Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Appliances, Automotive, Consumer Goods, Construction), And Segment Forecasts To 2022

Industry Insights

The global acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) market size was estimated at USD 23.09 billion in 2016 and it is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period. Considering the lightweight properties of ABS, which aids in high fuel efficiency, demand for the same is likely to increase in the automotive industry.

The automotive industry has been experiencing a significant change over the years and there is an increasing trend towards the reduction of automobile weight in order to improve fuel efficiency. An estimated 10.0% reduction in weight results in about 5.0% to 7.0% fuel saving in an automobile. In addition, the reduced weight helps control CO2 emission over the life cycle of the vehicle.

ABS is used to manufacture various automotive components including bumper, seating, dashboard, interior trim, headliners, center consoles, and lighting. ABS accounts for approximately 12.5% of the total automotive plastics used in a passenger car. Therefore, the growing automotive industry is likely to propel market growth over the forecast period.

Rising awareness regarding the inherent relation between mass and fuel economy is expected to increase the use of ABS in automobiles. The thriving automotive industry in emerging economies of the world, such as China, India, and Brazil, is likely to augment industry growth over the forecast period.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is used for vacuum construction and pipes and fittings due to excellent mechanical strength and lightweight. Products made using ABS are corrosion resistant and more durable than PVC and it is therefore used to manufacture waste collector products. These advantageous properties are anticipated to augment demand for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene in the construction industry.

Increasing the use of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is likely to hinder market growth over the forecast period. It is used to manufacture tires in the automotive industry and high abrasion resistance provided by SBR is responsible for rising demand in various end-use industries.

Application Insights

The global automotive industry has been growing rapidly. The industry recorded worldwide sales of 95.0 million vehicles in 2016, 4.6% up from the previous year. Factors such as rising income levels across the globe, rapid urbanization, growing demand for electric vehicles, and consistent advancements in technology are expected to drive demand over the coming years.

The automotive segment accounted for a revenue share of 16.5% in 2014 and it is projected to witness the fastest CAGR over the forecast period owing to increasing use in the automotive industry. Rising automotive production, mainly in China, Indonesia, Mexico, U.S., Germany, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan, is a major driver of market growth.

The construction segment accounted for a revenue share of 13.3% in the global acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) market in 2014. ABS is a better choice compared to all other plastics in construction and it is widely used in pipes and fittings and vacuum parts. It is lightweight and easy to install. The global construction industry is projected to grow at 4.5% over the next five years, according to Timetric’s Construction Intelligence Center (CIC).

The electrical and electronics industry consists of a variety of products, ranging from consumer electronic products to medical equipment. The global consumer electronics segment is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 13.4% from 2017 to 2018, which in turn, is likely to propel the demand for the product over the coming years.

Regional Insights

Asia is expected to witness an increase in construction spending over the forecast period on account of rapid urbanization combined with an increase in population in the region. The market in China and India is expected to show substantial growth in the construction sector as a result of increasing disposable income and rising government spending on large infrastructural projects. These factors are expected to propel the demand for ABS over the forecast period.

China dominated the global market with a revenue share of 56.4% in 2014 and is likely to continue the trend over the forecast period owing to increasing construction activities in the country. The Chinese construction industry recorded a double-digit growth from 2012 to 2016, which in turn, is likely to propel the demand for the product over the coming years.

The Chinese automobile industry is the largest in the world in terms of unit vehicle volume produced. The country witnessed increased production even during the recession. The growing per capita income of the country has resulted in increased demand for automobiles in the domestic market. Growing automobile production is likely to have a direct impact on the demand for ABS over the forecast period.

North America accounted for a revenue share of 10.7% in 2014 owing to increasing vehicle production in the region. Mexico is expected to witness significant growth in the automotive industry in light of increasing vehicle production and the presence of numerous major market players.

The automotive industry in the region is likely to witness significant growth in vehicle production and export over the coming years. Companies including Nissan, Honda, and Mazda have established their manufacturing facilities in the country’s central region to manufacture different automobile models at large volumes

ABS Market Share Insights

LG Chemicals, Asahi Kasei, Chi Mei Corporation, Formosa Plastics, KKPC, SABIC, Styron, Styrolution, BASF SE, and DuPont are some of the key players operating in the market through wide distribution networks spread across the globe.

Manufacturers are investing in the development of new products and partnering with other firms in order to increase their capabilities. Mergers and acquisitions have also been observed as a key strategy adopted by companies.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2012 to 2022. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) market on the basis of application, and region:

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2024)

  • Appliances

  • Automotive

  • Consumer Goods

  • Construction

  • Electrical and Electronics

  • Offshore

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

  • Europe

    • Italy

    • Germany

    • China

  • Rest of Asia Pacific

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Taiwan

  • Rest of World (RoW)