Global Construction Chemicals

Global Construction Chemicals

Global demand for construction chemicals is forecast to grow 3.4% annually to $92.2 billion in 2027. This will represent a significant deceleration from the pace seen during the 2017-2022 period, when supply chain issues and rising raw material costs caused construction chemical prices to surge in 2021 and 2022. However, real demand is expected to see solid growth due to:

• accelerating construction activity – most notably among the residential building and nonbuilding segments – in developing regions where urbanization and investment in public infrastructure is rising
• the desire for more sustainable construction projects, of which construction chemicals can be used to improve the energy efficiency of buildings

China & Western Nations Remain Biggest Markets; Industrializing Countries See Fast Growth

China will remain the largest market for construction chemicals, accounting for 30% of global demand in 2027. Although the country’s construction industry is not expanding as rapidly as it did during the 2000s, it continues to grow, and its already massive size allows for significant use of construction chemicals for both building and infrastructure construction. North America and Western Europe, while mature markets, also represent large outlets for construction chemicals. Gains in these regions will be supported by increasingly stringent environmental regulations and growing demand for “green” buildings, which necessitate the use of better performing (and more expensive) products.

Countries that are still industrializing, such as India and several Southeast Asian nations, are expected to see the fastest growth in construction chemical sales. Demand in these areas will be supported by both an increase in construction activity and greater uptake of chemicals as the quality of construction improves.

Sustainability Will Continue to Impact the Global Construction Chemicals Industry

Sustainability will impact all aspects of construction; consumer interest in eco-friendly structures continues to rise, and governments are implementing increasingly strict environmental regulations. Construction chemicals can, in many ways, also be used to improve the sustainability of construction projects:

• Cement and concrete additives can be used to reduce the energy and water requirements for – and the amount of carbon emissions released during – cement and concrete production.
• Protective coatings with lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can improve the “health” of structures by reducing harmful emissions.
• Caulks, spray polyurethane foam, and other construction chemicals are used to limit heat transfer and improve the energy efficiency of structures.

Study Description

This Freedonia industry study analyzes the $79.3 billion global construction chemicals industry. It presents historical demand data (2012, 2017, and 2022) and forecasts (2027 and 2032) by product (protective coatings and sealers, caulks and adhesives, cement and concrete additives, polymer flooring, grouts and mortars, asphalt additives, spray polyurethan foam, cleaners and other construction chemicals) and market (building markets, infrastructure markets). The study also evaluates company market share and competitive analysis on industry competitors including Arkema, BASF, HB Fuller, Henkel, Mapei, Mohawk, Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology, and Sika.