Bentonite price December 2025 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$205.94/MT, 3.4% up
- Europe:US$165.73/MT, 3.4% up
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Bentonite price index
This post is a summary of the Bentonite price developments. The price developments of Bentonite are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Bentonite price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for Bentonite prices is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Bentonite prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Bentonite
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Bentonite prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Bentonite market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
What is Bentonite and what is it used for
Bentonite is a naturally occurring clay derived from altered volcanic ash, rich in the mineral montmorillonite; it swells when it absorbs water and has strong adsorption and rheological properties. Common uses include drilling mud for oil & gas and geotechnical drilling, foundry and industrial binders, sealants for landfills and groundwater barriers, absorbents (for example cat litter), clarifiers and purifiers (e.g., in winemaking and edible-oil processing), carriers for pesticides and fertilizers, and various cosmetic and health applications.
How is Bentonite produced
Bentonite is mined (typically by open-pit methods) from deposits of altered volcanic ash, then beneficiated and processed to meet different product specifications. Typical processing steps include drying (to reduce natural moisture), crushing and milling to a specified grind, classification (sizing), and optional granulation or pelletizing. Many commercial grades are chemically or thermally modified to improve swelling, viscosity, or adsorption properties for particular applications. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
How large is the global market for Bentonite
Estimates vary by source and year, but market research reports place the bentonite market in the low-single-digit billions of USD in the mid-2020s with forecasts for steady growth. For example, one industry report estimates a market value of roughly USD 2.7 billion in 2024 with strong projected CAGR into the 2030s, while other forecasts report different base-year values (and slightly different growth assumptions), illustrating variability between research houses. In short: the market is measured in a few billion US dollars today and is expected to expand with demand from drilling, construction/sealing, foundry, and absorbent/cosmetic sectors.
Where is Bentonite produced
Bentonite production is geographically concentrated where volcanic ash deposits have been altered to clay: major producers include the United States, India, China, Turkey, Greece and several European countries (Denmark, among others). Production volumes vary year-to-year and by data source, but the United States, India and China are consistently listed among the top producers worldwide.