Automotive catalyst market seen hitting $25B by 2030

The global automotive catalyst market is projected to grow from $18.84 billion in 2025 to $25.02 billion by 2030, driven by tougher emissions rules, rising vehicle output and demand for low-emission technologies. Europe led the market in 2025, while North America is expected to grow fastest over the forecast period. Why it matters: - Automotive catalysts are a core emissions-control component in vehicles, helping convert harmful exhaust pollutants into less toxic substances. - The market’s growth reflects tighter environmental standards and the auto industry’s push toward cleaner powertrains and more efficient exhaust systems. - The forecast points to continued demand for catalyst materials and related technologies across passenger and commercial vehicles. What happened: - The Business Research Company projected the global automotive catalyst market will rise from $18.84 billion in 2025 to $19.95 billion in 2026. - The market is forecast to reach $25.02 billion by 2030, implying a 5.8% CAGR from 2026 through 2030. - Europe held the largest market share in 2025. - North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. The details: - The market’s recent growth has been supported by greater use of platinum, palladium and rhodium in catalyst production. - Conventional catalytic converters, gasoline vehicle applications, diesel oxidation systems and rising light-duty vehicle volumes have also boosted demand. - Automotive catalysts sit inside the exhaust system and are part of the catalytic converter. - These components use precious metals to help neutralize pollutants before exhaust is released into the environment. - The forecast period is expected to benefit from demand for low-emission vehicles, AI-enhanced catalytic materials, hybrid and electric vehicle integration, intelligent exhaust management systems and heavier adoption in heavy-duty vehicles. - Expected trends include AI-powered catalyst monitoring, advanced emission control materials, IoT-based diagnostics, precious metal optimization and smart exhaust system applications. - Vehicle production growth remains a major driver because catalysts are required to meet emissions standards, support air-quality goals and improve fuel efficiency. - In June 2024, the National Centre for Social Research said UK new car registrations rose 17.9% in 2023 from 2022. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - Download a free sample of the report - View the full automotive catalyst market report Between the lines: - The market outlook suggests emissions compliance remains a durable demand engine, even as vehicle technology shifts toward hybrids, electric vehicles and smarter exhaust systems. - Heavy reliance on precious metals also means cost and material optimization will likely stay central to supplier strategy. - The regional split points to a mature European market and a faster-expanding North American opportunity. What’s next: - Market growth is likely to track regulation, vehicle production and adoption of new catalyst technologies through 2030. - Companies in the space will likely focus on lowering precious metal use, adding digital monitoring and improving performance across a broader range of vehicle types. - The next competitive edge may come from systems that combine emissions control with software-enabled diagnostics and smarter exhaust management. The bottom line: - Automotive catalysts are set to remain a necessary, regulated growth market as automakers and suppliers work to cut emissions without slowing vehicle production.