US Filters Demand to Reach $12.4 Billion in 2013

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, including market share and product segmentation, are presented in US 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 pre-treatment 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.

The Freedonia Group is a leading international business research company, founded in 1985, that publishes more than 100 industry research studies annually. This industry analysis provides an unbiased outlook and a reliable assessment of an industry and includes product segmentation and demand forecasts, industry trends, demand history, threats and opportunities, competitive strategies, market share determinations and company profiles.