Primer Market

• Rising demand for paints and coatings is driving the market growth

The word "primer" means "first" in this context; it refers to the first coat directly applied to the bare substrate, wood, and steel before painting to level the surface and provide a smooth finish. The primer strengthens adhesion and keeps moisture from penetrating the material’s surface, which is required for the final paint. Before painting, a smooth surface is achieved on materials by applying a layer of coating called primer.

In addition to shielding the material from paint, it keeps moisture from penetrating the surface, stops paint from soaking into the substrate, expands the connection, and delays paint wear outside the material. Much primer is used in the building and construction industries. Before painting, it is a primer coat for walls and other substrates. The construction industry has seen strong growth in Asia, driven by rising manufacturing and service sector infrastructure, rising housing construction, and apparent government spending on infrastructure development.

The American Coatings Association estimates that in 2021, the United States exported paint and coatings worth USD 1.1 billion to Canada and USD 632 million to Mexico, totaling USD 1.7 billion. In the United States, about 868 million gallons of architectural paint will be consumed in 2021. Before applying undercoats or topcoats, pigmented primers are coated onto both old and new surfaces. A significant factor in the rising demand for paints and coatings is the expanding construction sector.

The primer market will eventually benefit from the increased demand for paints and coatings that will result from an increase in the volume of construction activities. The building and construction sector has been expanding over the past few years due to various factors, including an aging population, the development of new cities, an increase in the migrant population in urban areas, and the renewal of aging infrastructure in established cities. By 2030, this sector is anticipated to generate USD 4.4 trillion in revenue.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the value of construction in the United States was USD 1.58 trillion in 2021, making it one of the top construction markets in the world. According to the US Census Bureau, building permits were issued for 1,873,000 privately owned housing units in December 2021. Compared to November's revised rate of 1,717,000, this is an increase of 91%. A projected 1,724,700 housing units were authorized by building permits in 2021, a 17-point 2 percent increase from the 1,471,100 the year before. Thus, driving the primer market revenue.

The Global Primer Market Industry is projected to experience substantial growth over the next decade. With a market value of 14.0 USD Billion in 2024, it is anticipated to reach 24.1 USD Billion by 2035, indicating a robust growth trajectory. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.06% from 2025 to 2035 suggests a steady increase in demand driven by various factors, including construction activities, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. This growth reflects the industry's adaptability to market trends and its potential to innovate in response to evolving customer needs.

The Global Primer Market Industry is experiencing a surge in demand due to increasing construction activities worldwide. As urbanization accelerates, the need for residential and commercial buildings rises, driving the consumption of primers. In 2024, the market is projected to reach 14.0 USD Billion, reflecting the industry's response to these construction trends. Countries with robust infrastructure development plans, such as India and China, are particularly contributing to this growth. The emphasis on sustainable building practices further enhances the demand for eco-friendly primers, which are gaining traction in the market. This trend indicates a potential for sustained growth in the coming years.

Technological innovations in coating formulations are significantly influencing the Global Primer Market Industry. Advances in polymer chemistry and the development of high-performance primers are enhancing product efficacy and application ease. These innovations lead to improved adhesion, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, which are crucial for various substrates. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on research and development to create specialized primers that cater to specific needs, such as moisture resistance and UV protection. This trend not only boosts product performance but also expands market opportunities, potentially contributing to the projected CAGR of 5.06% from 2025 to 2035.

Consumer preferences for aesthetic finishes are shaping the Global Primer Market Industry. As homeowners and builders seek high-quality finishes for their projects, the demand for primers that enhance the appearance and longevity of coatings is increasing. This trend is particularly evident in the residential sector, where decorative and functional primers are gaining popularity. The rise of DIY projects and home renovations further fuels this demand, as consumers look for products that provide professional results. Consequently, manufacturers are responding by developing primers that not only serve functional purposes but also cater to aesthetic desires, thereby expanding their market reach.

The Global Primer Market Industry is being shaped by stringent environmental regulations and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Governments worldwide are implementing policies that promote the use of low-VOC and eco-friendly primers, which are less harmful to the environment. This shift is driving manufacturers to innovate and reformulate their products to meet these regulations. For instance, the European Union's Green Deal aims to reduce carbon emissions, influencing the types of primers available in the market. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable products is likely to increase, further propelling market growth towards the anticipated 24.1 USD Billion by 2035.

The expansion of the automotive and industrial sectors is a key driver for the Global Primer Market Industry. With the automotive industry increasingly focusing on lightweight materials and advanced coatings, the demand for specialized primers that enhance adhesion and corrosion resistance is on the rise. Additionally, the industrial sector's growth, particularly in manufacturing and machinery, necessitates the use of primers for surface preparation and protection. This trend is expected to contribute to the market's growth trajectory, as these sectors are projected to expand significantly in the coming years, aligning with the overall growth forecast of the primer market.

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. The North American primary market area will dominate this market; there have been numerous construction projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial ones. Primers are frequently used in construction to protect metal surfaces from corrosion, improve adhesion, and increase the overall durability of the structures such as structural steel, metal roofs, and metal doors. The growth of the North American primer market is largely due to the rising demand for primer coatings in the construction sector.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: PRIMER MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion) Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Europe’s primer market accounts for the second-largest market share. Europe has some of the strictest environmental laws in the world, especially regarding hazardous materials and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). With these regulations, consumers are seeking low-VOC, environmentally-friendly primers. Due to the manufacturers' obligation to abide by these laws and create innovative primer formulations that satisfy high standards, the European market for eco-friendly primers is expanding. Further, the German primer market held the largest market share, and the UK primer market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific Primer Market is expected to grow fastest from 2023 to 2032. The demand for primer is anticipated to grow significantly in APAC, with China and India being major drivers of the market's expansion. Due to rising government spending on expanding the automotive industry, building the transportation system, exporting more furniture, and expanding other industries, China will likely experience significant growth and demand for primer. The region's market demand is anticipated to increase due to technological advancement in the automotive industry, which enjoys enormous popularity and high acceptance among the populace.

Moreover, China’s primer market held the largest market share, and the Indian primer market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the primer market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, primer industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the primer industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the primer industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to medicine. Major players in the primer market, including BASF SE (Germany), Tikkurila OYJ (Finland), PPG Industries Inc. (US), RPM International Inc. (US), Berger Paints India Limited (India), Hempel A/S (Denmark), Asian Paints (India), Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd (Japan), AXALTA (US), Valspar (US), Kansai Paint Co.

Ltd (Japan), Akzo Nobel NV (Netherlands), The Sherwin-Williams Company (US), Jotun (Norway), Masco Corporation (US) and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

BASF SE (Germany), At BASF, people are the key to long-term success, and everyone has talent. They give their employees the resources, direction, and chances they need to advance and succeed professionally and personally. BASF creates chemistry by giving the customer the assistance required to perform at their peak and achieve their goals. After all, customer success is correlated with BASF. Whatever career path customers want, BASF is a fantastic place to start.

Akzo Nobel NV (Netherlands), AkzoNobel has acquired the liquid coatings division of Lankwitzer Lackfabrik for aluminum wheels to bolster its performance coatings product line, which will complement its current powder coatings product line and increase its assortment of cutting-edge goods. In Latin America, Axalta introduced next-generation basecoat technology for the automotive refinishing sector. At the Coatings Technology Center in Mangalore, India, BASF expanded its Automotive Coatings Application Center. A manufacturer of coatings for light truck wheels and automotive applications, Cetelon Lackfabrik GmbH, was fully acquired by PPG.

With this acquisition, PPG can expand on its liquid and powder coating technologies, color matching capabilities, and current coatings product lineup.