Platinum Group Metals Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Metal Type (Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, Iridium, Ruthenium, Osmium), By Applications (Autocatalysts, Electricals and Electronics, Fuel Cells, Glass, Ceramics, and Pigments, Jewelry, Medical, Chemical Industry, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The global platinum group metals market was valued at USD 18.50 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 29.69 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The automotive industry has increased focus on emission control regulations owing to a rise in the air pollutants levels, which is estimated to boost the adoption of catalytic converters, in turn driving the demand for PGMs from the automotive sector. These metals are also extensively used in the electronics industry, and the exponential growth of this industry in the past few years and the coming future is estimated to create opportunities for market growth.

Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) comprise six noble, precious metallic elements: platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir), and osmium (Os). Renowned for their exceptional catalytic properties, resistance to tarnish, and high melting points, PGMs are critical in various industrial applications. Platinum and palladium are extensively used in catalytic converters to reduce vehicle emissions. Rhodium is valued in catalytic converters and for its reflective properties. Ruthenium finds use in electronics and chemical industries. Iridium, highly corrosion-resistant, is used in high-temperature crucibles and electronics. Osmium, the densest element, is utilized in alloys and specialized equipment. Their rarity and essential industrial roles make PGMs highly valuable.

Highlight

• Palladium dominates the metal-type segment
• Autocatalysts dominate the application segment
• Asia-Pacific held the largest market share

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Rising Demand in the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is a major driver of PGM demand, primarily due to the widespread utilization of platinum and palladium in catalytic converters, which are essential for reducing vehicle emissions. Stringent global emission regulations, particularly in Europe, North America, and increasingly in Asia-Pacific, mandate the use of these converters to comply with environmental standards.

Furthermore, in 2023, the automotive sector accounted for approximately 40% of the global platinum demand and 85% of the global palladium demand. The rising shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles, which still utilize PGMs in their catalytic systems, further fuels this demand. Also, the growing focus on cleaner technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that use platinum as a catalyst, underscores the critical role of PGMs in the automotive industry's future.

Market Restraint

Volatility in PGM Prices

Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) prices are notoriously volatile, subject to fluctuations driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and variations in market demand. This volatility presents significant challenges for industries relying on PGMs, such as automotive and electronics manufacturers, which require stable budgeting and long-term planning pricing. For example, the projected median prices for palladium were USD 1,950 per ounce in the first quarter of 2022, USD 2,000 per ounce in the second quarter and an average of USD 2,025 per ounce for the entire year.

However, it is expected to decrease to USD 1,907 per ounce in 2023. Such price instability can deter investment and complicate financial forecasting for companies. Moreover, the cyclical nature of mining activities and the concentration of PGM production in specific regions, like South Africa and Russia, exacerbate these price swings. As a result, businesses must navigate the uncertainty of PGM prices, impacting their profitability and operational efficiency.

Market Opportunities

Expansion in the Electronics Industry

The electronics industry presents a substantial growth opportunity for the Platinum Group Metals (PGM) market. PGMs are critical in manufacturing various electronic components due to their excellent conductive properties, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Platinum and palladium, in particular, are used in the production of hard disks, LCD screens, and connectors. As the demand for advanced electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and wearable technology, continues to rise, so does the need for high-quality PGMs.

Furthermore, the rollout of 5G technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) expansion are expected to significantly boost the electronics sector, creating a robust demand for PGMs. The global electronics market, valued at USD 464.60 billion in 204, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.92% from 2024 to 2029, highlighting the substantial market potential for PGMs in this industry.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global platinum group metals market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global platinum group metals market shareholder and is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) market, driven by rapid industrialization and significant expansion in the automotive sector. Nations like China and India play pivotal roles in this regional growth due to their large manufacturing bases, increasing demand for vehicles, and progressive adoption of clean energy technologies.

China's platinum group metals market is primarily fueled by its automotive and industrial sectors. As the world's largest automotive market, China significantly contributes to the global consumption of palladium and platinum for catalytic converters used in vehicles. Moreover, China's ambitious plans to lead the global electric vehicle market. As per the Ministry of Public Security in China, China witnessed 13.1 million new electric vehicles (EVs) in 2022, accounting for 4.1% of all vehicle sales. This is a 67.13% increase over the 7.84 million EVs sold in 2021. These figures are anticipated to increase in the upcoming years; an average annual growth rate of 17.15% is predicted between 2023 and 2028. This is estimated to drive the demand for PGMs, especially in the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that utilize platinum as a key component.

India's PGM market is another significant player in the Asia-Pacific, experiencing substantial growth driven by its expanding automotive industry and industrialization efforts. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies, India's demand for vehicles is rising, leading to increased consumption of PGMs for catalytic converters. The Indian government's implementation of Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission standards, equivalent to Euro 6 standards, has necessitated the use of advanced catalytic technologies incorporating PGMs to curb vehicular emissions. Moreover, India's burgeoning electronics industry, which includes the production of mobile phones and other electronic devices, relies on PGMs for various components due to their superior conductive properties.

Consequently, all these factors together are estimated to expedite the Asia-Pacific platinum group metals market.

