Powder Coating Pretreatment Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast for 2025 - 2032

Powder Coating Pretreatment Market Size and Trend Analysis

According to Persistence Market Research, the global powder coating pretreatment market is projected to rise from USD 1,891.9 Mn in 2025 to USD 2,697.8 Mn by 2032 at a forecast CAGR of 5.2% in the projected period.

The automotive industry's growing production volumes and demand for high-quality finishes are driving market growth for durable and sustainable coatings.

• Based on the studies by Persistence Market Research, the automotive sector remains a dominant end-user due to the high durability and finish quality required for vehicle exteriors. This trend is amplified by a recovery in global car sales, which saw nearly 10% growth in 2023, surpassing 72 million units as supply chain disruptions eased.

In the construction sector, investments in infrastructure and residential projects fuel the demand for durable coatings. The growth in global construction activities, particularly in Asia and the U.S., boosts the need for pretreatment in structural components and metal finishes.

Key Highlights of the Market

• Rising demand for durable and sustainable coatings is driving market expansion across key industries.
• The automotive sector remains the largest end-user, driven by high-quality finish requirements and growing vehicle production.
• East Asia holds a 34.5% market share in 2025, driven by China and South Korea’s growing construction industry.
• North America holds a 22.4% market share in 2025, with strong growth in the U.S. and Canada’s automotive sector.
• The phosphate segment leads the market with a 44.5% share in 2025, owing to superior corrosion resistance and adhesion properties.
• The automotive and transportation segment dominates the market, contributing 46.9% to overall sales in 2025.
• Companies are investing in water-based, non-chrome, and low-energy technologies to meet stringent environmental regulations.

Market Attributes	Key Insights
Powder Coating Pretreatment Market Size (2025E)	US$ 1,891.9 Mn
Projected Market Value (2032F)	US$ 2,697.8 Mn
Global Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2025 to 2032)	5.2%
Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2024)	4.5%

Historical Growth and Course Ahead

Expansion of Non-Chrome and No-Rinse Technologies Caters Sustainability in the Production

From 2019 to 2024, the powder coating pretreatment industry anticipated to record a CAGR of 4.5%, driven by rising demand for eco-friendly solutions in sectors like automotive, construction, and consumer goods.

Industry players like BASF and Henkel advanced non-chrome and no-rinse technologies, aligning with sustainability goals. Such as, the 2019 acquisition of DuBois Chemicals by Altas Partners helped streamline processes and reduce costs, further supporting innovation and efficiency in the market.

Adoption of Smart Manufacturing and Automated Pretreatment Boost Sales through 2032

The powder coating pretreatment market is expected to showcase a CAGR of 5.2% from 2025 to 2032, with increasing use of smart manufacturing and automation in pretreatment processes enhancing efficiency, quality, waste reduction, and improving coating adhesion.

Industry players are leveraging expansion opportunities through investments and acquisitions. For example,

• In March 2024, BASF announced a US$ 780 Mn investment in North America to enhance its coatings division, including advanced pretreatment technologies.
• In January 2024, PPG Industries launched its next-generation pretreatment solution designed for high-durability coatings in the automotive and construction industries.

The shift towards eco-friendly, non-toxic, and chromium-free pretreatment solutions is also shaping market dynamics, with Henkel introducing an innovative phosphate-free pretreatment system in February 2024.

As sustainability and efficiency become critical priorities, automated pretreatment systems are set to revolutionize the powder coating industry over the next decade.

Market Growth Drivers

Powering Up Powder Coating with Next-Gen Pretreatment

The powder coating industry is witnessing strong growth, driven by advancements in sustainable pretreatment technologies. Companies are investing in innovative solutions to enhance corrosion resistance, reduce environmental impact, and improve efficiency.

• PPG Industries' ENVIROCRON® Primeron primer powder portfolio, launched in January 2024, offers specialized coatings that extend the lifespan of metal substrates like galvanized steel and aluminum.

Similarly, Jindal Aluminum has developed an eco-friendly, non-chromate pretreatment solution using Swiss-made GEMA spray guns, reducing emissions and ensuring dust-free processing. BASF is also making significant strides with its Chemetall VIANT process, which integrates conversion coating and primer paint to optimize surface preparation while cutting resource consumption.

• In February 2024, BASF introduced Gardobond X 4802/2 RFU, a water-based, non-chrome, no-rinse solution tailored for the construction and home appliance industries.

This innovation significantly reduces VOC emissions and enhances paint adhesion, aligning with strict environmental regulations. As industries prioritize sustainability, automated and eco-friendly pretreatment solutions are becoming the new standard in powder coating.

