Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The global market for research department explosives (RDX) was valued at approximately US$ 8,061.38 million in 2019 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 10,363.27 million by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% from 2020 to 2027.

RDX, or research department explosive, is a solid compound that is soluble in various solvents, including ethanol and ether, but remains insoluble in water. The production of RDX involves several intricate stages, including nitration, storage and feeding of raw materials, filtration, disintegration, and transportation. Numerous manufacturers are heavily investing in research and development to create innovative products that cater to the needs of defense forces and meet the increasing demand for these materials. RDX finds applications in both military and civilian sectors, including fireworks and cast PBX charges.

The market for research department explosives is categorized by type into explosives, pyrotechnics, and other segments. In 2019, the explosives segment dominated the market. Explosives are further divided into primary and secondary categories based on their sensitivity to initiation. Primary explosives, known as initiating explosives, are capable of igniting secondary explosives. Secondary explosives, which include RDX, TNT, and others, are more commonly used in military applications than primary explosives. These secondary explosives are designed to detonate only under specific conditions, making them suitable for use as either main charge or booster explosives. Given these advantages, the explosives segment is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period. Additionally, advancements in RDX preparation methods have contributed to the expansion of the global research department explosive market.

Geographically, the global market for research department explosives is divided into regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. In 2019, the Asia Pacific region held the largest market share. The increasing demand for RDX in both military and civilian applications is propelling market growth in this region. Furthermore, RDX is gaining traction in the construction and mining sectors, where high-performance explosives are essential for rock excavation and exploration. In Europe and North America, the market is driven by rising defense budgets and increased mining activities. The Asia Pacific region is also projected to exhibit the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has had a profound impact on various industries worldwide. By January 2021, countries such as the US, India, Brazil, Russia, France, the UK, Turkey, Italy, and Spain were among the hardest hit in terms of confirmed cases and fatalities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 83,322,449 confirmed cases and 1,831,412 deaths globally as of January 2021. The pandemic has severely disrupted economies and industries due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and business closures. The chemicals and materials sector has been particularly affected, facing significant disruptions such as supply chain interruptions, cancellations of technology events, and office closures. For instance, China, being a major manufacturing hub and the largest supplier of raw materials, has experienced lockdowns that have hindered global supply chains, affecting manufacturing operations, delivery timelines, and sales of various chemicals and materials. Many companies have reported potential delays in product deliveries and a decline in future sales. Additionally, global travel restrictions have impeded business collaborations and partnership opportunities, further negatively impacting the chemicals and materials industry and acting as a constraint on the growth of related markets.

Key players in the global research department explosive market include BAE Systems, Chemring Group PLC, Mil-Spec Industries Corporation, Nitro-Chem SA, Eurenco, PRVA ISKRA - NAMENSKA A.D., Austin Powder, Dyno Nobel, Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc., and Orica Limited.

The overall size of the global research department explosive market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process begins with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. Additionally, numerous primary interviews are conducted with industry participants and experts to validate and analyze the collected data. Participants in this research include industry professionals such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the global research department explosive market.