GCC Polycarboxylate Ether Superplasticizer Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (MPEG, APEG, TPEG, HPEG, and Others), By Application (Residential and Non-residential), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The GCC polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer market size was valued at USD 1.25 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 1.31 billion in 2023 to USD 1.98 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period.

Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer is a third-generation high-performance concrete admixture. It allows significant water reduction of up to 40% required for the concrete mixture. It has excellent performance, which integrates water reducing process, reinforcement, shrinkage, slump protection, and environmental protection. It also enables the reduction of the cement content of the concrete mixture without compromising the desired properties of the concrete mixture. Additionally, it enhances the strength of the concrete mixture. Increasing preference from the construction industry owing to the product’s superior properties will drive market growth.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Supply Chain Challenges Caused By Pandemic Hampered Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a severe blow to the construction industry and road & highway projects. The projects were postponed, canceled, or continued at a slower pace. The drop in crude oil prices further reinforced this effect, and activities in almost all GCC countries have slowed down, which significantly impacted the GCC polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer market growth.

The PCE superplasticizer producers faced a supply shortage, at least for the first half of 2020, due to trade restrictions in key industrial nations such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. As a result of this issue, companies' manufacturing capacities were hampered, and the demand for PCE superplasticizers decreased drastically.

GCC Polycarboxylate Ether Superplasticizer Market Trends

Increasing Adoption in Nanocomposites will Boost Market Growth

Along with the conventional use as stand-alone admixtures, polycarboxylate ether superplasticizers are also being used to synthesize nanocomposite admixtures. The Calcium Silicate Hydrates (C-S-H)-PCE nanocomposite is a highly effective hardening accelerator for Portland cement. C-S-H-PCE nanocomposite is an inorganic-organic hybrid white suspension prepared by combining water solutions of Na2SiO3 and Ca (NO3)2 in a PCE solution. The efficiency of this nanocomposite will boost market growth.

Moreover, scientists from China synthesized polycarboxylate superplasticizers with varying degrees of carboxyl group densities and main chain degrees of polymerization. They also investigated the effect of polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer's different microstructures on cement slurry’s rheology, adsorption, kinetics, and hydration heat. The results of the investigation showed that the increased density of carboxyl causes an increase in hydrodynamic radius and molecular weight. The innovations in construction materials with the use of PCE superplasticizers will create growth opportunities for the market.

GCC Polycarboxylate Ether Superplasticizer Market Growth Factors

Superior Functionality Offered by Polycarboxylate Ether Superplasticizer over its Counterparts to Drive Market Growth

The water-to-cement ratio is the crucial factor determining the strength and durability of the concrete. Apart from that, the fluidity and rheology of concrete play a vital role in determining its strength by affecting its porosity. The lower water content of the concrete enhances its strength by lowering the porosity of the hardened concrete and offers enhanced compression resistance. In this aspect, polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer turns out to be superior by providing excellent functionality with water content reduction by around 40%. It offers more significant water reduction with lower dosage rates compared to its counterparts.

Polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer enables the preparation of concrete with extended workability and high-strength development with better setting characteristics. Greater relative dispersibility of the PCE superplasticizer and slump protection offers uniform distribution, imparting a desired rheology to concrete, and is pushing its demand for large public infrastructure projects. It can be used alone or compounded with different additives to prepare special high-performance concrete, such as ready-mixed concrete, pumping concrete, and others.

All the properties mentioned above of the PCE superplasticizer provide it superior functionality over its counterparts, due to which it is being widely used for public & private infrastructure and building & construction projects, including water conservation, ports, electrical power, highways, bridges, railway, buildings, and others, driving the market growth. Moreover, the building & construction industry has witnessed a significant recovery after the setback encountered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These key factors are expected to drive the market at a substantial rate during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Stringent Environmental Regulations Coupled with Fluctuating Raw Material Prices Limit Market Growth

The market is expected to face challenges due to the enforcement of rigorous environmental regulations by governments and private organizations. Growing concerns about environmental issues and heightened public expectations for pollution reduction have prompted numerous countries to implement new sets of rules and regulations.

Several countries globally have had to adopt new rules and regulations in response to increasing environmental-related problems and rising public expectations for government action to reduce pollution. The cost of goods has increased due to the high energy-consuming processing required to meet higher standards, limiting the market growth.

