Low-Cost Asian Glass Fiber Imports Restraining US Glass Fiber Market Growth

•China holds over 50% of global glass fiber production capacity due to lower pricing

•Six companies account for 70% of the global glass fiber market

•Increasing demand for glass fiber in niche applications

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--By 2017 the world glass fibers market is expected to reach 8.5 million tons, according to a new report available from companiesandmarkets.com. Post-recession, the emerging economies of the Asia Pacific market are representing strong growth opportunities, particularly from a construction perspective.

Glass Fibers: A Global Strategic Business Report

Asia-Pacific, Europe and the US are the dominant geographical markets in the glass fiber market, with China holding the lion’s share of production capacity, at over 50%.

This study splits the product segments of the maturing glass fibers market into two: glass wool and textile glass fiber. The properties of glass wool are such that it is used widely in the construction industry, although there is increased demand for the fiber within the advanced technology industries, such as aircraft, automotive, and electronics sectors. The versatility of textile glass fibers mean that they find applications in numerous sectors, and there is strong potential from within the telecommunications and electrical markets.

The markets are further segmented by end-use, e.g. for glass wool: housing construction, commercial /industrial/infrastructural, industrial/commercial equipment, and others. End use markets for textile glass fibers include construction, automotive, industrial/commercial equipment, marine, consumer goods, paper & fabrics, and others.

The glass fiber market is highly competitive and consolidated in nature, with just six companies holding nearly three-quarters of the market in terms of production. Mergers and acquisitions are an important strategy adopted by industry participants, as there is limited opportunity for differentiation.

A number of key glass fiber market players are profiled within the research piece, including Guardian Fiberglass Inc., Knauf, Owens Corning Inc., and Uralita Group.

The 471 page report, published in August 2011, provides a detailed analysis of the glass fibers market, incorporating statistical data from 2003-2017. Geographic markets analysed include the Asia Pacific, Canada, Europe, Japan, Latin America, Middle East and US. The comprehensive report investigates covers the market landscape, key players and their products, trends and barriers/drivers to growth, as well as explaining the production processes