Plastic and elastomeric roofing materials projected to gain fastest uptil 2012

23-Jul-08

A recent study states that plastic and elastomeric roofing materials are projected to post the fastest gains through 2012. While plastic roofing (thermoplastic polyolefin, PVC, spray polyurethane foam) will see its greatest gains the US market, elastomeric roofing (ethylene propylene diene monomer and chlorosulfonated polyethylene) will gain fastest in China and other Asian markets. In 2007, bituminous roofing was the most widely used roofing material in the global market. The fastest growing markets for bituminous roofing are expected to be the nonresidential construction markets of Asia and Eastern Europe. The emerging economies of Asia, including China, will record the fastest growth in demand for roofing materials through the same period. Rapid population growth in countries such as India, the Philippines and Malaysia will generate demand for housing. In the non-residential market, the economic boom in China, India and Malaysia will create demand. This is based on a report by Report Buyer that predicts that as measured by area, China is expected to become the largest single market for roofing by 2012, overtaking the US. Global roofing demand is forecast to expand 2.9% pa through 2012 with a value of $65 billion. Demand for roofing will be driven by accelerating growth in the two largest markets - the US and China. The US market is expected to grow as housing construction bounces back from its current slump. On the other hand, China's demand will arise from advances in the residential market, which will be driven by rising per capita income levels. The study forecasts that the Chinese market will grow 4 % pa till 2012, reaching 2.7 billion square meters.