LODI, NJ – According to the consulting firm Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney, global coatings consumption in 2009 is projected to total 60 billion pounds (as supplied), worth $87 billion. Coatings volume will be down some 2 percent from 2008; value will be off even more owing to declining prices. Asia Pacific is the only region forecast to have positive growth in 2009, with a one-percent increase. Most countries in Asia Pacific will show declines in consumption over 2008; China and India will contribute modest growth.

Europe and North America are each forecast to have volume declines of 6-7 percent in 2009. In addition to challenging end-use markets, new regulations are lowering VOCs in these regions and putting pressure on coating formulators.

World architectural paint consumption in 2009 is forecast at 34 billion pounds, down 3 percent from 2008. Original equipment manufacturer’s coating consumption in 2009 is projected to come in at 16.5 billion pounds, off 8 percent from 2008. Special-purpose coating consumption in 2009 is expected to be nearly the same as the prior year.