Moreover, fluctuations in crude oil prices significantly influence the cost of raw materials for producing PCE superplasticizers. For instance, in 2020, due to the lockdowns imposed to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, crude oil prices decreased significantly to historic lows, resulting in a significant drop in raw materials prices used for manufacturing PCE superplasticizers. However, with significant control over the spread of COVID-19 and the gradual recovery of economies globally, crude oil prices have witnessed a steady rise, resulting in an increase in raw material prices in similar proportions. Such fluctuations in crude oil prices due to ongoing geo-political conflicts in different crude oil producing and exporting countries globally, including GCC itself, can limit market growth.

GCC Polycarboxylate Ether Superplasticizer Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

TPEG Segment to Account for the Largest Market Share Owing to its Wider Adoption

Based on type, the market is segmented into MPEG, APEG, TPEG, HPEG, and others.

The TPEG segment accounted for the largest GCC polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer market share in 2022. TPEG, also known as isopentenyl polyethylene glycol, is a superplasticizer with superior properties, including good cement adaptability, enhanced durability, high early strength, and environment-friendly. These properties will support the wide adoption of the TPEG type and drive segment growth.

HPEG is often used as an alternative to TPEG and holds a second leading market share. Growing demand for water-reducing agents in cement and concrete to enhance the workability of concrete is expected to drive the segment growth.

By Application Analysis

Non-Residential Segment Accounted for the Largest Share due to Growing Use in Public Infrastructure Projects

Based on application, the market is segmented into residential and non-residential.

The non-residential segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022. Polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer is a superior water-reducing chemical. It is a cement/concrete dispersant primarily used in cement and concrete applications. PCE superplasticizer is extensively used in bridges, roads, high-rise buildings, tunnels, dams, and other projects. The growing non-residential construction activities are boosting the demand for construction chemicals, including superplasticizers. For instance, Saudi Arabia is embarking on an ambitious USD 500 billion sustainable development and megacities project that spreads 26,500 sq. kilometers along the Red Sea coast. This will drive the segment growth in the market.

Residential is the second leading segment in the market and is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is associated with the rising consumer investment towards residential buildings and houses. Further, surging demand for sustainable construction materials from building contractors will drive product adoption in residential applications.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Construction is one of the important economic sectors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The GCC has a considerable build-up of projects, such as transportation, water infrastructure, electricity, new residential and commercial construction, hospitality projects, and major industrial projects. Saudi Arabia is one of the rapidly developing countries in the GCC. It accounted for the largest share of the market in 2022. The country invests heavily in housing, infrastructure, and tourism projects, creating a massive demand for construction services.

UAE is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. According to the International Trade Administration, the UAE government has been focusing on investment in energy and infrastructure, including decarbonization, transportation, utilities, and renewable & nuclear energy generation. The significant commitment and resources of the government have led to many projects and opportunities for the construction and engineering sector in the UAE.

Qatar’s construction and building sector delivers remarkable market opportunities within the outline of the Qatar National Vision 2030, directing to transform Qatar into a diversified economy.

List of Key Companies in GCC Polycarboxylate Ether Superplasticizer Market

Key Players Adopted Strategic Planning to Strengthen their GCC Polycarboxylate Ether Superplasticizer Market Share

The market includes major companies, such as MUHU (China) Construction Materials Co., Ltd, Himadri Speciality Chemicals Ltd., BASF SE, and Henan Kingsun Chemical Co., Ltd. Key market players are prioritizing a blend of innovation, customer-centric methodologies, and strategic partnerships. Substantial investments in research and development are being made to improve the quality and variety of superplasticizers. Additionally, there is a growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials, aligning with the increasing demand for environmentally responsible manufacturing processes. These leading companies employ these strategies to uphold a competitive advantage in both the regional and global market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Sika AG (Switzerland)


• TriStar Technical Co. (Saudi Arabia)


• Henan Kingsun Chemical Co., Ltd (China)


• MAPEI S.p.A. (Italy)


• BASF SE  (Germany)


• Himadri Speciality Chemicals Ltd. (India)


• MUHU (China) Construction Materials Co., Ltd. (China)


• Shandong Zhuoxing Chemical Co., Ltd. (China)


• KMT Polymers (Turkey)


• Arkema (France)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2023: Sika announced the acquisition of the MBCC Group, an eminent player engaged in the business of admixture and construction systems. The move enables the company to expand its product offerings. It will have an enhanced distribution network, which is anticipated to result in significant growth in the company's revenue.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides details and focuses on crucial aspects such as competitive landscape, types, and applications. It offers insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors contributing to the market's growth in recent years. It includes market analysis in terms of revenue and volume at regional and country levels and analyzes the industry's latest market dynamics and opportunities.

Report Scope & Segmentation