gypsum, underpinned by expanding distribution networks and favorable trade agreements. Across Europe, Middle East and Africa, stringent environmental directives and circular economy initiatives have catalyzed investments in recycled gypsum recovery and low-emission manufacturing processes. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific continues to lead consumption growth, propelled by rapid urbanization in China and India, government initiatives on sustainable agriculture and infrastructure investments under regional development plans.

The competitive landscape is shaped by established multinational leaders and specialized regional players executing distinct growth strategies. Imerys, with vertically integrated operations spanning mining to specialty mineral processing, has prioritized strategic capacity expansions and digital transformation in its global calcium sulfate portfolio. Minerals Technologies Inc., renowned for its proprietary crystal engineering and satellite plant network, distinguishes itself through functional additive solutions tailored for paper, coatings and pharmaceutical end uses. Huber Engineered Materials commands significant share through its HuberCal® and Hubercarb® product lines, offering food and USP-grade powders and granulations under ISO-certified processes. In North America, Mississippi Lime Company and United States Gypsum Company leverage extensive distribution networks, legacy brand equity and quality certifications to serve agricultural and industrial customers with reliable supply and technical support.

To capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate regulatory and tariff headwinds, industry leaders should prioritize several strategic imperatives. First, advancing low-carbon calcination and renewable energy integration will align operations with evolving ESG frameworks and reduce exposure to carbon-related policy risk. Second, diversifying sourcing across domestic and alternative international suppliers can strengthen supply chain resilience against unilateral tariffs and trade disruptions. Third, deepening investment in application-specific R&D-particularly for accelerated-setting formulations, ultra-fine grades and bioactive medical composites-will unlock premium value segments. Furthermore, forging partnerships with agricultural extension services and construction material innovators can accelerate end-user education and uptake of sustainable gypsum solutions. Finally, engaging proactively with trade policy stakeholders and standard-setting bodies will ensure industry perspectives are represented in forthcoming import duty and Section 232 determinations.

Our analysis is underpinned by a rigorous multi-tiered research methodology combining primary interviews with senior executives, technical experts and procurement specialists across the value chain, alongside exhaustive secondary research. Industry and regulatory publications, customs data, company reports and patent filings were triangulated to validate quantitative insights. Advanced analytics and scenario modeling were employed to stress-test supply chain configurations under variable tariff and energy price assumptions. The segmentation framework was structured based on functional applications, physical forms, purity grades and distribution channels, ensuring actionable granularity. Finally, peer review by independent subject matter experts and iterative stakeholder feedback loops were integrated to enhance the robustness and practical relevance of our findings.

As the calcium sulfate hemihydrate market negotiates the intersection of sustainability mandates, technological progress and shifting trade policies, stakeholders must adopt agile strategies that balance cost management with innovation investment. The convergence of low-carbon processing, supply chain diversification and application-driven R&D promises to reshape competitive dynamics and unlock differentiated growth pockets. Regional and segment-level nuances underscore the critical importance of tailored go-to-market approaches and collaborative partnerships. By synthesizing these insights into coherent strategic plans, industry participants can navigate volatility and capitalize on the profound structural transformations redefining the global calcium sulfate hemihydrate landscape.

For an in-depth exploration of the comprehensive market drivers, competitive dynamics and strategic opportunities within the calcium sulfate hemihydrate landscape, reach out to Ketan Rohom, Associate Director, Sales & Marketing at 360iResearch. Engage directly to secure the definitive market research report that will empower your organization with actionable intelligence, tailored solutions and exclusive executive insights to drive growth and operational excellence in this critical industrial segment.