PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1608256
PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1608256
Market Overview
The global fiber cement market sales volume is projected to reach 34.2 million tonnes in 2024 and to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%, reaching 49.7 million tonnes by 2030. This growth is driven by its increasing application in residential construction for both interior and exterior purposes, supported by the expanding residential sector. Fiber cement's exceptional properties, including water and fire resistance, high strength, durability, and stability, contribute to its growing popularity worldwide.
As an eco-friendly alternative to asbestos, fiber cement has gained traction amid stringent regulations limiting asbestos use due to its health hazards. For example, the European Union has banned asbestos in new products, propelling the shift to fiber cement as a safer substitute. Additionally, the global push toward sustainable construction, supported by government initiatives, is fueling market demand. Canada, for instance, promotes green and inclusive community facilities through retrofits and new construction projects. Similarly, developing nations like Mexico are adopting green building practices, leveraging insights from countries like Canada and the U.S. to improve sustainability and health outcomes.
However, the market faces challenges due to health risks associated with fiber cement. Its primary material, silicate minerals, poses potential health hazards such as respiratory issues and cancers with prolonged exposure. Consequently, stringent regulations on material content and handling have increased production complexities and costs, posing a significant restraint on the market's growth.
Key Insights
The siding category holds a 35% share in 2024 due to its cost-effectiveness and advantages, such as resistance to high winds and being lighter than bricks and stone siding.
Fiber cement siding costs USD 5-7 per square foot, compared to USD 7-12 for brick veneer siding, making it an economical choice.
The residential sector drives significant demand for fiber cement siding due to its environmental benefits and low maintenance requirements.
The molding and trimming category is recording the highest CAGR, driven by the increasing use of fiber cement trim boards, known for their weather resilience, rot resistance, and fireproof properties.
The residential category dominates with a 70% share in 2024, and it will have the highest CAGR of 6.7%, driven by higher returns on investment and increasing population.
In the U.S., the use of fiber cement for single-family homes' exterior walls increased from 5% in 2005 to 8% in 2020, showcasing growth potential.
The growing population, projected to reach 11 billion by the century's end, is propelling residential construction worldwide.
Portland cement leads the market in 2024 and is the fastest-growing category, with a 7.2% CAGR, due to regulations limiting silica exposure risks.
APAC is the largest fiber cement market in 2024, with a 45% share, and the fastest growing, with a rate of 7.5% between 2024 and 2030.
Rapid economic growth in APAC, particularly in China and India, is driving fiber cement demand through infrastructure and construction projects.
Rising disposable incomes and foreign investments further boost fiber cement consumption in APAC.
Knowledge of asbestos hazards is increasing the preference for fiber cement in construction across APAC.
China is prioritizing green building projects, such as Suzhou Taihu New City, accommodating 200,000 people with a focus on high-end services.
Infrastructure spending and construction activities in APAC are set to significantly increase fiber cement demand.
Stringent regulations on asbestos and quartz sand, combined with green building trends, contribute to market growth globally.