U.S.
demand for sealants and caulks is projected to increase 2.9% annually to more
than two billion pounds in 2012, valued at almost $4 billion. This represents
an improvement over gains posted in the 2002-2007 period, reflecting
strengthening end-use market fundamentals. In the critical construction market,
which accounted for 60% of total demand in 2007, consumption of sealants and
caulks will benefit from expected recoveries in residential building and
non-building construction, such as roads and highways and utilities. Prospects
are also expected to improve in the motor vehicle and aerospace markets. These
and other trends are presented in
Sealants & Caulks, a
new study from The Freedonia Group Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research
firm.
Demand for sealants and caulks in construction markets will benefit from a
recovery in the key single-family homebuilding market, advancing from a weak
2007 base. In addition, the non-building construction segment will show renewed
strength through 2012, reflecting an increasing emphasis on upgrading the
nation’s transportation and utility infrastructure. Although new construction
will record greater growth through 2012, a substantial improvement and repair
segment is present as well, which tends to post more stable gains over time.
In the motor vehicle market, demand will benefit from increased production
through 2012. Gains will be concentrated in automobiles and heavy trucks and
buses, which will account for the majority of demand. All motor vehicles
require the use of sealants and caulks in window glazing and sealing, sound and
vibration deadening, and corrosion protection. However, the trend toward larger
passenger vehicles, such as sport-utility vehicles, is expected to shift to
smaller cars, which would moderate gains in demand on a per vehicle basis.
Consumption of sealants and caulks in motor vehicle markets is projected to
increase 2.2% annually to 245 million pounds in 2012.
For more information, contact Corinne Gangloff, The Freedonia Group
Inc., 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44143-2326; phone (440) 684-9600; fax (440)
646-0484; e-mail pr@freedoniagroup.com; or visit
www.freedoniagroup.com.
