This study analyzes the global housing market. It presents historical demand data for the years 1999, 2004 and 2009, and forecasts for 2014 and 2019 by housing type (single-family, multifamily), world region (e.g., Asia/Pacific, North America, Western Europe) and major national market. The study also considers the effects of market environment trends and indicators on world housing demand.

US demand for cabinets is forecast to expand 7.4 percent annually to 2014, spurred by a rebound in housing completions from depressed 2009 levels. The expected recovery in residential building construction will support demand gains for all cabinet types, especially kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

Global roofing demand will grow 3.1 percent annually through 2014. China alone will claim over a third of all new demand, strengthening its position as the largest roofing market in area terms. Concrete tiles will be the fastest growing type based on its dominance in developing Asian nations.

US cement and concrete additive demand will rise 9.9 percent annually through 2014. The residential building market will grow the fastest, followed by highway and street uses based on continued federal transportation spending. Chemical additives will remain the largest segment, while mineral and fiber additives lead gains.

Global demand for cast polymers is projected to increase 8.7 percent annually through 2014. About sixty percent of the gains will be from China, with its quickly developing domestic cast polymer industry and considerable construction sector. Engineered quartz and marble will grow the fastest.

Global demand for drywall is forecast to advance 8.4 percent annually through 2014. Over four-fifths of new demand will be attributable to the US and the Asia/Pacific region. The residential market will outpace its nonresidential counterpart. Global building plaster demand will advance 5.3 percent annually.

Demand for water and wastewater pipe in the US is expected to rise 5.8 percent annually through 2014. Copper pipe will be the fastest growing product while plastic pipe remains dominant. Building construction will be the fastest growing market, with potable water applications leading gains.

US demand for insulation materials will rise 7.4 percent annually through 2014, driven by a recovery in residential construction. Fiberglass insulation will offer the best growth opportunities and will surpass foamed plastic as the largest segment in value terms by 2014. Cellulose insulation will post the fastest growth from a small base.

US demand for cast polymers will increase 5.4 percent annually through 2014, driven in part by gains in market share over laminates in countertops. Solid surface will remain the most common cast polymer, while engineered stone will grow the fastest. The countertop market will remain dominant.

Construction expenditures in China are expected to grow 9.1 percent annually through 2014. Nonbuilding construction will be the fastest growing sector, based on state-led efforts to expand and upgrade China’s transportation infrastructure. Nonresidential building demand growth slightly outpace the residential sector.