Cement Additives Market Analysis APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, South America - China, India, US, Indonesia, UK - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Cement Additives Market Size 2024-2028

The cement additives market size is estimated to increase by USD 10.39 billion, at a CAGR of 6.36% between 2023 and 2028.  The market's expansion depends on several key factors, notably the escalating demand for plasticizers, driven by their versatile applications across various industries. Additionally, the ongoing trend of urbanization fuels the need for construction materials, including plasticizers, to support infrastructural development. Particularly in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the surge in residential projects further propels market growth as plasticizers find extensive use in the construction of buildings and infrastructure. As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for plasticizers is expected to remain robust, supported by the construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. This steady demand, coupled with advancements in production technologies, positions the market for sustained growth in the foreseeable future. It also includes an in-depth analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges. Our report examines historical data from 2018 - 2022, besides analyzing the current market scenario.

What will be the Market Size During the Forecast Period?

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Market Dynamics

The market encompasses a wide range of products used in the construction industry to enhance the properties of cement and concrete. These include Friction reducers, Water reducers, Retarders, Waterproofing agents, and Colorants, among others. The use of these is essential in infrastructure development, as they help reduce water consumption during cement production, improve grinding aids, and serve as strength and performance enhancers. Key additives include Chemical Additives, Mineral Additives, and Fiber Additives. Plasticizers and Retarders are commonly used water reducers, while Fly ash, Silica slag, and Rice husk ash are popular mineral additives. Die casting tools are sometimes used in the production process.

Further, the exportation of cement is a significant market with Sodium gluconate being a common additive used to prevent cement from setting prematurely during transportation. The COVID-19 lockdowns have impacted production and supply, leading to fluctuations in market prices and demand. Despite these challenges, the market is expected to continue growing due to the increasing demand for infrastructure development and the need for sustainable and efficient construction materials. Our researchers analyzed the market research and growth data with 2023  as the base year, along with the key market growth analysis, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage. 

Key Market Driver

The increasing demand for plasticizers is a major factor driving global market share growth. In the construction industry, they play a crucial role in enhancing the properties of cement and concrete. These products including chemical additives like sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde, polycarboxylic acids, and sulfonated melamine formaldehyde, as well as mineral additives such as fly ash, silica slag, rice husk ash, and gypsum, serve various functions. They reduce water content for improved workability, increase compressive and flexural strength, and provide waterproofing and retarding properties.

Additionally, they improve bonding between cement and reinforcement, reduce shrinkage, and lower permeability. The demand is significant in APAC, driven by countries like China, a major global user. They contribute to infrastructure development, urbanization, and the production of hybrid buildings, which are more resilient to climate change. Plasticizers, retarders, water reducers, colorants, and grinding aids are essential types. Sodium gluconate is another additive used for concrete production. The market has been impacted by lockdowns and federal budgets, but the ongoing housing shortage and exportation of cement continue to drive production.

Significant  Market Trends 

The shift toward sustainable practices in the cement industry is another factor supporting the market share growth. In the construction industry, cement kilns traditionally rely on coal for energy. However, the adoption of alternative fuels, such as waste oil, plastics, industrial wastes, textiles, paper residues, and construction and demolition wastes, is increasing. These materials not only reduce CO2 emissions during cement production but also make better use of their calorific value than individual waste incinerators. Alternative fuels include fly ash, silica slag, rice husk ash, and gypsum.

Moreover, they include chemical and mineral additives, fiber additives, plasticizers, retarders, water reducers, colorants, and grinding aids, which are used to enhance cement and stone properties. These improve friction, water reduction, retarding, waterproofing, and strength. Infrastructure development, urbanization, and the production of hybrid buildings are driving the demand. The use in concrete production for residential construction and in the manufacture of Portland cement and white cement is also on the rise. The federal budget and climate change initiatives are expected to further boost the market. Sodium gluconate is a common additive used in cement production. Lockdowns have impacted cement production but exportation remains strong.

Major Market Challenge

The increase in construction costs and lack of skilled workforce will be a major challenge for the global market share growth during the forecast period. In the construction sector, materials like stainless steel, hardened steel, cast iron, cement, concrete, bricks, and aggregates are utilized. Cement's cost ranges from 1% to 15%, while steel accounts for 8% to 10%, and other materials account for 25% to 30%. Price fluctuations in building materials, such as cement, impact the total construction cost. Countries in Africa, including Nigeria and Namibia, face challenges controlling these price hikes due to unstable economic conditions. They play a crucial role in the construction industry. They include water reduction agents, retarders, waterproofing agents, and colorants. Mineral additives like fly ash, silica slag, and rice husk ash, as well as chemical and fiber additives, serve as grinding aids, strength enhancers, and performance enhancers.

