Global Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer Market by Types (HPEG, TPEG, MPEG, APEG, and Others), Applications (Commercial Concrete and Pre-Cast Concrete Units), and Regions (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa)

Market Outlook:

The global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market was valued at USD 1,241.2 million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 2,008.7 million by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of over 6.4% during the forecast period. Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizers are a fundamental component of modern cement-based materials due to its effect on the rheology of the fresh mixture and the mechanical performance of the hardened material. PCE superplasticizers have formed a primary component for high-performance concrete that allows the construction of these taller buildings and other demanding infrastructure projects, such as bridges and airports. PCE superplasticizers are one of the fastest-growing chemical compounds in the world with production trends being supported by buoyant construction in emerging markets and the environmental benefits of continually improving superplasticizer technology.

In the past, high output demand for PCE superplasticizer was confined mainly to Europe, the US, and Japan. However, with rising demand for high-performance concrete in developing economies, especially India, China, and the Gulf Countries (the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia), the global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market is estimated to expand at a high pace.

Increase in the demand for rapid construction activities in the residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors is anticipated to drive the demand for the polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market. In Asia Pacific, the demand for PCE superplasticizer is expected to see an upward trend due to the high potential in the residential construction industry globally. Increase in the demand for single-family housing and rise in the population of household building, economic growth, and low mortgage rates are projected to emerge as key factors fueling the residential construction market, which in turn, is driving the global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market.

Market Dynamics
The global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer relies upon the success of the global construction industry. It is anticipated the global construction industry to show steady growth of about 3%-5% over the next five years, catalyzed by developed economies recovering from the recent economic downturn and emerging economies continuing to industrialize. The broadening scope of the application of concrete superplasticizers is a primary factor driving the global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market. Additionally, ongoing R&D programs to increase the productivity of the construction industry are expected to boost the demand for PCE superplasticizers. Factors such as population growth and the need for efficient infrastructure to cater to the growing population, and rapidly developing construction industry are expected to propel the global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market during the forecast period.

Factors such as the infrastructure built in developed regions are likely to hamper the market. Moreover, fluctuations in the prices of raw materials are likely to hinder the market. Raw materials used in the production of PCE superplasticizer are petrochemical derivatives. The volatility of prices in raw materials is expected to adversely affect the market.

Segmental Outlook

Based on applications, the global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market is bifurcated into commercial concrete and pre-cast concrete. The commercial concrete segment accounted for market share of 61.2% in 2019. Commercial concrete can be found nearly everywhere in a building, including the floors, walls, pavements, and exterior walkways, and even in several architectural details. The demand for commercial concrete is higher due to its structural durability and performance than residential concrete. Commercial concrete floors and pavements often require a robust concrete mix design and heavy reinforcements such as concrete mixed with PCE superplasticizers.

Several private and government organizations are steadily investing in building projects across the globe, which consist of the construction of commercial buildings, railroads, highways, power generation, real estate, bridges, and urban infrastructure. Additionally, developing countries such as India, China, Mexico, and South Korea are spending a large amount of money in urbanization, which is anticipated to fuel the global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market.

Regional Outlook

On the basis of regions, the global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market is fragmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to be the region for the polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market. The region is a key manufacturer and user of concrete, and accounts for more than 50% of the global concrete demand. The rising trend of urbanization across emerging Asia Pacific economies is driving the demand for concrete superplasticizers. The dominant market size and the high growth rate are due to high concrete consumption within the region. Leading nations such as China and India, cumulatively, are the largest producers and users of concrete, accounting for more than 50% of the global concrete demand. Growing urbanization across emerging economies of Asia Pacific is driving the global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market. This dominant market size and the highest rate of growth are due to the high concrete consumption of Asia Pacific.

Competitive Landscape

• The global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market is moderately fragmented with the presence of prominent Tier-1 players including Sika, BASF, Grace, Fosroc, Sobute New Material, Mapei, Takemoto, and KZJ New Materials. The Tier-2 and Ter-3 players mostly are unorganized.
• In June 2018, BASF launched its latest MasterEase 9000 and MasterSure LDP superplasticisers. This new SP technology enables the manufacture of extremely low viscosity concrete with longer processing times and improved rheological properties.
• In January 2018, Sika acquired a majority stake in Index Construction Systems and Products, a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing systems headquartered close to Verona, Italy. The company generates annual sales of CHF 115 million. By acquiring Index, Sika will extend its product range and significantly strengthen its position in the Italian market.
• In July 2018, Sika launched a new SikaPlast-100 MR mid-range water mixer based on polycarboxylate. The company also opened the first concrete mixing plant in Tanzania in 2017, driven by port facilities and other investments in transport infrastructure.

Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders

• In-depth analysis of the global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market
• Historical, current and projected market size in terms of value (USD Million) and volume (Units)
• Potential & niche segments and regions exhibiting promising growth covered
• Industry drivers, restraints and opportunities covered in the study
• Recent industry trends and developments
• Competitive landscape & strategies of key players
• Neutral perspective on the global polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer market performance