Float Glass And Surface Ground or Polished Glass Market

The global market for float glass and surface ground or polished glass is projected to see a steady increase in consumption over the next eight years. Despite a minor decrease in consumption in 2022, the market is expected to show growth in both volume and value terms by 2030. China remains the largest consumer and producer of float glass and surface ground or polished glass. Major importing and exporting countries include India, Germany, and the United States. The market is driven by various product types such as non-wired glass, coloured glass, and glass with reflecting layers. Overall, the market is expected to witness continued growth in the near future.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for float glass and surface ground or polished glass worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +0.6% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 11B square meters by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +0.2% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $84.9B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Float Glass And Surface Ground or Polished Glass

In 2022, consumption of float glass and surface ground or polished glass decreased by -0.7% to 10B square meters, falling for the second consecutive year after five years of growth. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, global consumption of reached the peak volume at 11B square meters in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

The revenue of the market for float glass and surface ground or polished glass worldwide declined to $83.3B in 2022, standing approx. at the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -1.1% against 2020 indices. Global consumption peaked at $84.2B in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Consumption By Country

China (2.2B square meters) remains the largest float glass and surface ground or polished glass consuming country worldwide, comprising approx. 22% of total volume. Moreover, consumption of float glass and surface ground or polished glass in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, the United States (1B square meters), twofold. India (950M square meters) ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 9.3% share.

In China, consumption of float glass and surface ground or polished glass expanded at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of consumption growth: the United States (+0.4% per year) and India (+2.7% per year).

In value terms, the largest float glass and surface ground or polished glass markets worldwide were China ($14.3B), the United States ($7.8B) and Japan ($4.9B), with a combined 32% share of the global market. India, Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, South Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Germany, Egypt and Iran lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 26%.

Among the main consuming countries, South Korea, with a CAGR of +8.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to market size over the period under review, while glass for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of float glass and surface ground or polished glass per capita consumption in 2022 were Japan (4.5 square meters per person), Germany (3.3 square meters per person) and the United States (3 square meters per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of glass, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by South Korea (with a CAGR of +5.1%), while glass for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Consumption By Type

The products with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground (4.2B square meters), float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) (4.1B square meters) and float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer (2B square meters).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of glass, amongst the key consumed products, was attained by float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer (with a CAGR of +3.9%), while glass for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest types of float glass and surface ground or polished glass in terms of market size were float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) ($30.7B), float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground ($20.3B) and float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer ($14.6B).

Among the main consumed products, float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, with a CAGR of +4.2%, recorded the highest growth rate of market size over the period under review, while glass for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Float Glass And Surface Ground or Polished Glass

In 2022, production of float glass and surface ground or polished glass decreased by -0.8% to 10B square meters, falling for the second year in a row after five years of growth. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 12%. Over the period under review, global production of reached the maximum volume at 10B square meters in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, production of float glass and surface ground or polished glass totaled $64.8B in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated perceptible growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +52.9% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production of hit record highs in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Production By Country

The country with the largest volume of production of float glass and surface ground or polished glass was China (2.3B square meters), accounting for 22% of total volume. Moreover, production of float glass and surface ground or polished glass in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, the United States (1.1B square meters), twofold. India (870M square meters) ranked third in terms of total production with an 8.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in China amounted to +2.3%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United States (+0.3% per year) and India (+2.1% per year).

Production By Type

The products with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground (4.2B square meters), float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) (4B square meters) and float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer (1.9B square meters).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer (with a CAGR of +3.7%), while glass for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) ($30.4B), float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground ($20.4B) and float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer ($14B) constituted the products with the highest levels of production in 2022.

Float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, with a CAGR of +4.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to market size in terms of the main produced products over the period under review, while glass for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports

World Imports of Float Glass And Surface Ground or Polished Glass

In 2022, global imports of float glass and surface ground or polished glass declined slightly to 1.2B square meters, falling by -3.1% against the previous year's figure. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 15% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of 1.2B square meters, and then declined slightly in the following year.

