Global Silicone Fluids Market 2021-2025

Through 2025, demand for silicone fluids is expected to grow 6.4% per year to $8.7 billion, with volume demand reaching 1.2 million metric tons. Demand will be boosted by:

• growing use of products containing silicone in developing economies, supported by rising personal incomes
• healthy growth in chemical manufacturing (particularly as high prices for gas prompt drilling) and construction markets

Though inflationary pressures are having some impact on the market, much growth in demand will be due to continued use of silicone fluids rather than to price spikes. Manufacturers of silicones are likely to avoid passing rising prices on to consumers as much as possible in order to keep silicones competitive with other inputs to finished goods.

Opportunities Exist for Silicone-Based Personal Care Products Despite Health Concerns

The personal care market will remain the largest market for silicone fluids in value terms, due primarily to increasing production of cosmetics and toiletries. Higher value personal care products made with silicones are already considered to be essential by many in developed countries and are continuing to be adopted by consumers in many developing areas, where they are increasingly available and affordable.

Although market growth will be restrained by the introduction of regulations limiting or outlawing the use of certain types of silicones in North America and Western Europe due to concerns about the safety of these products, opportunities exist. Manufacturers of silicone-based personal care products can meet increasing demand for “better-for-you” products by introducing hybrid formulations that include more natural ingredients and higher value silicones, many of which are allowable replacements for the D4 and D5 varieties under legal scrutiny.

Gains in Transportation Equipment Production Will Boost Growth for Lubricants & Greases

Demand for silicone fluid-containing lubricants and greases will grow at a healthy pace, offering the best opportunities for producers through 2025. Rising vehicle ownership rates in low- to mid-income countries will expand the number of vehicles that require regular maintenance, and more of these vehicles will use products containing silicone fluids as the parcs become more technologically advanced.

Additionally, silicone fluids have opportunities for increased sales of antifouling coatings as marine manufacturers respond to increasingly stringent regulations that require enhanced fuel efficiency and more environmentally friendly options. These concerns are of particular importance as supply chains are backed up and ports suffer from labor shortages that leave cargo vessels idling in harbors.