Core Viewpoint - The global zircon concentrate market is undergoing structural adjustments, with increased production capacity in major regions like Australia and Mozambique leading to a significant rise in global zircon resource supply. This supply-side effect is transmitted to the domestic market, coinciding with the expansion of China's zirconia industry capacity, resulting in a downward trend in zirconia raw material prices [1][7][9]. Industry Overview - Zirconia, with the chemical formula ZrO₂, is the main oxide of zircon, characterized by its high melting point (approximately 2650℃ to 2715℃), high hardness (Mohs hardness can reach above 7.5), and excellent wear and corrosion resistance [2][4]. - The zirconia industry supply chain includes upstream raw materials like zircon sand, stabilizers, and additives, as well as production equipment. The midstream involves zirconia manufacturing, while downstream applications span structural ceramics, electronic ceramics, dental materials, lithium batteries, and more [5]. Industry Current Status - The global zircon concentrate market is experiencing a structural adjustment, with new production capacities in Australia and Mozambique leading to a significant increase in global zircon resource supply. This supply-side effect is transmitted to the domestic market, coinciding with the expansion of China's zirconia industry capacity, resulting in a downward trend in zirconia raw material prices. As of June 2025, the price of zirconia in China is 46,000 yuan per ton, a year-on-year decrease of 8.00% [1][7][11]. - The Chinese zirconia industry is facing overcapacity, leading to a supply surplus. Companies are compelled to lower prices to compete for market share, affecting the operating rates, which have remained below 50% in recent years. As of June 2025, the operating rate is 34.92%, a decrease of 5.04 percentage points month-on-month and 2.22 percentage points year-on-year [9][11]. Key Enterprises' Performance - The Chinese zirconia industry has developed a stable competitive landscape dominated by a few large enterprises. For instance, Sanxiang New Materials has expanded its electric melting zirconia capacity and has a leading effective capacity of 26,000 tons in China. Dongfang Zircon Industry has a complete integrated industrial chain and is the largest composite zirconia manufacturer in the country [13][17]. Industry Development Trends 1. **Technological Innovation**: The future development of the zirconia industry will be driven by technological innovation, with advancements in production processes like nanotechnology and sol-gel methods enhancing material performance [19]. 2. **Expanding Application Fields**: The demand for zirconia is expected to rise significantly in emerging sectors such as solid-state batteries and biomedical applications due to its excellent properties [20]. 3. **Government Support for Sustainable Development**: The industry will focus on green and high-end development, with government policies promoting sustainable practices and enhancing product quality and competitiveness [21].