Furthermore, additives like plasticizers, retarders, and water reducers improve cement and concrete's workability and performance. Infrastructure projects, such as hybrids buildings and urbanization, are major consumers of cement additives. Climate change and federal budgets also influence the demand. Cement production involves the use of Portland cement, white cement, and concrete. Production can be affected by factors like lockdowns and production disruptions. Gypsum and silica fume are other materials used in cement production. They are essential for various applications, including building floors and exportation of cement. Sodium gluconate is a common additive used for concrete treatment. The construction industry's reliance on these continues to grow, driven by infrastructure development and the housing shortage.

Segmentation by End-User, Application, Distribution Channel and Geography

Chemical Segment Analysis 

The market share growth by the chemicals segment will be significant during the forecast period. The market plays a significant role in the construction industry by reducing costs, ensuring concrete quality, and modifying hardened concrete properties. Key additives include water reducers for high-performance concrete and self-consolidating concrete, retarders, waterproofing agents like acrylic copolymer emulsion, and accelerators such as calcium chloride. Other additives include minerals like fly ash, silica slag, and rice husk ash, fiber additives, plasticizers, retarders, colorants, and performance enhancers. 

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The chemicals segment was valued at USD 11.29 billion in 2018. The market's growth is driven by the increasing demand for water reducers, the acceptance of plasticizers, and the need for waterproofing and retarding agents in various applications, including cement and stone, die casting tools, and infrastructure projects. Urbanization, climate change, and the construction of hybrids buildings also contribute to the market's growth. The market for chemical and mineral additives is expected to expand moderately, with key players focusing on innovation and production efficiency. Key applications include cement and concrete production for residential construction, housing shortage, and exportation of cement. Additionally, additives like sodium gluconate are used to improve cement production and overcome production challenges during lockdowns. Other additives like gypsum, silica fume, and grinding aids enhance cement's strength and

Region Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 65% to the growth of the global market during the projection period. The market in the APAC region is primarily driven by the construction sector's expansion for both residential and non-residential buildings. Notable countries, including India, China, and Japan, are significant consumers of these products. China, in particular, is a dominant player in the cement industry and is expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing use of advanced water reducers. Products such as extenders (bentonite), cellulose derivatives, lignosulfonate, and organic polymers, are utilized to enhance cement properties, including fluid loss control and improved workability.

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Technavio's analysts have provided extensive insight into the market forecasting, detailing the regional trends and drivers influencing the market's trajectory throughout the projection period. In the global oil industry, these products including hematite and lignosulphonate, are essential for onshore drilling projects and oilfield cement applications. The market's growth is influenced by the increasing demand for cost-effective solutions in countries like China, South Korea, Malaysia, and India. However, factors such as lockdown restrictions and oil production reductions may impact the market's growth. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a popular additive used in the oilfield segment to improve cement performance and reduce energy consumption in the global oil industry.

Key Companies

Companies are implementing various market growth and forecasting strategies by analyzing factors such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product or service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Ashland Inc.: The company offers cement additives such as Aqualon starch ethers and Silipon air-entraining agent.

The report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market companies, including BASF SE, Compagnie de Saint Gobain, Dow Chemical Co., Elkem ASA, European Concrete Additives, Fosroc International Ltd., Global Drilling Fluids and Chemicals Ltd., Halliburton Co., Knauf Digital GmbH, Mapei SpA, MR Bond Polychem, Nan Pao Resins Chemical Co. Ltd., OMNOVA Solutions Inc., Oscrete UK Ltd., Sika AG, Solvay SA, Sterling Auxiliaries Pvt. Ltd., UNISOL Inc., and Universal Drilling Fluids

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Segment Overview

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD Billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Type Outlook 
  • Chemicals
  • Minerals
  • Fiber
• End-User Outlook
  • Non-residential
  • Residential

• Region Outlook 
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

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Market Analyst Overview

The market is a significant sector in the construction industry, with various types of additives playing crucial roles in enhancing the properties of cement. These additives include chemicals, mineral admixtures, and fibers. The use of these products is essential in reducing the environmental impact of cement production, improving workability, increasing strength, and enhancing durability. They are vital in producing high-performance concrete, which is essential in various applications, such as residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. The demand is driven by the increasing construction activities worldwide, especially in developing countries.

Furthermore, major products include fly ash, silica fume, slag cement, and mineral admixtures such as lime, gypsum, and pozzolans. These additives are used to improve the strength, durability, and workability of cement. Plasticizers, superplasticizers, and retarders are also essential that help in improving the flow properties of concrete. The market is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance concrete. The market is also driven by the growing construction industry, especially in developing countries, and the increasing awareness of the environmental benefits of using these products. The market is highly competitive, with major players including CEMEX, LafargeHolcim, and HeidelbergCement.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting of the market between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market size and its contribution to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market trends and analysis and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market industry across Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough market growth analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive market analysis and report on the factors that will challenge the market research and growth of market companies

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