Market Trends in the Ceramic Coatings Industry, 2021

The 10th annual Global Ceramic Coatings Industry Report offers an internationally recognized benchmark of performance for ceramics and coatings manufacturers. The report covers the key aspects of the ceramics market including the current and future markets, suppliers, technology, processes, materials, and prices. It also offers the latest information on innovations in ceramics. The report is a joint effort of the International Ceramic Association (ICA) and the European Ceramic Manufacturers Association (ECMA). The report is vital to the development of the ceramic industry and the worldwide marketplace.

“This report highlights the trend towards value-added processes, industrial design, and production as important drivers of demand across all segments of the market. Rising demand is supported by a continued focus on quality, with the renewed emphasis on design and production efficiency,” according to the report. “The report finds that manufacturers are increasingly combining production technologies that were previously separate or unique, such as direct metal coating and stamping. Processes flexibility, cost reduction, and production capabilities are driving this trend,” according to the report. New designs for ceramic coatings that include added protection from solvents, corrosion, UV, and heat have also been developed.

“A continuing focus on value-added processes highlights the increasing importance of material management, as evidenced by the significant reduction in the cost of premium ceramic products over the last five years. Improved thermal spray coatings, for example, have reduced chemical reactivity and in some cases eliminated the need for thermal protection. Improvements in color matching and vapor protection are other important advancements,” according to the report. Another trend noted was, “A larger share of boycott and molded containers is now being offered by suppliers.” Bodycote and molded container products have enjoyed strong market increases over the past five years, due to an improved safety profile and increased functionality.

Other trends noted included the rise of polyurethane coatings, as well as polyurethane lamination. The increased use of polyurethane in automotive applications has created a demand for qualified personnel with specific training in application methods and product specifications. In addition, the Asia-Pacific region is seeing marked growth in automotive and other manufacturing. This is especially true of high-tech, automated components used in the manufacture of high-volume parts for military and aviation applications.

The following forecast offers growth predictions for the Asia-Pacific region through 2021. As noted above, many of the new patterns for material usage and manufacturing are based upon individual industry sub-sectors. A breakdown by function yields some interesting findings. According to the forecast, the automotive industry will continue to experience strong gains in sales, productivity, and service. Automotive manufacturers will continue to lead the field in both total revenue and gross margins, with the aerospace and defense industries following close behind.

The aerospace and defense industry has been projected to experience strong sales growth of both aircraft and fighter jets. The global sales of long-haul commercial airliners are expected to outpace those of long-haul cargo carriers, which are currently the number one carrier in terms of capacity. In addition, the automotive industry will continue to lead in automotive sales, service, revenue, and manufacturing. By 2021, the Asia-Pacific region will see the highest increase in its high-tech manufacturing capabilities. The projections suggest that there will be a continued high-tech manufacturing base across the region, with most of the focus on highly developed, high-value, high-return processes such as computer electronics, nanotechnology, and high-performance ceramics.

The Middle East will continue to lead the way in terms of industrial development and technological advances. Ceramic coatings have tremendous potential for being applied in the Middle East. In the coming years, the Middle East could become a major exporter of nanotechnology products such as energy-efficient, conductive, and waterproof materials. By 2021, the Middle East could be home to the largest table-top Ceramic Tile manufacturer. Also, the Middle East could be the largest provider of long-term contract manufacturers in the world. By 2021, the Middle East could be the second-largest provider of industrial baking and coating services in the world, trailing only China.

The United States is projected to experience moderate growth in the industrial coatings industry. Although it is expected to slow in the next few years, the industry has an incredible amount of untapped potential. The United States should be very active in pursuing new opportunities in the Ceramic Tile and Plastering Business. The market, historical market analysis indicates that there will be no stopping this explosive growth in the coming years!