Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 6.44 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.05%
Fastest Growing Segment	Corrosion Protection Chemicals
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 8.17 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Surface Treatment Chemicals Market will grow from USD 6.44 Billion in 2025 to USD 8.17 Billion by 2031 at a 4.05% CAGR. Surface treatment chemicals are specialized formulations designed to clean, modify, or coat material surfaces to enhance their adhesion, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. The market is fundamentally driven by robust demand within the automotive and construction sectors where these chemicals are essential for ensuring the longevity and durability of structural metals and vehicle bodies. Furthermore, the expanding industrial machinery sector actively requires advanced finishing solutions to maintain equipment performance under rigorous operating conditions.

However, the industry faces a significant hurdle regarding stringent environmental regulations that restrict the use of hazardous substances and volatile organic compounds. Manufacturers must frequently incur high costs to develop and implement compliant, eco-friendly alternatives. According to the World Steel Association, in 2024, global steel demand was forecast to reach 1,751 million tonnes. This substantial volume of substrate material underscores the critical and ongoing necessity for effective surface protection technologies despite the financial and regulatory challenges facing the sector.

Key Market Drivers

Accelerated growth of the automotive and electric vehicle (EV) sectors acts as a primary catalyst for the surface treatment chemicals market. Modern vehicle manufacturing necessitates advanced pretreatment processes, such as zinc phosphate and thin-film zirconium coatings, to ensure superior paint adhesion and corrosion protection for vehicle bodies. The industry's rapid shift toward electric mobility has further intensified this demand, as manufacturers increasingly utilize lightweight materials like aluminum and magnesium to offset battery weight, requiring specialized surface finishing formulations that differ from traditional steel treatments. The sheer volume of production sustains high consumption rates for these chemicals; according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), in January 2025, the country's annual automobile production reached a record 31.28 million units in 2024.

Increasing infrastructure investment and construction activities significantly propel the consumption of surface treatment formulations globally. Structural steel, architectural aluminum, and heavy machinery used in construction projects all demand rigorous chemical conditioning to withstand environmental degradation and extend asset service life. Public works initiatives and commercial real estate developments sustain a continuous requirement for cleaning, pickling, and anti-corrosion agents essential for metal longevity. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, in October 2024, U.S. construction spending totaled $2.132 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in August 2024, highlighting the immense capital flow fueling material demand. This robust industrial activity translates into substantial revenue for key market players; according to Henkel, in March 2024, its Adhesive Technologies business unit—a major provider of surface treatment solutions—reported sales of €10.79 billion for the fiscal year 2023.

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Key Market Challenges

The Global Surface Treatment Chemicals Market is currently impeded by the escalating financial and operational burdens associated with stringent environmental compliance. Regulatory bodies worldwide are aggressively restricting the use of hazardous ingredients, such as volatile organic compounds and specific heavy metals traditionally utilized in plating and finishing processes. This shifts the industry's focus toward mandated reformulation rather than expansion, forcing manufacturers to divert substantial capital into developing eco-friendly alternatives. These compliance costs significantly reduce profitability and slow the adoption of new technologies in price-sensitive manufacturing sectors, creating a friction that limits broader market scalability.

The tangible impact of these headwinds is reflected in the recent performance of the specialty chemicals sector, which encompasses surface treatment formulations. The strain of regulatory adaptation, coupled with weaker industrial activity, has directly restricted output volume. According to the American Chemistry Council, in 2024, production volumes of specialty chemicals in the United States were projected to decline by 3.2% due to these prevailing market complexities. This contraction illustrates how the cumulative weight of regulatory adherence and the high cost of transition are actively hampering growth and limiting production capacity in key industrial regions.

Key Market Trends

The acceleration of hexavalent chromium substitution is actively reshaping the market as manufacturers transition to trivalent chromium and non-chrome technologies to comply with tightening environmental regulations like REACH. This regulatory pressure is forcing the industry to adopt safer, eco-friendly alternatives that offer comparable corrosion resistance without the toxicity associated with traditional chrome VI. The market's rapid pivot toward these compliant formulations is evident in the financial performance of leading chemical suppliers who have reformulated their portfolios to meet these green standards. According to PPG Industries, in May 2025, the company reported that 41% of its total sales in 2024 were derived from sustainably advantaged products, underscoring the significant commercial adoption of these regulatory-compliant surface technologies.

Simultaneously, the expansion of treatments for lightweight multi-metal substrates is gaining momentum as the automotive and aerospace sectors prioritize weight reduction to enhance fuel efficiency and electric vehicle performance. This trend necessitates advanced chemical solutions capable of effectively treating mixed-material assemblies, such as aluminum paired with steel, without inducing galvanic corrosion. The development of these specialized compatibility treatments is being driven directly by the increasing industrial utilization of lightweight structural metals. According to the Aluminum Association, in April 2025, the organization reported that aluminum demand in North America grew by 3.4% in 2024, highlighting the rising volume of substrate material requiring these next-generation surface conditioning and protection chemistries.

Segmental Insights

The Corrosion Protection Chemicals segment stands out as the fastest-growing category within the global surface treatment chemicals market. This growth is primarily driven by the critical need to extend the lifespan of automotive and construction components exposed to harsh environments. Furthermore, stringent mandates from regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and REACH are compelling manufacturers to adopt compliant formulations. These regulations necessitate treatments that prevent degradation without using restricted hazardous substances, thereby increasing the demand for effective corrosion protection solutions across major industrial applications.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific maintains a leading position in the Global Surface Treatment Chemicals Market, primarily driven by its expansive industrial manufacturing base. The region experiences substantial demand from the automotive, construction, and heavy machinery sectors, where chemical treatments are essential for corrosion resistance and surface durability. China and India serve as key growth engines, supported by rising vehicle production and government-led infrastructure initiatives. Furthermore, the flourishing electronics industry in East Asia requires high-performance surface modifications, ensuring steady market consumption. This concentration of diverse manufacturing activities fundamentally secures the region’s leadership.

