Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
      • Finishing Today
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
  • RESOURCES
    • Columns
      • Ask Joe Powder
      • Did you know?
      • Distribution Dive
      • Focus on Canada
      • Formulating With Mike
      • Innovation Insights
      • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
      • Powder Coating Perspectives
      • Target the Market
      • TiO2 Insider
    • Blogs
      • Editor's Viewpoint
      • Industry Insights
    • Coatings Supplier Handbook
    • Podcasts and Videos
      • COAT-IT! Podcast
      • Videos/PCI TV
    • PCI Store
    • Classifieds
    • eBooks
    • Sponsor Insights
    • White Papers
    • COATLE Word Game
  • EVENTS
    • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
    • Paint and Coatings Academy
    • Webinars
    • Calendar of Events
    • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Equipment Directory
    • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • eMagazine Archive
    • China Issue Archive
    • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe to eMagazine
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • SIGN UP!
Paint and Coating Market ReportsIndustrial Coatings

Transportation Coatings Outlook

Increase in Demand for Passenger Cars and New Shipbuilding Will Drive the Growth of Transportation Coatings

By Vikash Kumar, Program Lead, Polymers and Materials, ChemBizR, Annirban Bhattacharya
pci0819-Transp-1127502111-900.jpg
August 1, 2019

The transportation industry is a vast ecosystem that covers everything related to the major modes of transport, namely road, rail, marine and air transport. This industry includes goods as well as passenger transport. The transportation industry is among the world’s most competitive industries. This is driven by ever-evolving technologies, regulatory policies and consumer expectations. The industry influences and is influenced by competitiveness and user dynamics across its allied industry segments, thus adding complexity in operations and necessitating continuous innovation.

The global transportation coatings market size is estimated at USD 26.2 billion in 2018, and is projected to register a CAGR of 4.4% by 2024. The transportation coatings industry includes automotive OEM, refinish, marine, aerospace and rail (Table 1). Automotive OEM coatings leads the transportation coatings market, and the market is expected to grow more as the demand for new passenger and commercial vehicles will increase in the coming years (Figure 1).

Transportation coatings market share, by value (2018).
FIGURE 1 » Transportation coatings market share, by value (2018).
Transportation coatings: end-use industry and application
TABLE » Transportation coatings: end-use industry and application.

 

Growing Automobile Demand Fueling OEM and Refinish Coatings Consumption

The automotive coatings industry has evolved simultaneously with the automotive industry. Both industries are continuously progressing to provide advanced technologies and eco-friendly products to buyers. The demand for automotive coatings is majorly influenced by the demand trends in the automotive industry, environmental regulations, health and safety norms, buyers’ preferences, lifestyle, and economy. Apart from the appearance of vehicles, automotive coatings play an important role in the protection of the metal surfaces of vehicles from rust and other damage. Various colors, textures and patterns make vehicles more attractive and can act as a key decision-making factor for buyers.

Through intense R&D, the automotive coatings industry has evolved from solventborne to waterborne and powder coatings. The aim of providing these advanced coatings to the automotive industry is to minimize the hazard posed by solventborne coatings, which have high VOC (volatile organic compound) and HAPs (hazardous air pollutant) content. Waterborne and powder coatings are growing in popularity owing to their zero/low-VOC, environment-friendly tag. North American and European countries have issued regulations regarding the content of VOCs in coatings, which have increased the demand for waterborne and powder coatings. Developing countries such as China, India, Brazil and Russia have also started applying waterborne and powder coatings in conventional paint processes. Hence, considering the increasing vehicle demand and upcoming environmental regulations, the demand for eco-friendly coatings is likely to grow at a substantial rate (Figure 2).

Automotive OEM and refinish market potential by 2024
FIGURE 2 » Automotive OEM and refinish market potential by 2024.

Automotive refinish coatings are an integral part of the automotive industry, and demand fluctuations in this industry have a direct impact on the dynamics. According to key automotive refinish coating producers, demand for automotive refinish coatings is expected to grow during the forecast period at a consistent rate, owing to the nurturing demand for automotive vehicles. The increased demand for coatings will particularly be observed in APAC, South America, the Middle East and Africa. Regulatory policies on the adoption of eco-friendly coatings, changing buyer preferences, growing economy, improved lifestyles and competition among automobile manufacturers will also encourage the automotive refinish coatings market to grow in terms of volume, revenue and R&D expenditure. Attributable to all the aforesaid factors, there is a good opportunity for the producers of automotive refinish coatings to provide new and innovative technology at an economical price.

 

Decline in Shipbuilding is Hindering Growth of Marine Coatings

Protective coatings used in the marine industry are applied on the surfaces of ships, cruisers, vessels, yachts and other offshore structures exposed to seawater and corrosive conditions. Marine coatings are applied for protection against corrosion, fouling and slime to increase the durability and life of marine vessels and offshore structures.

Globally, most of the marine coating companies have witnessed tough market conditions in the last few years. The combination of decelerating demand and increasing competition contributed to negative organic growth. Significant negative impacts were observed in the new shipbuilding markets in China and South Korea. The marine coatings market growth remained challenging in 2018 and has contracted further as a result of low demand in the new shipbuilding industry. Despite these challenges, marine coating manufacturers are optimistic about experiencing organic growth across most segments of the market and geographies. Manufacturers are also optimistic of the recovery in shipbuilding in the long term, which is expected to drive the demand for marine coatings.

Dry-docking of vessels, recovery in new shipbuilding activities and growth in offshore drilling will propel the growth of the global marine coatings market. APAC is the key market for marine coatings due to the high level of new shipbuilding activity, as well as dry-dockings in the region (Figure 3).

