Freedonia Market Research Analyzes Plumbing Fixtures & Fittings Demand

Demand for plumbing fixtures and fittings in the US is expected to advance 2.7 percent annually through 2011 to $11.4 billion.  Growth will be supported by increasing applications in improvement and repair markets in both residential and nonresidential construction and by an acceleration in new nonresidential construction expenditures.  Gains will also be supported by ongoing trends toward larger bathrooms and kitchens in residential markets.  These factors will help offset weak single-family housing completions and a moderation in raw material pricing for metal and plastic. These and other trends, including market share and company profiles, are presented in Plumbing Fixtures & Fittings, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

Demand for plumbing fixtures is forecast to advance 2.4 percent per year through 2011 to $6.15 billion.  Consumer interest in higher-end fixtures -- including whirlpool bathtubs, enhanced showers, and hot tubs and spas -- across all markets will aid value demand advances.  Additionally, product developments aimed at adding value -- such as chromotherapy lighting and sound systems -- will bolster demand.  Ongoing consumer interest in nontraditional materials (e.g., glass, concrete or teak) will also aid value growth.  An increasing number of bathrooms per structure and larger kitchens and bathrooms in general will support unit sales. 

Demand for plumbing fittings is anticipated to expand 2.9 percent per year through 2011 to $5.25 billion.  Advances will be supported by new product developments -- such as a broader palette of finishes,  electronic functionality and universally accessible control design.  Consumer interest in higher-end amenities, particularly those with European influence, will bolster value growth as well. 

The residential market accounted for 69 percent of plumbing product demand in 2006.  This segment will not, however, lead advances in the industry through 2011.  Growth is anticipated to decelerate significantly from the 2001 to 2006 period, which was characterized by strong new housing construction.  Single-family housing completions in 2011 are expected to be lower than in 2006.  On the other hand, strong new construction spending will support plumbing fixture and fitting demand in the nonresidential market.  Both the residential and nonresidential markets will see solid gains in improvement and repair activity going forward, providing growth opportunities for the plumbing product industry. 

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.