Top 10 Companies in the Steel Refining Agent Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Global Steel Production

In Business Insights
November 15, 2025

The Global Steel Refining Agent Market was valued at US$ 1.85 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 2.37 Billion by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period (2024–2029). This consistent growth is primarily driven by the expanding global steel industry, increasing demand for high-quality specialty steels, and stringent environmental regulations pushing for cleaner and more efficient steelmaking processes.

As the steel industry worldwide intensifies its focus on producing superior-grade steel with enhanced mechanical properties and reduced impurity levels, the role of specialized steel refining agents has become more critical than ever. These agents are indispensable for deoxidation, desulfurization, and inclusion control in molten steel. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Steel Refining Agent Industry—a group of established chemical suppliers and innovative material science firms that are foundational to modern steel manufacturing.

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🔟 1. Xixia Longcheng Metallurgical Materials Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Xixia, Henan, China
Key Offering: Hybrid Refining Agents, Calcium Silicide, Recarburizers

Xixia Longcheng is a prominent manufacturer of metallurgical materials in China, specializing in a wide array of steel refining agents. The company serves major steel mills across Asia, providing essential additives that improve steel cleanliness and final product quality.

Innovation and Capacity:

  • Advanced production facilities for hybrid refining agents

  • Strong R&D focus on slag-forming and deoxidizing agents

  • Significant market share in the Asia-Pacific region


9️⃣ 2. Maanshan Caiyu Metallurgical Materials Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Maanshan, Anhui, China
Key Offering: Premelted Refining Slag, Synthetic Slag, Covering Agents

Maanshan Caiyu is a technology-driven company renowned for its premelted refining slags. These products are crucial for efficient desulfurization and dephosphorization in secondary steelmaking processes like ladle furnace treatment.

Innovation and Capacity:

  • Specialization in premelted and synthetic slag systems

  • Focus on improving steel purity and refining efficiency


8️⃣ 3. Changxing Cast Steel Metallurgy Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Sintered Refining Agents, Ferroalloys, Inoculants

Changxing Cast Steel Metallurgy is a key supplier of sintered refining agents and other metallurgical additives. The company’s products are widely used in both steelmaking and foundry applications to control microstructure and enhance material properties.

Innovation and Capacity:

  • Expertise in sintered agent manufacturing

  • Products tailored for alloy steel and special steel production

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7️⃣ 4. Hongxiang Zhongke (Liaoning) Refractories Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Liaoning, China
Key Offering: Refining Agents, Refractory Materials, Functional Ceramics

Hongxiang Zhongke integrates the production of refining agents with high-performance refractory materials. This synergy allows the company to offer comprehensive solutions for the high-temperature environments of steel ladles and furnaces.

Innovation and Capacity:

  • Dual expertise in refractories and metallurgical chemicals

  • Development of integrated lining and refining solutions


6️⃣ 5. Qufu Vanguard Casting Materials Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Qufu, Shandong, China
Key Offering: Nodularizers, Inoculants, Desulfurizing Agents

Qufu Vanguard is a leading supplier of materials for the casting industry, with a strong product line in steel refining agents, particularly for ductile iron and steel casting. Their desulfurizing agents are critical for meeting stringent sulfur content specifications.

Innovation and Capacity:

  • Strong presence in the cast steel and ductile iron markets

  • Focus on high-purity, low-impact refining materials


5️⃣ 6. Pyrotek

Headquarters: Spokane, Washington, USA
Key Offering: Molten Metal Processing Products, Refining Fluxes, Filtration Systems

Pyrotek is a global leader in high-temperature materials engineering, serving the aluminium, steel, and foundry industries. Their steel refining agents are part of a broader portfolio aimed at improving yield, quality, and efficiency in metal production.

Innovation and Capacity:

  • Global distribution and technical support network

  • Focus on environmentally friendly flux formulations


4️⃣ 7. JAP (Japan Allied Powder Co., Ltd.)

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High-Purity Metal Powders, Refining Agents, Coated Wires

JAP is a respected Japanese company known for its high-purity metal powders and advanced injection materials for steel refining. Their products are used for precise composition control and inclusion morphology modification in premium steel grades.

Innovation and Capacity:

  • Technological leadership in powder metallurgy for steelmaking

  • Strong focus on research and development for advanced steels


3️⃣ 8. IPC Refractories

Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Key Offering: Refractory Specialties, Ladle Furnace Additives, Tundish Powders

IPC Refractories, part of the RHI Magnesita group, offers a range of specialized products for secondary steelmaking. Their refining agents and tundish powders are designed to work in concert with their refractory linings to maximize performance and longevity.

Innovation and Capacity:

  • Integration with a global refractory leader

  • Solutions for continuous casting and ladle metallurgy

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2️⃣ 9. Elkem ASA

Headquarters: Oslo, Norway
Key Offering: Silicon-based alloys, Ferrosilicon, Microsilica

Elkem is a globally recognized producer of silicon materials. Their silicon-based alloys are fundamental refining agents used extensively as deoxidizers in steelmaking. The company’s microsilica is also a valuable by-product used in refractory and construction applications.

Innovation and Capacity:

  • One of the world’s leading silicon producers

  • Commitment to sustainable production processes


1️⃣ 10. AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Critical Metals, Ferrovanadium, Master Alloys

AMG specializes in the production of highly engineered specialty metals and vacuum furnace systems. Their master alloys and ferrovanadium are critical refining and alloying agents for producing high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steels and other advanced materials.

Innovation and Capacity:

  • Leadership in critical and strategic materials

  • Technologies for premium alloy steel production

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🏭 Outlook: The Future of Steel Refining Agents Is Smarter and More Efficient

The steel refining agent market is experiencing a significant evolution. While traditional products maintain their importance, the industry is investing in advanced material science, customized formulations, and digital integration to meet the demands of next-generation steelmaking.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Development of multi-functional refining agents that combine deoxidation, desulfurization, and inclusion control

  • Growing demand for low- and ultra-low carbon steel production, requiring precise refining chemistries

  • Increased automation and real-time process control in steel plants, leading to smarter agent dosing systems

  • Focus on environmentally sustainable refining agents that minimize slag volume and waste generation

Get Full Report Here:
Steel Refining Agent Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not just suppliers of essential chemicals—they are enabling the production of higher quality, greener steel that forms the backbone of modern infrastructure, automotive, and energy sectors.