Marine coatings market share, by region (2018).
FIGURE 3 » Marine coatings market share, by region (2018).

 

Chrome-Free Technology to Augment Growth of Aerospace Coatings Market

Each part of an aircraft is properly coated to ensure safe and efficient operation. As aircraft travel long distances through harsh environments, components are coated with a long-lasting finish. These high-performance coatings provide resistance against high temperature fluctuation, variable air pressure and air instability. They play a vital role in providing protection against corrosion, heat and ultra-violet rays. They also provide fog repellence, and abrasion and wear resistance to aircraft surfaces. These properties of aerospace coatings play an important role in enhancing service life and reducing maintenance costs.

Aerospace coatings are used in the commercial, military and general aviation sectors. They are used for exterior and interior coatings for OEMs and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). These coatings help achieve higher fuel efficiency, reduce noise and weight, and increase safety. The development of chrome-free technology is expected to act as a major driver of the aerospace coatings market during the forecast period. The growing demand for powder coating as an environmentally friendly product is also expected to have a positive impact on the aerospace coatings market (Figure 4).

Aerospace coatings market share, by region (2018).
FIGURE 4 » Aerospace coatings market share, by region (2018).

 

Advances in High-Speed Train Industry Boosting Growth of Rail Coatings Market

Rail coatings are applied on the interior and exterior surfaces of railway carriages, and offer various functional and aesthetic properties. They are used in interior aluminum coating, steel component coating, tank linings and hopper car linings for exterior protection and aesthetic finishes. The strong development of the high-speed train industry provides many opportunities for rail coatings companies. Tracks are continuously being built and upgraded to international standards. This is expected to drive the rail coatings market.

There is a surge in investments for expansion of railway networks owing to the rise in demand for mass transportation in both developing and developed economies. Most countries have taken initiatives to develop strong high-speed rail networks, which help mass transit to be faster, safer and more efficient. The expansion of high-speed rail networks has opened up opportunities for the growth of the global rail coatings market (Figure 5).  

Rail coatings demand share, by region, by value, 2018.
FIGURE 5 » Rail coatings demand share, by region, by value, 2018.

 

For more information, email vikash.kumar@marketsandmarkets.com or annirban.bhattacharya@marketsandmarkets.com.

References

  •         Marine coatings market – https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/marine-coatings-market-234885004.html
  •         Aerospace coatings market - https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/aerospace-coatings-market-193137844.html

What to Read Next:

BASF Leads Development of New ASTM Test Standard for Transportation Coatings

Transportation Coatings App

KEYWORDS: transportation coatings

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Vikash Kumar, Program Lead, Polymers and Materials, ChemBizR
Annirban Bhattacharya, Senior Research Analyst, MarketsandMarkets Research Private Ltd., Pune, India

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • PCI-0724-Global10-Feature-1440.png

    2024 Global Top 10: Top Paint and Coatings Companies

    Who ranks on top? PCI’s annual ranking of the top 10...
    Global Top 10 and PCI 25
    By: Courtney Bassett
  • PCI-0724-PCI25-Feature-1440.png

    2024 PCI 25: Top Paint and Coatings Companies

    PCI's annual ranking of the top 25 North American paint...
    Paint and Coating Market Reports
    By: Courtney Bassett
  • pci1022-Kinaltek-Lead-1170.jpg

    A Novel Pigment Production Technology

    Following an extensive R&D program that demonstrated...
    Paint and Coating Pigments
    By: Jawad Haidar and Nitin Soni
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the PCI audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of PCI or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Modern arapartment complex painted in bright colors.
    Sponsored byEPS - Engineered Polymer Solutions

    Architectural Polymers Leading the Way in Coatings Innovation

  • paint sprayer in a workshop
    Sponsored byallnex

    Enabling Performance and Compliance: allnex Introduces a New Line of VOC Exempt Solvent-Borne Resins

Popular Stories

BASF SE Logo

BASF Reportedly Eyes Exit from Coatings

No. 7 BASF Coatings

BASF Comments on Potential Sale of Coatings Business

Modern arapartment complex painted in bright colors.

Architectural Polymers Leading the Way in Coatings Innovation



PCI Buyers Guide

Submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to suppliers of your choice with details on what you need with a click of a button

Start your RFP

Browse our Buyers Guide for manufacturers and distributors of all types of coatings products and much more!

Find Suppliers

Events

September 3, 2025

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit

The Coatings Trends & Technologies (CTT) Summit is an annual conference for both liquid and powder coatings formulators and manufacturers to discuss innovations in coatings technology. This event combines high-quality technical presentations, a resource-rich exhibit hall, and dedicated networking opportunities to connect scientific minds, foster innovation, and cultivate game-changing new ideas!

January 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Longest-running laboratory experiment

What is the longest-running laboratory experiment?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

CTT Summit Short Courses (Live 9/3/25)

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit is expanding its offerings with four short courses. These short courses will offer an extensive day of interactive learning.

See More Products
pci  webinar april 2025

PCI CASE EBOOK

Related Articles

  • Environmentally Friendly Coatings: Historical Perspectives and Future Outlook

    Environmentally Friendly Coatings: Historical Perspectives and Future Outlook

    See More
  • Marine Coatings (002).jpg

    The Marine Coatings Market Outlook

    See More
  • paint and coating manufacturers, refinish apps

    Transportation Coatings App

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • organic coatings.jpg

    Organic Coatings: Science and Technology, 4th Edition

  • auto-paints-and-coatings

    Automotive Paints and Coatings, 2nd Edition

  • CTT Summit Short Courses (Live 9/3/25)

See More Products
×

Keep the info flowing with our eNewsletters!

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey & Sample
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Youtube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing