Roofing Demand in China to Increase

Demand for roofing materials in China is forecast to rise 4.4 percent per year through 2010 to 2.6 billion square meters, according to a study by Cleveland-based market research firm the Freedonia Group.

The Chinese roofing market will experience the fastest growth among major economies in the world, driven by strong gains in the country’s building construction activity.

Concrete and clay tiles and bituminous roofing represent the dominant roofing material in China, accounting for more than five-sixths of demand in 2005. However, elastomeric (especially ethylene propylene diene monomer) and plastic membranes are expected to enjoy some of the strongest market gains as they continue to make inroads against conventional built-up roofing (BUR) and asphalt rolls.

Demand for roofing in the nonresidential building market will increase nearly 5 percent annually through 2010, according to the Freedonia Group study, benefiting from sustained strength in foreign direct investment in China.