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.

Links

• The Freedonia Group Inc.