Air Duct Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Material Type (Galvanized Steel, Aluminum, Fiberglass Polymers, and Others (Steel Metal Ducts, Flexible Non-Metallic Ducts, etc.)), By Shape Type (Round, Half Round, Square/Rectangular, Triangular, and Others (Oval, Customized Duct, etc.)), By End User (Residential, Commercial Buildings and Offices, Transportation and Public Infrastructure, Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Industrial, Others (Colleges, Universities, etc.)), By Region, Competition 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 5.76 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	3.98%
Fastest Growing Segment	Galvanized Steel
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 7.28 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Air Duct Market will grow from USD 5.76 Billion in 2025 to USD 7.28 Billion by 2031 at a 3.98% CAGR. Air ducts are rigid or flexible conduits utilized within heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to distribute conditioned air, thereby ensuring thermal comfort and maintaining indoor air quality. The global market is primarily propelled by accelerated urbanization and the enforcement of stringent building codes that mandate energy-efficient ventilation infrastructures in commercial and residential sectors. According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, in 2025, year-to-date shipments of gas warm air furnaces in the United States increased by 5.7 percent to approximately 2.74 million units by October, underscoring the sustained demand for essential HVAC components that rely on these distribution networks.

However, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the unpredictability of raw material costs, particularly for steel and aluminum. This price volatility creates substantial financial instability for manufacturers and contractors, often leading to project delays and compressed profit margins that can stifle investment in new installations.

Key Market Drivers

Rapid urbanization and global infrastructure development are serving as primary catalysts for the air duct market, stimulating substantial demand for advanced HVAC distribution networks in expanding metropolitan areas. As commercial and residential construction projects proliferate to accommodate growing populations, the requirement for extensive, high-capacity air handling systems has intensified. This trend is particularly evident in the commercial sector, where large-scale infrastructure investments are translating into tangible order backlogs for manufacturers. According to Trane Technologies, October 2025, in the 'Third Quarter 2025 Results', bookings strength was led by Americas Commercial HVAC, which surged by approximately 30 percent. This robust growth indicates a direct correlation between urban construction velocity and the procurement of essential air distribution components.

Concurrently, the implementation of stringent energy efficiency regulations is reshaping market dynamics by compelling building owners to upgrade to high-performance ventilation solutions that minimize thermal loss and carbon footprints. Governments globally are enforcing tighter codes that penalize inefficient airflow systems, driving the adoption of specialized ducts designed for optimal sealing and flow control. This regulatory pressure is reflected in the financial performance of key industry players focusing on applied efficiency. According to Johnson Controls, November 2025, in the 'Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2025 Earnings Release', organic sales increased 3 percent, led by continued strength in Applied HVAC & Controls. Furthermore, the market's resilience regarding essential ventilation upgrades is evident globally; according to Lindab International AB, in 2025, the company's Ventilation Systems business area achieved its highest sales and best result ever for a third quarter, underscoring the sustained priority placed on upgrading air climate infrastructure.

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Key Market Challenges

The unpredictability of raw material costs, particularly for steel and aluminum, functions as a substantial barrier to the expansion of the air duct market. This volatility makes accurate budgeting difficult for manufacturers and contractors, often resulting in financial instability and reduced operational confidence. When input prices fluctuate erratically, companies frequently face compressed profit margins and are forced to postpone essential infrastructure projects, which directly limits the volume of new ventilation system installations and reduces overall market liquidity.

The magnitude of this cost instability is highlighted by recent industry figures. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, in August 2025, the producer price index for aluminum mill shapes increased by 22.8 percent compared to the prior year, while steel mill product prices rose by 13.1 percent. These sharp escalations in the cost of fundamental materials deter investment in commercial and residential developments, leading to project delays that effectively constrain the broader growth of the global air duct sector.

Key Market Trends

The adoption of pre-insulated non-metallic duct systems is rapidly accelerating as the market seeks superior thermal efficiency and reduced installation complexity compared to traditional sheet metal. These advanced phenolic or polymer-based systems eliminate the need for secondary insulation, significantly lowering air leakage rates and minimizing thermal bridging in commercial HVAC networks. This shift is particularly prominent in weight-sensitive projects and retrofits where heavy metal ductwork poses structural challenges. The material advantages are quantifiable; according to SMACNA, August 2025, in the 'Products and Services Updates', Kingspan KoolDuct systems are up to 72 percent lighter than traditional sheet metal ductwork, a characteristic that directly reduces structural loads and installation labor.

