A Mixed Bag: Coatings Industry Outlook for 2010

By Cynthia Challener

With the end of 2009 near, many in the paint and coatings industry are eagerly saying “good riddance” to this difficult year and peeking around the corner with hopeful expectations of a better 2010. Most signs indicate that such expectations will be met, at least in some segments of the market and for at least part of the year. The desire to be done with 2009 certainly is understandable.

Volume sales of paint and coatings declined compared to 2008, a year that already experienced significant declines. Looking at sales by region (Table 1), Asia was in the best position with flat sales, while North America and Europe suffered significant declines this year, according to consulting firm Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney (KNG).