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Market Overview

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The global surface treatment chemicals market is projected to reach $11,889 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period 2022-2031. Surface treatment is a process used to enhance the properties of a substance, such as increasing corrosion resistance or wear resistance. It is mainly applied to metals, metal alloys, and printed circuit boards. The demand for surface treatment chemicals is increasing due to their advantages, including thermal conductivity, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and oxidation resistance. These chemicals are widely used in industries such as automotive, construction, electrical and electronics, and coil industry. The growing adoption of chemicals in the automotive industry and the expansion of construction projects in emerging economies are expected to drive the growth of the market. However, strict environmental standards and price volatility of surface treatment chemicals may pose challenges to market growth.

The market for surface treatment chemicals has contributed significantly to the global GDP, with end-user industries such as automotive, construction, electronics, packaging, aerospace, and coil industry experiencing rapid growth. These chemicals enhance the durability, longevity, aesthetics, corrosion resistance, and weathering resistance of base materials. To meet the growing demand, market participants from various industries have formed collaborations and partnerships. For example, Solvay collaborated with Honda Aircraft Company to provide advanced composites and adhesives, while BASF SE supplies surface treatment solutions to General Motors.

The demand for surface treatment chemicals is expected to grow further in industries such as automotive, construction, electricals and electronics, and aerospace. The increasing adoption of chemicals in the automotive industry and the expansion of construction projects in emerging economies like China, India, and Thailand will drive market growth. However, strict environmental standards regarding hazardous emissions may hinder market growth in the future.

The global surface treatment chemicals market is currently in the growth phase, with increased investment and research and development activities driving market expansion. Government regulations related to hazardous emissions are expected to increase the demand for eco-sustainable chemicals. The market will also benefit from the growing implementation of chemicals over etchants, facilitating workflow. Heavy machinery advancement is another factor stimulating the demand for surface treatment chemicals.

COVID-19 had a significant impact on the market, with shutdowns, labor shortages, and disruptions in supply chains affecting manufacturing sites worldwide. The automotive and aerospace industries, in particular, experienced slowdowns. However, the market is expected to recover gradually over the forecast period.

Demand drivers for the global surface treatment chemicals market include the rapid expansion of end-use industries, the introduction of surface treatment chemicals to minimize infections, and the increasing adoption of plating processes in metal industries. The market may face limitations due to strict environmental standards regarding hazardous emissions and price volatility of surface treatment chemicals.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including end user, base material type, chemical type, treatment method, and region.

Segmentation by End User
Automotive
Construction
Aerospace
Electrical and Electronics
Coil Industry
Packaging Industry
Others

Segmentation by Base Material Type
Metals
Plastics
Others

Segmentation by Chemical Type
Corrosion Protection Chemicals
Cleaners
Anodizing Agents
Passivating Agents
Others

Segmentation by Treatment Method
Electroplating
Chemical Treatment
Thermal Spraying
Hot Dipping
Others

Segmentation by Region
North America – U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Europe – Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Rest-of-Europe
China
U.K.
Asia-Pacific and Japan – Japan, India, South Korea, and Rest-of-Asia-Pacific and Japan
Middle East and Africa – Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Rest-of-Middle East and Africa
South America – Brazil, Argentina, and Rest-of-South America

During the forecast period (2022-2031), the automotive segment is projected to be the largest among various end users. There is a growing trend of treating the surfaces of interior parts, including engines, gearboxes, and other movable components, with chemicals to enhance their longevity and durability. Additionally, surface treatment is crucial for improving the aesthetics of exterior parts, such as vehicle bodywork. The expanding automotive industry has resulted in increased global demand for surface treatment chemicals. Consequently, market players like Aalberts Surface Treatment, Chemetall GmbH, and Henkel AG & Co. KGaA have been supplying surface treatment solutions to the automotive industry, fostering strong business relationships and driving the healthy growth of surface treatment chemicals worldwide.

