It is predicted that the US adhesive and sealant market sales will grow at a faster rate in the next few years, mainly due to the gradual increase in the price, and the products required by the market are shifting to the high end.
The sealant market had sales of about $1.8 billion last year and is expected to grow by 4.2% annually between now and 2010. The number of sales last year stayed at 680 million pounds, and it is expected that there will be an increase of 2.6% annually from now to 2010. Among the sealant raw materials, the consumption of silicone and urethane rubber will continue to occupy a major position; other raw materials such as latex and butyl rubber will be followed. At present, the main market for adhesives and sealants is construction, followed by transportation, daily consumer goods and industrial equipment. The construction industry is currently weak, and the demand for the transportation industry is growing. The application of sealants in the fields of noise and shockproof is the main growth point.
With respect to adhesives, the market size in 2007 was US$9.5 billion. From now until 2010, the annual growth rate will be 6%. The number of sales in 2007 was approximately 6.6 billion pounds. From now until 2010, there will be an annual growth of 3%. The most important markets are paper products and related products, followed by construction, industrial assembly, wood products and transportation. The growth rate in the paper product market is expected to reach 3.8%, while the growth rate in the remaining areas is mostly in the range of 1.5% to 2%.
Integration within the industry is also actively conducted. Henkel recently acquired AkzoNobel's adhesives and electronics raw materials business, making Henkel the world leader in adhesives and sealants markets. At the same time, Hexion Specialty Chemicals is acquiring Huntsman Group related businesses.