U.S. Adhesives and Sealants Market to Reach $13.5 Billion in 2003
Only modest growth of 2.7% annually is forecast to 2003 when sales will reach $13.5 billion. Growth will vary within the various segments. By end use, electrical/electronic and medical/dental applications will lead the growth, but packaging will remain the leading market. By product type, sharp growth is forecast for medical and dental adhesives, and radiation-cured adhesives, although they are growing from a small base. By chemical type, most rapid growth is forecast for radiation-cured products, anaerobics, as well as polyethylene, polyvinyl acetals, silicones, epoxies and other synthetics.
According to the Guide, the industry supports over 780 suppliers. Despite major acquisitions in recent years, the business is not very concentrated. Some 19 companies have U.S. sales at $100 million or more, yet represent only 43% of the domestic total. National Starch ranks as the leading supplier with 6.5%, followed closely by H.B. Fuller with 6.1%. 3M, Henkel, Illinois Tool Works, Sovereign Specialty Chemicals, Morton, DAP (now owned by RPM), Reichhold and Borden round out the top 10.