Key Insights
The North America limestone market, valued at approximately $X billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 2.00% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. The construction industry's continued reliance on limestone for cement production and aggregate applications remains a significant factor. Furthermore, the growing demand for limestone in agricultural applications, particularly as a soil amendment and fertilizer component, contributes to market growth. Emerging applications in water treatment and environmental remediation, leveraging limestone's ability to neutralize acidity, also represent promising avenues for market expansion. While increased regulatory scrutiny surrounding environmental impact and potential resource depletion present challenges, the overall market outlook remains positive, driven by the diverse and essential applications of limestone across multiple sectors.
Despite potential restraints, the market's segmentation offers opportunities for strategic growth. Key players, including Carmeuse, Graymont Limited, Imerys, and others, are actively involved in expanding their production capacity and exploring new market segments. Geographic variations in market dynamics exist, with certain regions witnessing stronger growth than others based on localized construction activity, agricultural practices, and industrial development. The forecast period, 2025-2033, suggests a steady and sustained rise in market value, driven by the aforementioned factors, positioning the North American limestone industry for continued expansion and profitability. Companies are likely focusing on innovation to improve extraction and processing efficiency and minimize their environmental footprint, further enhancing the industry's long-term sustainability.

North America Limestone Market: A Comprehensive Report (2019-2033)
This comprehensive report provides a detailed analysis of the North America limestone market, encompassing market dynamics, growth trends, regional segmentation, product landscape, key players, and future outlook. The study period covers 2019-2033, with 2025 as the base year and a forecast period of 2025-2033. The report is designed to equip industry professionals with actionable insights and strategic recommendations. Market values are presented in million units.
North America Limestone Market Dynamics & Structure
This section analyzes the intricate structure of the North American limestone market, examining market concentration, technological advancements, regulatory influences, and competitive dynamics. The report delves into the impact of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities, offering both quantitative and qualitative perspectives.
- Market Concentration: The North American limestone market exhibits a moderately consolidated structure, with a few major players holding significant market share. xx% of the market is controlled by the top 5 players in 2025.
- Technological Innovation: Advancements in mining and processing technologies are driving efficiency improvements and reducing production costs. However, high capital investments present a barrier to entry for smaller players.
- Regulatory Landscape: Environmental regulations concerning dust emissions and water usage significantly influence operational costs and strategies. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for market players.
- Competitive Substitutes: Alternative materials like fly ash and slag are emerging as partial substitutes in specific applications, posing a competitive challenge to limestone.
- End-User Demographics: The construction industry remains the largest consumer of limestone, followed by the agricultural and chemical sectors. Shifting construction trends and agricultural practices significantly impact demand.
- M&A Trends: The period 2019-2024 witnessed xx M&A deals, primarily driven by expansion strategies and access to new markets. The average deal size was approximately $xx million.
North America Limestone Market Growth Trends & Insights
This section presents a detailed analysis of the North America limestone market's growth trajectory, examining market size evolution, adoption rates, technological disruptions, and shifts in consumer behavior. Data-driven insights, including the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) and market penetration rates, are provided.
The North American limestone market experienced a CAGR of xx% during the historical period (2019-2024), driven primarily by robust growth in the construction and agricultural sectors. The market is projected to maintain a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033), fueled by increasing infrastructure development, growing demand for agricultural inputs, and expansion of the chemical industry. Technological disruptions, such as the adoption of automation in mining operations, are expected to enhance productivity and efficiency. However, fluctuating raw material prices and environmental concerns present potential challenges. Consumer behavior shifts towards sustainable building materials might influence demand in the long term. Market penetration within specific applications, such as in specialized construction materials, is expected to increase significantly during the forecast period.

Dominant Regions, Countries, or Segments in North America Limestone Market
This in-depth analysis identifies the leading regions, countries, and segments driving the growth of the North American limestone market. Key factors contributing to market dominance, including economic policies, infrastructure development, and resource availability, are thoroughly explored.
The United States is currently the dominant market, accounting for xx% of the total market share in 2025. This dominance is attributed to:
- Robust Construction Industry: High levels of infrastructure spending and residential construction activity drive substantial limestone demand.
- Developed Agricultural Sector: The Midwest region’s agricultural landscape necessitates significant limestone applications for soil amendment.
- Strong Chemical Industry: The presence of large chemical manufacturing facilities contributes to substantial limestone consumption.
- Favorable Government Policies: Supportive policies related to infrastructure development and agricultural growth fuel demand.
Canada and Mexico also exhibit significant growth potential, driven by infrastructural development and increasing industrial activities.
North America Limestone Market Product Landscape
The North American limestone market offers a diverse range of products tailored to specific applications. Innovation focuses on improving product quality, enhancing performance characteristics, and optimizing cost-effectiveness. Products are categorized by particle size, purity, and specific applications (e.g., construction aggregate, agricultural lime, industrial chemicals). Unique selling propositions often center around consistent quality, reliable supply, and tailored product specifications to meet diverse customer needs. Technological advancements are focused on refining processing techniques to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in North America Limestone Market
This section identifies the key factors driving market growth, alongside significant challenges and restraints.