Recent Developments

In June 2025, PPG showcased a range of advanced surface treatment and coating innovations at its Global Coatings Innovation Center. The company highlighted its "Precision Application" technology, an automotive overspray-free coating system designed to reduce energy consumption and application time. Additionally, the company presented a low-temperature, expanded-bake electrocoat aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing costs for manufacturers. These developments underscored the organization's focus on creating sustainably advantaged products that enhance productivity and environmental performance for customers in the automotive and industrial sectors.
In April 2024, Henkel successfully completed the acquisition of Seal for Life Industries, a specialized supplier of protective coating and sealing solutions for infrastructure markets. This strategic move expanded the company's platform for maintenance, repair, and overhaul solutions, adding complementary technologies for renewable energy, oil and gas, and water supply sectors. The acquisition aligned with the company’s goal to strengthen its portfolio in sustainability-focused growth markets. By integrating these certified protective coating technologies, the company enhanced its ability to provide comprehensive surface treatment and protection solutions for aging infrastructure and industrial assets globally.
In March 2024, Nippon Paint entered into a strategic partnership agreement with TÜV Rheinland, an international testing and certification organization, to advance green and sustainable development in the photovoltaics sector. This collaboration focused on developing and certifying coatings, composite frames, and photovoltaic modules. The partnership aimed to address industry challenges related to carbon neutrality and energy conservation by leveraging Nippon Paint’s innovative coating solutions and the certification body's technical expertise. The initiative highlighted the company's commitment to delivering high-performance, environmentally friendly surface treatment technologies for renewable energy applications.
In February 2024, the Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, inaugurated its Global Aluminum Competence Center in Giussano, Italy. This new facility was established to centralize the company's research and development activities specifically for aluminum surface treatments. By consolidating its expertise, the organization aims to accelerate the development of innovative technologies, such as advanced pretreatment and anodizing solutions, to meet the evolving requirements of the architectural, automotive, and aerospace industries. The center strengthens the company's position as a leading global supplier of surface treatment solutions.

Key Market Players

Solvay SA
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
Nippon Paint (India) Private Limited
OC Oerlikon Management AG
PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
Quaker Chemical Corporation d/b/a Quaker Houghton
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Nihon Parkerizing India Pvt. Ltd.
ALANOD GmbH & Co. KG
Chemetall GmbH

By Chemical	By End User	By Region
Corrosion Protection Chemicals Cleaners Anodizing Agents Passivating Agents Others	Automotive Construction Aerospace Electrical and Electronics Coil Industry Packaging Industry Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

Surface Treatment Chemicals Market, By Chemical:

Corrosion Protection Chemicals
Cleaners
Anodizing Agents
Passivating Agents
Others

Surface Treatment Chemicals Market, By End User:

Automotive
Construction
Aerospace
Electrical and Electronics
Coil Industry
Packaging Industry
Others

Surface Treatment Chemicals 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

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Surface Treatment Chemicals Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Surface Treatment Chemicals Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Surface Treatment Chemicals Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Chemical (Corrosion Protection Chemicals, Cleaners, Anodizing Agents, Passivating Agents, Others)

5.2.2. By End User (Automotive, Construction, Aerospace, Electrical and Electronics, Coil Industry, Packaging Industry, Others)

5.2.3. By Region

5.2.4. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Chemical

6.2.2. By End User

6.2.3. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By Chemical

6.3.1.2.2. By End User

6.3.2. Canada Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By Chemical

6.3.2.2.2. By End User

6.3.3. Mexico Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By Chemical

6.3.3.2.2. By End User

7. Europe Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Chemical

7.2.2. By End User

7.2.3. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By Chemical

7.3.1.2.2. By End User

7.3.2. France Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By Chemical

7.3.2.2.2. By End User

7.3.3. United Kingdom Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By Chemical

7.3.3.2.2. By End User

7.3.4. Italy Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By Chemical

7.3.4.2.2. By End User

7.3.5. Spain Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By Chemical

7.3.5.2.2. By End User

8. Asia Pacific Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Chemical

8.2.2. By End User

8.2.3. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By Chemical

8.3.1.2.2. By End User

8.3.2. India Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By Chemical

8.3.2.2.2. By End User

8.3.3. Japan Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By Chemical

8.3.3.2.2. By End User

8.3.4. South Korea Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By Chemical

8.3.4.2.2. By End User

8.3.5. Australia Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By Chemical

8.3.5.2.2. By End User

9. Middle East & Africa Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Chemical

9.2.2. By End User

9.2.3. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By Chemical

9.3.1.2.2. By End User

9.3.2. UAE Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By Chemical

9.3.2.2.2. By End User

9.3.3. South Africa Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By Chemical

9.3.3.2.2. By End User

10. South America Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Chemical

10.2.2. By End User

10.2.3. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By Chemical

10.3.1.2.2. By End User

10.3.2. Colombia Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By Chemical

10.3.2.2.2. By End User

10.3.3. Argentina Surface Treatment Chemicals Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By Chemical

10.3.3.2.2. By End User

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Surface Treatment Chemicals Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Solvay SA

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

15.3. Nippon Paint (India) Private Limited

15.4. OC Oerlikon Management AG

15.5. PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

15.6. Quaker Chemical Corporation d/b/a Quaker Houghton

15.7. The Sherwin-Williams Company

15.8. Nihon Parkerizing India Pvt. Ltd.

15.9. ALANOD GmbH & Co. KG

15.10. Chemetall GmbH

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

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