Resurgence in concrete additives market

The world market demand for cement and concrete additives is forecast to grow +8.3% annually to US$ 15.8 billion in 2015, compared to the annual growth rate of +4.4% seen during the 2005 to 2010 period.

According to figures from research company Freedonia, recovery in the North American construction industry will lead this growth.

The US was the only market to see demand for cement and concrete additives decline in 2005-2010, with a drop of -3.7%. However, it is forecast to see a resurgence in demand in 2010 to 2015, at +11.1% anually, with demand forecast to reach US$ 3.6 billion by 2015.

Africa and the Middle East, which continue to see a construction boom, are forecast to have the second highest growth rate for 2010 to 2015, at +9.7%, to reach US$ 1.1 billion by 2015.

However, Asia Pacific, led primarily by China, which is currently the world's largest market for cement and concrete additives, will have the largest share of the market by 2015, at US$ 6.4 billion - a +8% increase per year through 2010 to 2015.

According to Freedonia, Asia Pacific's dominance will largely be due to an increase in demand from China for higher-grade water reducers and other specialty products.

India will also play a strong role in Asia's demand for cement and concrete additives as the country's contractors favour the use of cement in large infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, Eastern Europe will see a +7.4% increase in demand for additives between 2010 and 2015 as countries strive to meet EU standards of construction.

Central and South America will see similar gains to Eastern Europe, at +8.2% per year, although levels will remain low in these markets, with demand expected to reach US$ 330 million per year by 2015.

Western Europe will see the lowest rate of annual growth at +6.1%. However, as its consumption of additives per tonne of cement is amongst the highest globally, its contribution will remain significant at US$ 3.4 billion.