World Demand for Adhesives & Sealants Exceeds 20 Million Metric Tons in 2019

Global demand for adhesives and sealants is forecast to rise 4.5 percent per year through 2019 to 20.2 million metric tons, valued at EUR58.45 billion.

Strong growth in construction activity will underpin advances, driven by increased urbanisation and infrastructure improvements in developing countries, combined with rebounding construction spending in Western Europe and the US.

Adhesive bonding technologies provide additional growth

Expanding manufacturing output - particularly in emerging Asia/Pacific economies - is expected to fuel growth across a number of segments, boosting adhesive and sealant use in packaging, tapes and labels, motor vehicles, and electronics, among others. Increasing adoption of adhesive bonding technologies designed to replace or augment mechanical fasteners will provide additional growth opportunities for adhesives suppliers worldwide.

China: Top adhesive and sealant consumer

China's global dominance in several adhesives-intensive industries - including electronics, furniture, and machinery - will bolster the country's position as the top adhesive and sealant consumer through 2019. According to analyst Carolyn Zulandt, "Construction spending will remain robust in China, fueling demand for silicone and epoxy sealants, adhesives, and other products.”

India posts most rapid advances

India is expected to post the most rapid advances of any major market, fueled by robust increases in construction spending and motor vehicle output. In India's automotive sector, rising motor vehicle sales are fueling output and capacity expansions by major OEMs, boosting sales of epoxies, polyurethanes, and other adhesive and sealant types. Similar trends will also spur demand growth in the auto industries of Thailand and other emerging economies.