Market Restraining Factors

Availability of Alternative Coating Technologies Limits the Industry

The growth of liquid coatings and electrocoating (E-coat), which have benefits including ease of application, lower curing temperatures, and the capacity to coat complicated geometries without edge build-up, is limiting the demand for powder coating pretreatment.

Electrocoating, widely used in automotive and aerospace industries, provides uniform coverage, excellent corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness for high-volume production lines.

• According to the studies, the global liquid coating market is projected to reach US$ 80 Bn by 2030, driven by innovations in waterborne and solvent-based coatings that reduce VOC emissions while maintaining superior adhesion and color retention.

The adoption of E-coats in automotive OEMs is rising due to its ability to coat interior cavities, making it a strong competitor to powder coatings. As industries seek cost-effective and high-performance alternatives, the demand for traditional powder-coating pretreatment solutions faces increasing pressure.

Key Market Opportunities

Sustainable Innovations Present Prospects in Powder Coating Pretreatment

With the help of trade strategies to boost energy efficiency and environmental measures, manufacturers in the powder coating pretreatment market are expanding in the upcoming period. Such as,

• In November 2024, PPG Industries partnered with SARO/Siccardi, Italy’s largest powder coating distributor, to expand distribution networks and enhance market penetration.

Such collaborative efforts are expected to accelerate the adoption of powder coatings, increasing the demand for pretreatment solutions that improve adhesion, durability, and corrosion resistance.

• In addition, Schenck Process FPM’s Kemutec and Baker Perkins joined forces in September 2023, to develop next-gen powder coating production systems, enhancing efficiency while addressing environmental concerns.

The push for eco-friendly solutions is further evident in BASF Chemetall’s innovations showcased at Surface Finishing China in December 2024, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable pretreatment technologies. Henkel’s Bonderite M-NT 41044 reduces processing steps from eight to four, significantly cutting energy and water consumption.

As eco-friendly advancements continue to emerge, the powder coating pretreatment industry is set for substantial expansion, meeting sustainability and operational efficiency demands in the forthcoming period.

Category Analysis

Product Type Insights

Phosphate-Based Pretreatment Leads with Strong Adoption in Metal Coating Applications

In 2025, the phosphate segment is expected to dominate the global powder coating pretreatment market, accounting for 44.5% due to its superior corrosion resistance, strong adhesion properties, and enhanced coating durability.

Phosphate pretreatments are widely used in industries like automotive, construction, and appliances due to their compatibility with aluminum and steel substrates, with recent advancements promoting eco-friendly alternatives. For instance,

• In November 2024, BASF launched its next-generation Gardobond AP 9811, a low-temperature phosphate pretreatment that reduces energy consumption by 30%.
• Henkel introduced Bonderite M-NT 2040, a phosphate-free solution, in October 2024, catering to increasing environmental regulations.

Along with this, the chromate coating pretreatment segment is expected to attain a market share of 28.3% in 2025 due to its enhanced adhesion, cost-effectiveness, corrosion resistance, and potential environmental benefits.

Application Insights 

Rising Sales of Vehicles Boost the Adoption of Coatings by Automotive and Transportation

The automotive and transportation segment is expected to hold 46.9% of the global powder coating pretreatment market in 2025, due to increased vehicle production and a growing focus on sustainable coatings. Automotive and transportation is set to exhibit a CAGR of 5.4% through 2032.

• In 2023, global automobile manufacturing surged by 10.2%, reaching nearly 76 million units. European production grew by 12.6% to approximately 15 million units, while North America saw a 12.4% increase, producing 11.7 million vehicles, with the U.S. contributing over 7.6 million units.
• China solidified its lead in the market, producing 25.3 million vehicles, reflecting a 9.1% increase in manufacturing output.

Advancements done by the manufacturers further highlight the sector’s expansion, presenting lucrative expansion opportunities. For instance,

• In September 2024, Axalta Coating Systems introduced a next-generation eco-friendly phosphate-free pretreatment, catering to stricter environmental regulations.
• Additionally, AkzoNobel expanded its Interpon powder coatings range in October 2024, improving corrosion resistance for automotive components.

The growing number of infrastructure and building repair projects is driving up demand for durable coatings in the construction industry, which accounts for 31.2% in 2025.

• The requirement for metal pretreatment procedures in construction applications was reinforced by the 4,300 projects that were started as part of the US$ 1 Tn infrastructure package that the U.S. government announced in May 2022.

Regional Analysis

Expanding Construction Sector Strengthens Market Growth in East Asia

In 2025, East Asia is projected to hold a 34.5% market share in the global market, fueled by the region’s expanding construction sector, in China and South Korea. With continued investment in sustainable coatings, East Asia is forecast to report a CAGR of 5.1% from 2025 to 2032, solidifying its dominance in industrial and construction applications.