The European region is a significant market for Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), driven by stringent environmental regulations and the presence of dominant automotive manufacturers. Countries like Germany and France are pivotal in shaping the demand for PGMs, particularly platinum and palladium, within the region.

Germany's PGM market is at the forefront, largely due to its robust automotive industry. As the home to leading car manufacturers such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, Germany significantly contributes to the demand for palladium and platinum used in catalytic converters. These converters are essential for meeting the stringent Euro 6 emission standards aimed at reducing vehicular emissions. Germany's focus on innovation and technology in the automotive sector, including the development of electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, further boosts the demand for PGMs, particularly platinum, used in fuel cell technology.

France's PGM market also plays a significant role in focusing on sustainability and technological advancement. The French automotive industry, represented by companies like Renault and Peugeot, relies on PGMs for catalytic converters to meet stringent emission standards imposed by the European Union. France's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner transportation solutions has led to increased investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology, further driving the demand for platinum, a key catalyst in fuel cells. France's thriving aerospace and electronics sectors also utilize PGMs to manufacture high-performance components for aircraft, satellites, and electronic devices.

Thus, the factors above are estimated to boost the European platinum group metals market.

Analyst’s Perspective

According to our research analyst, platinum group metals remain essential to the automotive sector due to their unparalleled effectiveness in emission control technologies and emerging applications in the hydrogen economy. Automotive manufacturers and suppliers must continue to innovate and invest in sustainable practices to navigate the complex market dynamics of PGMs. As the automotive industry seeks to enhance sustainability, the recycling of PGMs from end-of-life vehicles is becoming increasingly important. Moreover, long-term prospects for PGMs in the automotive sector appear robust, driven by stringent emission standards, the growth of hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and the ongoing transition to more sustainable practices.

Segmental Analysis

The global platinum group metals market is segmented by metal type and application.

Based on metal type, the global platinum group metals market is divided into platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, and osmium. 

The palladium segment dominates the global market and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.01% over the forecast period. The palladium segment plays a crucial role in the Platinum Group Metals (PGM) market, primarily driven by its extensive use in the automotive industry. Palladium is a fundamental component in catalytic converters, essential for reducing harmful vehicle emissions. As global emission standards become more stringent, especially in regions like North America and Europe, the demand for palladium has surged.

Moreover, palladium's applications extend to electronics, dentistry, and chemical industries, where it is used for its excellent catalytic properties. The surging production of hybrid and electric vehicles, which still incorporate palladium in their systems, further bolsters this segment. However, the palladium market faces supply constraints and price volatility challenges, impacting overall market stability and pricing strategies.

Based on application, the global platinum group metals market is segmented into autocatalysts, electricals and electronics, fuel cells, glass, ceramics, and pigments, jewelry, medical, chemical industry, and others.

The autocatalysts segment is estimated to own the highest market share and grow at a CAGR of 4.98% over the forecast period. The autocatalyst segment is a major driving force behind the growth of the global platinum group metals (PGM) market. Autocatalysts, essential components in vehicles, play a pivotal role in minimizing harmful emissions by converting pollutants into less harmful substances. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium are key components of autocatalysts, acting as catalysts to facilitate chemical reactions that convert pollutants like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances.

Moreover, the increasing stringency of emission regulations globally has led to a growing demand for advanced autocatalyst technologies, especially in the automotive sector. As governments and regulatory bodies push for cleaner air and stricter emission standards, the automotive industry's reliance on PGMs is expected to grow, solidifying autocatalysts as a significant driver of the platinum group metals market.

Impact of covid-19

The automotive industry is critical to the economy's growth. However, during the second and third quarters of 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak impacted the whole automotive supply chain, affecting new car sales in FY 2020.

South America is most affected by COVID-19, with Brazil leading the way, followed by Ecuador, Chile, Peru, and Argentina. South America's government (SAM) has taken a number of steps to protect its citizens and stem the spread of COVID-19. South America is expected to have fewer export revenues as commodity prices fall and export volumes fall, particularly to China, Europe, and the United States, which are all significant trading partners. The manufacturing industry, especially automotive manufacturing, has been damaged by containment measures in various South American countries. Due to the pandemic, major automotive manufacturers have also temporarily halted manufacturing in the region as a cost-cutting move. Furthermore, the automobile disc brake industry has been significantly affected in 2020 due to a lack of raw materials and supply chain disruption.

The Automotive Brake System control module of a vehicle is meant to alert the driver with a warning light if the system fails. The module itself is rarely defective; instead, the sensors or the wiring to the sensors are frequently defective. The most typical cause of dysfunction is when the Automotive Brake System is contaminated with particles or metal shavings. There is no signal continuity when sensor wiring is destroyed. Brake fluid becomes contaminated in corrosive situations, and the hydraulic unit fails to function.

Recent Developments

• January 2024- Mitsubishi Corp., a Japanese company, and Elemental Holding SA, a Luxembourg-based company, decided to collaborate on the recycling of platinum group metals (PGMs).
• May 2024- The Russian producer of palladium and platinum, Nornickel, announced its intentions to build a platinum group metals (PGMs) refinery in Bahrain, according to Reuters.