Among the various chemical types, corrosion protection chemicals are expected to dominate the market during the forecast period (2022-2031). The increasing demand for these chemicals can be attributed to their ability to provide UV light protection and weathering resistance. Conversion coatings (such as phosphate, oxide, and chromate conversion coatings), coil coatings, and other products like electrical insulation coatings and polymer coatings contribute to the diverse range of corrosion protection chemicals available.

Metals are anticipated to lead the global surface treatment chemicals market in terms of base materials during the forecast period (2022-2031). The rising demand for metals, particularly iron, steel, and aluminum, is driven by industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.

Electroplating is expected to be the dominant treatment method in the global surface treatment chemicals market during the forecast period (2022-2031). The demand for electroplating chemicals stems from sectors like electronics and electrical, aerospace, automotive, heavy manufacturing machinery, and transportation equipment. Electroplating extends the operational life of metals and is therefore essential in these industries.

Asia-Pacific and Japan are projected to lead the global surface treatment chemicals market throughout the forecast period. The region benefits from the growing automobile demand and increasing construction projects in developing markets. Countries like China and India, with their large populations and ongoing development, have significantly contributed to the demand for automobiles. Additionally, factors such as affordable labor, raw material availability, government support, and the expansion of surface finishing and coating applications have driven the growth of surface treatment chemicals in the region. This trend is expected to continue fueling the market during the forecast period (2022-2031).

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Competitive Landscape

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The selection of the profiled companies has been made based on input collected from primary experts, analysis of company coverage, product portfolio, and market penetration.

The global surface treatment chemicals market has been categorized into various chemical types, with corrosion protection chemicals occupying approximately 38.6% of the market share as of 2021. Other chemical types, such as cleaners, accounted for around 20.4%, anodizing agents accounted for 16.4%, passivating agents accounted for 13.8%, and the remaining chemical types represented 10.7% of the total demand in terms of value in 2021.

Key companies profiled in this report include Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd., OC Oerlikon Management AG, PPG Industries, Inc., Quaker Chemical Corporation, The Sherwin-Williams Company, Nihon Parkerizing Co., Ltd., ALANOD GmbH & Co. KG, Bulk Chemicals Inc., Chemetall GmbH, Aalberts Surface Technologies, NOF CORPORATION, Atotech, JCU CORPORATION, Element Solutions Inc, Trion Coatings, LLC, ChemTech Surface Finishing Pvt. Ltd., YUKEN Surface Technology, S.A. de C.V., IONICS.

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Recent Industry Developments

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In September 2021, Henkel showcased advanced coating technologies designed for electric vehicle (EV) battery production and aluminum pre-treatment for automotive exteriors at SURCAR 2021. The utilization of aluminum offers several advantages such as strong corrosion protection and efficient thermoelectric conductivity, which contribute to improved recycling processes. As a leading provider of adhesives, lubricants, and functional coatings in the automotive industry, Henkel aims to promote the widespread use of aluminum for enhanced quality, environmental sustainability, and operational efficiency.

In February 2022, PPG announced its acquisition of Arsonsisi, a distinguished supplier of specialized powder coatings for residential and commercial applications. This acquisition enables PPG to expand its portfolio of powder coatings in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. It also includes metallic bonding, which is one of the fastest-growing segments within the powder coatings industry and finds extensive use in specialized treatments for automotive, household, and general industrial applications.

In October 2021, Aalberts Surface Technologies GmbH announced a comprehensive collaboration with Hoeller Electrolyzer GmbH in the field of highly efficient electrolyzer surface treatment. The objective of this collaboration is to significantly reduce the cost of hydrogen generation while increasing its accessibility. The application of highly efficient and durable coatings will be carried out using in-line machines for large-scale production in Lübeck, thereby providing Hoeller with exposure to Europe’s limited manufacturing capacity.

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Key Questions Answered

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What are the primary factors and trends influencing the global surface treatment chemicals market?

How has the global surface treatment chemicals market been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

What measures do existing players in the market take to enhance their market positioning?

What are some of the key strategies employed by new entrants in this market space?

Which chemical type, treatment method, base material, and end user dominate the market?

how are they expected to perform in the future?

What are the latest global developments in surface treatment chemicals, and what are the consumption patterns?