The global construction chemicals market plays a vital role in enhancing the quality, durability, and performance of modern construction projects. Construction chemicals are widely used across residential, commercial, and infrastructure developments to improve strength, workability, and resistance to environmental factors. The market has experienced steady growth and is expected to continue expanding, supported by rapid urbanization, infrastructure investments, and technological advancements in construction materials.
Construction chemicals are specialty formulations added to construction materials such as cement, concrete, mortar, and coatings. These chemicals improve properties including water resistance, bonding strength, setting time, corrosion protection, and overall durability. Their use has become increasingly essential in meeting modern construction standards and long-term performance requirements.
The global construction chemicals market was valued at USD 42.32 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach approximately USD 70.91 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% during the forecast period. This growth reflects rising construction activity worldwide and increasing adoption of advanced chemical solutions to improve structural efficiency and lifespan.
Rising Infrastructure Development
Large-scale investments in roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, and smart cities are significantly boosting demand for construction chemicals. Rapid urbanization in emerging economies and redevelopment projects in developed regions continue to drive market growth.
Demand for High-Performance Materials
Construction chemicals enhance compressive strength, durability, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. These benefits reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of buildings and infrastructure, making them highly attractive to builders and developers.
Growth of Sustainable Construction Practices
The increasing focus on green buildings and environmentally friendly construction methods has led to higher demand for low-VOC, energy-efficient, and sustainable construction chemical solutions.
By Product Type
Concrete Admixtures: The largest segment, widely used to improve concrete strength, workability, and setting time.
Waterproofing Chemicals: Essential for preventing moisture penetration and structural damage.
Flooring Chemicals: Used extensively in industrial, commercial, and residential flooring applications.
Repair and Rehabilitation Chemicals: Applied in restoration, maintenance, and strengthening of aging infrastructure.
Others: Includes adhesives, sealants, grouts, and protective coatings.
By Application
Non-Residential Construction: Holds a major market share due to increased commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and infrastructure projects.
Residential Construction: Supported by rising housing demand, urban migration, and government housing initiatives.
North America: Maintains a significant market share due to strong construction activity and advanced building technologies.
Asia Pacific: Expected to witness the fastest growth, driven by rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion in countries such as China and India.
Europe: Shows steady growth supported by renovation activities and sustainable construction initiatives.
Latin America and Middle East & Africa: Offer growth opportunities due to increasing investments in infrastructure and availability of raw materials.
The construction chemicals market is moderately fragmented, with key players focusing on product innovation, capacity expansion, and strategic partnerships. Major companies operating in the market include:
BASF SE
Sika AG
3M Company
Evonik Industries
Fosroc
ACC Limited
CHRYSO
Croda International Plc
These companies continue to invest in research and development to introduce advanced, sustainable, and high-performance construction chemical products.
Despite strong growth prospects, the market faces certain challenges:
Stringent environmental regulations related to chemical emissions and VOC content
Volatility in raw material prices, which can impact production costs and profit margins
In July 2021 – Saint-Gobain entered into an agreement to acquire Chryso, a leading global player in the construction chemicals market. The acquisition of Chryso perfectly fits within Saint-Gobain’s strategic vision of worldwide leadership for sustainable construction. It will further expand the Group’s presence in the growing construction chemicals market with combined sales of more than €3 billion across 66 countries.
The construction chemicals market is set for sustained growth, supported by expanding infrastructure development, rising demand for durable construction materials, and increasing adoption of sustainable building practices. As construction technologies evolve, the role of construction chemicals will become even more critical in shaping the future of the global construction industry.