• South Korea's construction industry, valued at US$216 Bn in 2023, is expected to grow at a steady 3% annually, with major infrastructure projects like smart cities and high-speed rail networks driving demand for advanced coatings.

China's construction market is undergoing regulatory changes affecting residential and commercial development, but government-led infrastructure spending continues to support industry expansion, as evidenced by regional developments, such as

• In September 2024, Nippon Paint Holdings launched a next-gen anti-corrosion pretreatment solution for China’s steel industry, reducing environmental impact and enhancing coating efficiency.
• Meanwhile, Axalta Coating Systems expanded its Shanghai R&D center in November 2024, focusing on eco-friendly pretreatment technologies.

Strong Automotive Sector Drives Market Growth in North America

North America is expected to hold 22.4% of the market in 2025, driven by strong automotive production in the U.S. and Canada.

• The U.S., the second-largest vehicle market, recorded 11.5 million new light vehicle sales in 2022, with 4.9 million vehicles produced by international automakers in 2023.

The growing sales of electric vehicles are fueling the demand for advanced coating pretreatment technologies, ensuring enhanced adhesion, corrosion resistance, and durability.

• In Canada, the number of registered road motor vehicles reached 26.3 million in 2022, with EVs comprising 3.0% of light-duty registrations.
• The US$ 195.6 Bn foreign direct investment (FDI) into the U.S. automotive industry in 2023 reflects the region’s focus on automotive expansion and innovation, creating over 500,000 jobs.

The increasing shift towards sustainable coatings and EV production is expected to further drive the adoption of high-performance pretreatment solutions, ensuring compliance with strict performance and environmental regulations in North America.

Europe Drives Powder Coating Pretreatment Growth with Electronics Demand

The powder coating pretreatment industry in Europe is expected to propel with Germany, the U.K., France, and Italy playing a crucial role in driving demand. For instance,

• Germany, Europe’s largest electronics market, generated over US$ 141.7 Bn in revenue in 2023, fueled by the rising demand for home appliances, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.
• The UK electronics industry, valued at US$ 20.32 Bn, is expanding due to the production of automotive electronics and IoT devices, further boosting the need for powder coating pretreatment.

High-performance coating solutions are required to increase material durability and sustainability due to the boom in the automotive and aerospace industries in France and Italy.

As European regulations on eco-friendly coatings tighten, companies are envisioned to invest in low-VOC and non-toxic pretreatment solutions, driving further market expansion in the forthcoming period.

Competitive Landscape for the Market

The global powder coating pretreatment market is fragmented, with numerous players driving advancements in sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. Companies like PPG, BASF, Henkel, and AkzoNobel are focusing on eco-friendly pretreatment solutions, such as water-based, non-chrome, and low-energy technologies, to meet increasing environmental regulations.

Investments in automation and capacity expansions aim to improve production efficiency and meet rising demand across industries like automotive, construction, and appliances. Strategic partnerships, such as PPG’s collaboration with SARO/Siccardi, further enhance market reach and customer support. Such developments highlight a dynamic and competitive landscape where companies strive to offer high-performance, cost-effective solutions.

Recent Industry Developments

• In November 2024, PPG Industries partnered with SARO/Siccardi to enhance distribution in Italy and boost powder coating adoption, aiming to boost demand for improved adhesion, durability, and performance.
• In June 2024, Arkema implemented a sustainable manufacturing process, incorporating up to 40% post-consumer recycled content from end-of-life packaging products into its powder coating resins.

Powder Coating Pretreatment Market Report Scope

Attributes	Details
Forecast Period	2025 to 2032
Historical Data Available for	2019 to 2024
Market Analysis	Value: US$ Bn/Mn, Volume: Tons
Key Regions Covered	North America Europe East Asia South Asia & Oceania The Middle East and Africa Latin America
Key Market Segments Covered	Product Type Metal Substrate Application Region
Key Companies Profiled in the Report	Chemetall GmbH AkzoNobel N.V. Axalta Coating System LLC, PPG Industries, Inc DuBois Chemicals Jost International Sanchem, Inc. Tiger Powder Coatings Bunty LLC NABU- Oberflächentechnik GmbH Hillebrand Coating Technofirma S.p.A. Euroimpianti Srl Keyi Industrial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Others
Report Coverage	Market Forecast and Trends Company Share Analysis Competitive Intelligence DROT Analysis Market Dynamics and Challenges Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization & Pricing	Available upon request

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Phosphate
• Chromate
• Chromate Free
• Blast Clean

By Metal Substrate

• Steel
• Aluminum

By Application

• Automotive & Transportation
• Construction
• Misc.

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia & Oceania
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

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