In value terms, imports of float glass and surface ground or polished glass rose significantly to $8.4B in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 30% against the previous year. Global imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports By Country

The countries with the highest levels of imports of float glass and surface ground or polished glass in 2022 were India (97M square meters), China (94M square meters) and Canada (69M square meters), together resulting at 22% of total import. Malaysia (45M square meters), Poland (40M square meters), the Netherlands (32M square meters), Turkey (31M square meters), France (31M square meters), South Korea (30M square meters), Germany (26M square meters), Austria (24M square meters), Spain (24M square meters) and the Czech Republic (24M square meters) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Spain (with a CAGR of +11.5%), while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($636M), Canada ($527M) and India ($429M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together comprising 19% of global imports.

India, with a CAGR of +12.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

Float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground represented the major imported product with an import of around 618M square meters, which resulted at 52% of total imports. Float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) (285M square meters) held a 24% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer (24%).

Float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports. At the same time, float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer (+2.5%) and float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) (+2.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer emerged as the fastest-growing type imported in the world, with a CAGR of +2.5% from 2012-2022. From 2012 to 2022, the share of float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer and float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) increased by +4.1 and +4.1 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground ($4B), float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer ($2.2B) and float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) ($2.2B) constituted the products with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together accounting for 99.9% of global imports.

Float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass), with a CAGR of +2.8%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Type

In 2022, the average import price for float glass and surface ground or polished glass amounted to $7 per square meter, rising by 15% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major imported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer ($7.6 per square meter), while the price for float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground ($6.5 per square meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground (+2.1%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average import price for float glass and surface ground or polished glass amounted to $7 per square meter, growing by 15% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($8.6 per square meter), while India ($4.4 per square meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by France (+4.4%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Float Glass And Surface Ground or Polished Glass

In 2022, global exports of float glass and surface ground or polished glass reduced slightly to 1.1B square meters, declining by -3.8% on 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 12%. The global exports peaked at 1.2B square meters in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, exports of float glass and surface ground or polished glass surged to $8.9B in 2022. In general, total exports indicated notable growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +57.6% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 32% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports of reached the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

Exports By Country

China (157M square meters), Germany (119M square meters), Malaysia (113M square meters), the United States (78M square meters), Poland (57M square meters), Belgium (57M square meters), France (41M square meters), Belarus (33M square meters), Japan (32M square meters), Russia (28M square meters), Bulgaria (28M square meters) and Italy (24M square meters) represented roughly 70% of total exports in 2022. The Czech Republic (22M square meters) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Malaysia (with a CAGR of +31.6%), while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($2B) remains the largest float glass and surface ground or polished glass supplier worldwide, comprising 23% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($945M), with an 11% share of global exports. It was followed by the United States, with a 7.6% share.

In China, exports of float glass and surface ground or polished glass expanded at an average annual rate of +15.6% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Germany (+6.3% per year) and the United States (+2.2% per year).

Exports By Type

Float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground represented the largest exported product with an export of about 637M square meters, which reached 58% of total exports. Float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) (230M square meters) took a 21% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer (21%).

Exports of float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground decreased at an average annual rate of -1.5% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) (+1.1%) and float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer (+1.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) emerged as the fastest-growing type exported in the world, with a CAGR of +1.1% from 2012-2022. While the share of float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) (+3 p.p.) and float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer (+3 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global exports from 2012-2022, the share of float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground (-6.1 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground ($4.6B) remains the largest type of float glass and surface ground or polished glass supplied worldwide, comprising 52% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held by float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer ($2.1B), with a 24% share of global exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of the value of float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground exports amounted to +4.1%. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer (+3.0% per year) and float glass and surface ground or polished glass, in sheets, having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked (excluding wired glass) (+3.0% per year).

Export Prices By Type

The average export price for float glass and surface ground or polished glass stood at $8.1 per square meter in 2022, with an increase of 24% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +4.1%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, coloured throughout the mass "body tinted", opacified, flashed or merely surface ground, but not otherwise worked, excluding wired glass or glass having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer ($9.2 per square meter), while the average price for exports of float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground ($7.3 per square meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by float glass and surface ground glass, in sheets, non-wired, other than coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or merely surface ground (+5.7%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average export price for float glass and surface ground or polished glass amounted to $8.1 per square meter, with an increase of 24% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +4.1%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($13 per square meter), while Belarus ($3.9 per square meter) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+13.4%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform