Concrete surface retarders Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report
The global concrete surface retarders market, valued at $82.7 million in 2021, is projected to reach $131.5 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2022 to 2031, per Allied Market Research. Concrete surface retarders are chemicals applied to delay the setting of a concrete slab’s top layer, allowing it to be scraped off to create an exposed aggregate surface for aesthetic and practical purposes, such as slip-resistant floors and attractive facades in residential and commercial construction.
Population growth and urbanization, expected to rise from 8 billion in 2023 to 9.7 billion by 2050, with 68% living in urban areas, drive demand for new buildings, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Africa. Countries like China, India, and Vietnam see robust construction growth, boosting retarder use. For instance, India’s urban expansion and projects like Dubai-India infrastructure agreements highlight this trend. However, challenges include increased concrete porosity and limited awareness of retarders.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted production due to lockdowns, but recovery is underway with vaccine rollouts. Water-based retarders, with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are gaining traction due to environmental regulations and demand for sustainable materials. By raw material, organic agents dominated in 2021, while inorganic agents are expected to grow faster. Asia-Pacific led in market share and growth, driven by rapid urbanization. Key players like Sika AG and BASF SE are expanding to meet rising demand.