Paint and coatings market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the U.S. paint and coatings market experienced a decline in volume from 4.9 million tons to 4.6 million tons, followed by a modest recovery to 4.8 million tons. In value terms, the market decreased to $24.8 billion in 2019 and remained near that level in 2020.

The market expanded sharply in 2021, reaching 5.1 million tons and $28.1 billion, largely due to a spike in raw material prices that elevated product values. Sustainability trends also encouraged the release of low-VOC and solvent-free coatings. In 2022, volume dipped to 5.0 million tons while value rose to $31.5 billion, as the Russia-Ukraine war disrupted titanium dioxide supplies, driving up costs, and the closure of Kelly-Moore Paints altered the competitive landscape.

Industry reports for 2023 indicated a slight dip in production volume but a rise in value, supported by demand from construction and automotive refinish segments. Major companies launched sustainable products like AkzoNobel's Interpon Futura Collection and pursued acquisitions such as H.B. Fuller's purchase of Apollo. The shift toward water-based and low-VOC coatings continued through 2024, reinforced by tightening environmental regulations.

Production paint and coatings in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year decline, paint and coatings production in the United States rebounded in 2020. Output reached 5 042 K t, marking a 2.5% increase from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 5.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 4 918 K t, with that year also seeing the steepest drop of 6.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Paint and coatings production in the United States declined for the third year in a row in 2020. The output was valued at 26 207 M $ US, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 5.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports paint and coatings from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Paint and coatings exports from the United States fell for the second consecutive year in 2020. Shipments abroad totaled 502.7 K t, down 7.8% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 6.5%, with a CAGR of -2.2%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 561.5 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada, Mexico, and China remained the primary destinations for U.S. paint and coatings exports by volume. Canada accounted for 42.4% of exports, Mexico for 29.2%, and China for 3.8%, collectively making up 75.4% of total export volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

U.S. paint and coatings export value declined for the second straight year in 2020. Exports amounted to 2 613 M $ US, a 10.6% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 6.3%, with a CAGR of -2.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 927 M $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Mexico, and China continued to be the main markets for U.S. paint and coatings exports by value. Canada represented 40.5% of export value, Mexico 24.0%, and China 4.9%, together accounting for 69.3% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports paint and coatings to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, the United States imported approximately 233.4 K t of paint and coatings, a 4.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 7.9%, with an average annual rate of 2.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.6%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 4.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During 2017-2020, three key markets—Canada, Mexico, and Germany—collectively accounted for 61.9% of total paint and coatings import volume to the United States.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After rising for two years, U.S. paint and coatings imports declined in 2020. Imports were valued at 1 255 M $ US, down 5.1% from the previous year. However, from 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 6.7%, with an average annual growth of 2.2%. The peak import value was in 2019 at 1 323 M $ US, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 9.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Germany, and Japan were the leading sources of paint and coatings imports to the United States by value. Canada contributed 30.3% of import value, Germany 13.0%, and Japan 11.2%, together making up 54.5% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020