World Geosynthetics Demand to Reach 6.5 Billion Square Meters in 2019

Global demand for geosynthetics is forecast to rise 6.1% per year through 2019 to 6.5 billion square meters. Growth will be driven by China, which is expected to account for 60% of additional global demand generated between 2014 and 2019 primarily due to its ongoing development of large-scale infrastructure projects and need for erosion control. Further bolstering world demand will be growing concerns regarding environmental protection and greater awareness of the performance advantages of geosynthetics in a variety of applications. Geosynthetics will gain market share at the expense of other geotechnical solutions, including organic erosion control blankets, aggregates and compacted soil. Additionally, the implementation of more stringent regulatory standards for environmental stewardship, waste management and construction codes will provide opportunities. These and other trends are presented in World Geosynthetics, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.
The Asia/Pacific region is the largest market for geosynthetics, with China alone accounting for nearly 40% of world demand in 2014. According to analyst Nick Cunningham, “Geosynthetics sales in China, which more than doubled between 2009 and 2014, are expected to continue to record above average gains through 2019, bolstered by sustained advances in nonbuilding construction activity.” Elsewhere in the Asia/Pacific region, geosynthetics sales in India are projected to grow at a double-digit pace through 2019 due to the Indian government’s continued investment in the country’s public infrastructure.
In 2014, North America accounted for 22% of global geosynthetics sales. The US is the world’s second largest national market for geosynthetics, with 18% of global demand in 2014. The position of the US market reflects the immense size and advanced nature of the country’s economy. Through 2019, gains in North America will result from an expected acceleration in construction activity. Additional support will come from environmental regulations that focus on preventing harmful materials from contaminating groundwater supplies.    

World Geosynthetics Demand (million square meters, %)

    2009    2014    2019    Annual growth 2009-2014    Annual growth 2014-2019
Geosynthetics demand    3 369    4 845    6 500    7.5    6.1
North America    965    1 084    1 315    2.4    3.9
Western Europe    654    642    720    -0.4    2.3
Asia/Pacific    1 215    2 445    3 610    15.0     8.1
Central & South America    138    176    220    5.0     4.6
Eastern Europe    265    307    380    3.0     4.4
Africa/Mideast    132    191    255    7.7    6.0