Key Drivers:
- Growth in construction activities across North America continues to fuel the need for limestone as a primary building material.
- Expanding agricultural sector: Increased demand for soil amendments and fertilizers contributes to higher limestone consumption.
- Government initiatives promoting infrastructure development and sustainable construction practices drive market growth.
Challenges & Restraints:
- Fluctuating raw material prices and energy costs impact overall production costs and profitability.
- Environmental regulations regarding emissions and waste disposal add to operational expenses.
- Competition from substitute materials like fly ash and slag necessitates innovative strategies to maintain market share.
Emerging Opportunities in North America Limestone Market
The North American limestone market presents several emerging opportunities, including:
- Expansion into niche applications: Exploring new applications in specialized construction materials and advanced chemical processes.
- Development of value-added products: Producing refined limestone products with enhanced properties to cater to specific industry needs.
- Sustainable sourcing and processing: Implementing environmentally friendly mining and processing techniques to address sustainability concerns.
Growth Accelerators in the North America Limestone Market Industry
Technological breakthroughs in mining and processing, alongside strategic partnerships and market expansion initiatives, are key growth accelerators. Focus on improving operational efficiency, reducing environmental footprint, and developing innovative product applications will further enhance market growth.
Key Players Shaping the North America Limestone Market Market
- Carmeuse
- Graymont Limited
- Imerys
- Iowa Limestone Company
- Lhois
- Minerals Technologies Inc
- Mississippi Lime Company
- Omya AG
- The National Lime & Stone Company
- United States Lime & Minerals Inc
Notable Milestones in North America Limestone Market Sector
- July 2022: Omya AG announced the acquisition of MK Minerals, expanding its presence in the US Midwest agricultural market.
- August 2022: Imerys announced a multi-million-dollar project to increase the manufacturing capacity of its Marble Hill, GA calcium carbonate plant.
In-Depth North America Limestone Market Market Outlook
The North American limestone market is poised for continued growth, driven by sustained demand from construction, agriculture, and the chemical industry. Strategic investments in technological advancements, sustainable practices, and value-added product development will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. Further expansion into niche applications and strategic partnerships will unlock significant opportunities for market players in the coming years.
North America Limestone Market Segmentation
-
1. Application
- 1.1. Industry Lime
- 1.2. Chemical Lime
- 1.3. Construction Lime
- 1.4. Refractory Lime
-
2. End-user Industry
- 2.1. Paper and Pulp
- 2.2. Water Treatment
- 2.3. Agriculture
- 2.4. Plastics
- 2.5. Building and Construction
- 2.6. Steel Manufacturing
- 2.7. Chemical
-
3. Geography
- 3.1. United States
- 3.2. Canada
- 3.3. Mexico
- 3.4. Rest of North America
North America Limestone Market Segmentation By Geography
- 1. United States
- 2. Canada
- 3. Mexico
- 4. Rest of North America

North America Limestone Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of > 2.00% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Growth in the Construction Activities; Growing Use in Cement Production; Other Drivers
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Growth in the Construction Activities; Growing Use in Cement Production; Other Drivers
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Building and Construction Sector to Dominate the Market
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Global North America Limestone Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 5.1.1. Industry Lime
- 5.1.2. Chemical Lime
- 5.1.3. Construction Lime
- 5.1.4. Refractory Lime
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End-user Industry
- 5.2.1. Paper and Pulp
- 5.2.2. Water Treatment
- 5.2.3. Agriculture
- 5.2.4. Plastics
- 5.2.5. Building and Construction
- 5.2.6. Steel Manufacturing
- 5.2.7. Chemical
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 5.3.1. United States
- 5.3.2. Canada
- 5.3.3. Mexico
- 5.3.4. Rest of North America
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.4.1. United States
- 5.4.2. Canada
- 5.4.3. Mexico
- 5.4.4. Rest of North America
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6. United States North America Limestone Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6.1.1. Industry Lime
- 6.1.2. Chemical Lime
- 6.1.3. Construction Lime
- 6.1.4. Refractory Lime
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End-user Industry
- 6.2.1. Paper and Pulp
- 6.2.2. Water Treatment
- 6.2.3. Agriculture
- 6.2.4. Plastics
- 6.2.5. Building and Construction
- 6.2.6. Steel Manufacturing
- 6.2.7. Chemical
- 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 6.3.1. United States
- 6.3.2. Canada
- 6.3.3. Mexico
- 6.3.4. Rest of North America
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7. Canada North America Limestone Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7.1.1. Industry Lime
- 7.1.2. Chemical Lime
- 7.1.3. Construction Lime
- 7.1.4. Refractory Lime
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End-user Industry
- 7.2.1. Paper and Pulp
- 7.2.2. Water Treatment
- 7.2.3. Agriculture
- 7.2.4. Plastics
- 7.2.5. Building and Construction
- 7.2.6. Steel Manufacturing
- 7.2.7. Chemical
- 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 7.3.1. United States
- 7.3.2. Canada
- 7.3.3. Mexico
- 7.3.4. Rest of North America
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8. Mexico North America Limestone Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8.1.1. Industry Lime
- 8.1.2. Chemical Lime
- 8.1.3. Construction Lime
- 8.1.4. Refractory Lime
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End-user Industry
- 8.2.1. Paper and Pulp
- 8.2.2. Water Treatment
- 8.2.3. Agriculture
- 8.2.4. Plastics
- 8.2.5. Building and Construction
- 8.2.6. Steel Manufacturing
- 8.2.7. Chemical
- 8.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 8.3.1. United States
- 8.3.2. Canada
- 8.3.3. Mexico
- 8.3.4. Rest of North America
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9. Rest of North America North America Limestone Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9.1.1. Industry Lime
- 9.1.2. Chemical Lime
- 9.1.3. Construction Lime
- 9.1.4. Refractory Lime
- 9.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End-user Industry