Concurrently, the integration of IoT-enabled smart sensors into ductwork infrastructure is transforming passive air distribution networks into intelligent, data-driven systems. Building operators are increasingly embedding connected velocity and pressure sensors directly within ducts to enable real-time airflow monitoring and demand-controlled ventilation. This digital layer allows for precise modulation of damper actuators based on occupancy levels, thereby optimizing energy consumption and ensuring consistent indoor air quality. The growing financial commitment to this technology is evident in recent sector performance; according to Belimo, July 2025, in the 'Semiannual Report 2025', sales for the Sensors and Meters business line recorded an increase of 16.3 percent in local currencies, highlighting the surging demand for field devices that digitize ventilation performance.

Segmental Insights

The galvanized steel segment is recognized as the fastest-growing category in the global air duct market, driven by its durability and resistance to corrosion. This material is widely preferred in commercial construction because its zinc coating prevents rust accumulation, ensuring a longer operational lifespan compared to alternative materials. Additionally, compliance with rigorous industry standards, such as those established by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association, reinforces its selection for high-pressure HVAC systems. Consequently, the ability of galvanized steel to maintain structural rigidity while remaining cost-effective fuels its rapid adoption in infrastructure development.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the global air duct market due to the widespread installation of centralized HVAC systems and robust infrastructure development. This dominance is significantly influenced by stringent guidelines regarding indoor air quality and energy efficiency established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and ASHRAE. These regulatory frameworks compel residential and commercial builders to utilize compliant ventilation components to minimize energy loss. Additionally, the consistent renovation of aging building stock supports the steady demand for modern ductwork solutions across the region.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024, Lindab completed the acquisition of Venti A/S, a Danish manufacturer specializing in circular and rectangular ventilation ducts. This strategic transaction was executed to strengthen the company’s geographical coverage in Denmark and significantly increase its production capacity for air distribution products. By integrating Venti’s manufacturing capabilities and established distribution network, Lindab aimed to enhance its service offering to customers throughout the region. The acquisition also included Venti's portfolio of silencers and technical ventilation components, aligning with Lindab's broader strategy to consolidate its position as a leader in sustainable and energy-efficient ventilation solutions across Europe.
• In July 2024, fabric duct manufacturer Prihoda expanded its European market presence by launching operations in Switzerland through a strategic partnership with the Linum Group. This collaboration enabled the company to distribute its textile air dispersion systems directly to Swiss building projects, integrating them with Linum’s extensive HVAC product portfolio. The expansion was aimed at delivering customized fabric duct solutions for cooling, heating, and ventilation applications across various building types in the region. By establishing this local foothold, Prihoda sought to meet the increasing demand for hygienic and lightweight air distribution alternatives in the Swiss construction industry.
• In April 2024, Nordfab Ducting launched a new service program titled "Nordfab Now" to accelerate product delivery for its industrial and commercial clients. This initiative followed the completion of a major expansion at the company’s manufacturing facility in Thomasville, North Carolina, which increased its operational footprint to support higher inventory levels. The program was designed to guarantee next-day shipment for a wide range of standard Quick-Fit clamp-together ducting items, directly addressing the industry's need for rapid lead times. The investment in expanded production and warehouse space allowed the company to streamline its supply chain and better serve the dust collection market.
• In January 2024, Saint-Gobain introduced "Sea Climaver," a breakthrough self-supporting ductwork system engineered specifically for the marine sector. The new product featured a unique metal-free design constructed from high-density rigid glass wool boards, which significantly reduced the weight of the ventilation system compared to traditional sheet metal ducts. This innovation offered shipbuilders and operators a solution that decreased the overall weight of HVAC installations by up to 65%, directly contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. The system also provided superior acoustic performance and simplified installation processes for complex marine environments.

Key Market Players

• Lindab International AB
• Johnson Controls International plc
• Carrier Global Corporation
• Daikin Industries, Ltd.
• Trane Technologies plc
• Systemair AB
• FläktGroup Holding GmbH
• Zehnder Group AG
• Aldes Group
• Nortek Air Solutions, LLC

By Material Type	By Shape Type	By End User	By Region
Galvanized Steel Aluminum Fiberglass Polymers and Others (Steel Metal Ducts, Flexible Non-Metallic Ducts, etc.)	Round Half Round Square/Rectangular Triangular and Others (Oval, Customized Duct, etc.)	Residential Commercial Buildings and Offices Transportation and Public Infrastructure Retail Hospitality Healthcare Industrial Others (Colleges, Universities, etc.)	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Air Duct Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Air Duct Market, By Material Type:

• Galvanized Steel
• Aluminum
• Fiberglass Polymers
• and Others (Steel Metal Ducts, Flexible Non-Metallic Ducts, etc.)

• Air Duct Market, By Shape Type:

• Round
• Half Round
• Square/Rectangular
• Triangular
• and Others (Oval, Customized Duct, etc.)

• Air Duct Market, By End User:

• Residential
• Commercial Buildings and Offices
• Transportation and Public Infrastructure
• Retail
• Hospitality
• Healthcare
• Industrial
• Others (Colleges, Universities, etc.)

• Air Duct Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE