The data in this year’s
listings substantiates the information in the Marketplace 2006 yearend report
by PCI
Contributing Editor Edward Bourguignon and published in the May 1, 2007, issue
of this magazine.* According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
the paint industry achieved another record in both shipment volume and value.
The total paint industry increased in volume shipped for the year by 3.1% to
l,393.4 million gallons; shipment value increased 4.5% to $19,379.6 million.
Both volume and value set all-time record highs despite the fact that
volatility in the cost and supply of petrochemical derivatives created pressure
on the operating performance throughout the year. However, the pressure on
margins was often offset by volume growth in emerging markets and prudent cost
management in mature markets.
Despite the turndown in the
housing market, the Architectural segment increased in volume shipped and
shipment values. There is definitely a softening the Architectural coatings
segment taking place, which has continued into this year.