- 9.2.1. Paper and Pulp
- 9.2.2. Water Treatment
- 9.2.3. Agriculture
- 9.2.4. Plastics
- 9.2.5. Building and Construction
- 9.2.6. Steel Manufacturing
- 9.2.7. Chemical
- 9.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 9.3.1. United States
- 9.3.2. Canada
- 9.3.3. Mexico
- 9.3.4. Rest of North America
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 10. Competitive Analysis
- 10.1. Global Market Share Analysis 2024
- 10.2. Company Profiles
- 10.2.1 Carmeuse
- 10.2.1.1. Overview
- 10.2.1.2. Products
- 10.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.2 Graymont Limited
- 10.2.2.1. Overview
- 10.2.2.2. Products
- 10.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.3 Imerys
- 10.2.3.1. Overview
- 10.2.3.2. Products
- 10.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.4 Iowa Limestone Company
- 10.2.4.1. Overview
- 10.2.4.2. Products
- 10.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.5 Lhois
- 10.2.5.1. Overview
- 10.2.5.2. Products
- 10.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.6 Minerals Technologies Inc
- 10.2.6.1. Overview
- 10.2.6.2. Products
- 10.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.7 Mississippi Lime Company
- 10.2.7.1. Overview
- 10.2.7.2. Products
- 10.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.8 Omya AG
- 10.2.8.1. Overview
- 10.2.8.2. Products
- 10.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.9 The National Lime & Stone Company
- 10.2.9.1. Overview
- 10.2.9.2. Products
- 10.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.10 United States Lime & Minerals Inc *List Not Exhaustive
- 10.2.10.1. Overview
- 10.2.10.2. Products
- 10.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.1 Carmeuse
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Region 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: United States North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 3: United States North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 4: United States North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by End-user Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 5: United States North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by End-user Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 6: United States North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by Geography 2024 & 2032
- Figure 7: United States North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by Geography 2024 & 2032
- Figure 8: United States North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 9: United States North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 10: Canada North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 11: Canada North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 12: Canada North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by End-user Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 13: Canada North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by End-user Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 14: Canada North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by Geography 2024 & 2032
- Figure 15: Canada North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by Geography 2024 & 2032
- Figure 16: Canada North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 17: Canada North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 18: Mexico North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 19: Mexico North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 20: Mexico North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by End-user Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 21: Mexico North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by End-user Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 22: Mexico North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by Geography 2024 & 2032
- Figure 23: Mexico North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by Geography 2024 & 2032
- Figure 24: Mexico North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 25: Mexico North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 26: Rest of North America North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 27: Rest of North America North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 28: Rest of North America North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by End-user Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 29: Rest of North America North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by End-user Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 30: Rest of North America North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by Geography 2024 & 2032
- Figure 31: Rest of North America North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by Geography 2024 & 2032
- Figure 32: Rest of North America North America Limestone Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 33: Rest of North America North America Limestone Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End-user Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Global North America Limestone Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the North America Limestone Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately > 2.00%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the North America Limestone Market?
Key companies in the market include Carmeuse, Graymont Limited, Imerys, Iowa Limestone Company, Lhois, Minerals Technologies Inc, Mississippi Lime Company, Omya AG, The National Lime & Stone Company, United States Lime & Minerals Inc *List Not Exhaustive.
3. What are the main segments of the North America Limestone Market?
The market segments include Application, End-user Industry, Geography.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Growth in the Construction Activities; Growing Use in Cement Production; Other Drivers.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Building and Construction Sector to Dominate the Market.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Growth in the Construction Activities; Growing Use in Cement Production; Other Drivers.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
August 2022: Imerys announced a multi-million-dollar project to increase the manufacturing capacity of its Marble Hill, GA calcium carbonate plant.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "North America Limestone Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the North America Limestone Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the North America Limestone Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the North America Limestone Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence