8 September 2009 – Demand for filters in the US is expected to increase 3.3 percent per year to $12.4 billion in 2013. Advances will be spurred by pending changes in environmental regulations, particularly those involving reduced emissions from power plants and diesel engines, and improved operational efficiency of motor vehicle engines. Demand will also be boosted by manufacturers’ increasing interest in reducing costs by reclaiming production inputs from process water and recycling process water for reuse. Gains will be driven by ongoing sales in the aftermarket, which accounts for the vast majority of demand.
These and other trends are presented in Filters, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.
In 2008, internal combustion engine filters (oil, air intake, fuel, cabin air and other filters) accounted for the largest share of filter shipments with 39 percent. Although this is a relatively mature product group, sales will benefit from the ongoing development of new types of emissions filters, particularly for diesel engines, and the growing aftermarket for cabin air filters. Shipments of fluid filters (e.g., fluid power, municipal water and waste, consumer water and industrial fluid filters) accounted for the second largest share of total shipments, with 35 percent. Although they compete with membrane separation technologies, fluid filters will also benefit from their use as pretreatment steps for these technologies. Shipments of air filters are expected to post the strongest growth through 2013, driven by changes in environmental regulations and advances in the consumer market.
The motor vehicle market will continue to account for the largest portion of total demand, with a 27 percent share in 2013, despite below average growth. Gains will be slowed by the price competitive nature of this market; however, advances will be aided by the high volume of these filters sold both as original equipment and in the aftermarket. Demand for filters in the utilities market is projected to post the fastest gains, powered by current and pending regulations, and concerns about the quality of potable water supplies and the air.
Filters (published 08/2009, 333 pages) is available for $4,800 from The Freedonia Group, Inc., 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44143-2326.
For further details, please contact Corinne Gangloff at +1 440 684 9600 or pr@freedoniagroup.com. Information may also be obtained through www.freedoniagroup.com.
