Industry Watch | May 22, 2025
As global manufacturing moves steadily toward sustainability, the abrasive materials industry is undergoing a structural transformation. Driven by increasingly strict environmental regulations and rapid advancements in industrial automation, demand for high-performance, low-dust, and recyclable abrasive products is surging in the surface treatment sector.
Recent data shows a significant uptick in the use of angular steel grit, white fused alumina, and stainless steel shot across applications such as shipbuilding, heavy machinery, automotive parts, and precision electronics. These abrasives offer strong cutting performance, minimal material waste, and repeat usability—meeting the dual needs of efficiency and environmental responsibility.
In the first quarter of 2025, China’s abrasive exports grew by over 12% year-over-year. Markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe have shown increasing interest in high-purity, low-pollution materials. Leading production regions such as Shandong, Jiangsu, and Liaoning are seeing rapid development of export-oriented manufacturers.
For instance, a new automated classification line launched by a Jiangsu-based abrasives company has improved the consistency and performance of products like brown fused alumina and cut wire shot. According to a company engineer, “Our newly developed process for precision sandblasting has reduced dust levels by nearly 40%, enhancing both worksite safety and overall cleaning effectiveness.”
From the application perspective, end-users are placing growing importance on abrasive recyclability, surface finish quality, and base material preservation. As a result, manufacturers are shifting from a price-driven approach to one centered on performance and customization.
Industry analysts suggest that the sector is now entering a phase of “refinement and specialization.” Products that offer a high cost-to-performance ratio, along with eco-friendly and safe operation, will define the next generation of competitiveness. As carbon regulations tighten and technical standards become more granular, companies with strong R&D capabilities and flexible manufacturing systems will be better positioned to lead in global markets.