The U.S. Paints & Coatings Landscape: Market Trends and Strategic Insights

The United States paints and coatings sector is among the largest and most established markets globally, supported by strong activity across the construction, automotive, industrial, and infrastructure segments. The US industry accounts for nearly 20% of the global paints and coatings market. According to the American Coatings Association, U.S. paints and coatings producers shipped goods worth USD 31.5 billion in 2023, supported by approximately 53,700 establishments nationwide. In 2024, the United States exported USD 2.8 billion worth of paint and coatings products, recording a trade surplus of nearly USD 1.6 billion. Exports to Canada and Mexico together amounted to USD 2 billion, accounting for about 70% of total U.S. paint and coatings exports. These USMCA partners have consistently remained the largest and most important export destinations for the US industry.

Architectural coatings dominate the U.S. paints and coatings industry, representing the largest share of total paint demand, while industrial and automotive coatings together make up a substantial portion—underscoring the country’s strong manufacturing base and ongoing renovation trends. The industry is expected to post steady medium-term growth, driven by sustained demand from residential renovation, infrastructure renewal, and industrial expansion.

Source : IRL

Architectural Coatings Lead US Production, Powered by Residential RMI Demand

Architectural coatings form the largest segment of the US paints and coatings industry, accounting for the majority of total production. These coatings are primarily used to enhance and protect surfaces in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Within this segment, residential repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI) holds the dominant share, followed by new build and commercial projects. Demand in this segment is closely influenced by macroeconomic indicators such as unemployment rates, disposable income, real wage growth, consumer confidence, and inflation.

Protective Coatings Market Expands with Modernisation and Federal Investment

Protective coatings are widely used in civil engineering, oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, power generation, machinery, and shipping container applications. The ongoing modernisation of infrastructure will continue to create growth opportunities for this segment. Government programmes such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Investing in America initiative have been instrumental in sustaining momentum and encouraging investment in protective coatings for long-term durability and asset protection.

General Industrial Coatings Market Anchored by Road Markings and Coil Coatings

Within the general industrial coatings market, road marking coatings represent the largest segment, supported by the United States’ extensive road network of roughly 7 million kilometres. The coil and extrusion coatings segment ranks second, largely driven by the country’s strong steel and aluminium output. Additionally, coatings for metal surfaces—including machinery, equipment, metal furniture, and fabricated components—form a key portion of sales. In contrast, domestic production of consumer electronics remains limited, as most 3C (computer, communication, consumer) products are manufactured in Asia, where coil coating processes are commonly used.

US Automotive Coatings Demand Mirrors OEM Production and an Aging Vehicle Fleet

Demand for automotive OEM coatings in the United States closely follows trends in vehicle production. The Big Three automakers—General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis North America—continue to dominate domestic manufacturing. Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles account for the bulk of coatings consumption, while trucks, buses, and motorcycles represent a smaller share.

The market for plastic parts coatings is also tied to OEM trends, as these coatings are used for components like bumpers, mirrors, and interior trims.

The automotive refinish segment benefits from the growing vehicle fleet and rising average vehicle age, which drive consistent demand for repair and maintenance coatings nationwide.

US Wood Coatings Market Strengthened by Housing Recovery and Renovation Demand

The US wood coatings market has grown steadily, largely supported by the recovery of the housing and construction sectors. Its performance is closely linked to construction activity, as many suppliers serve wood processors working with builders and contractors. Consequently, wood coating sales often mirror trends in housing starts and renovation projects.

Consumer factors, including disposable income and home improvement spending, also influence demand. Among various applications, outdoor structure coatings account for the largest share of consumption, followed by furniture coatings, reflecting the emphasis on durability and aesthetic enhancement in both residential and commercial settings.

Strong Shipbuilding and Repair Activity Drives Demand for US Marine Coatings

The marine, shipbuilding, and ship repair industries have long played an essential role in the US economy, directly influencing demand for marine coatings. As per the latest available data, the US maintains a fleet of 3,533 vessels, including 4 bulk carriers, 60 container ships, 96 general cargo vessels, 68 oil tankers, and 3,305 other vessels under its ownership. This diverse fleet underscores the country’s active presence across multiple maritime sectors. The US merchant fleet represents about 3.1% of total worldwide merchant ownership, emphasising its continued importance in global shipping and trade.

Market Drivers

• Residential and Commercial Renovation: The sustained rise in home improvement projects and commercial refurbishments continues to drive architectural paint demand.

• Sustainability and VOC Regulations: Stricter environmental standards are accelerating the transition toward waterborne, bio-based, and low-VOC coatings.

• Industrial Recovery: The reshoring of manufacturing and the expansion of energy infrastructure projects are boosting demand for protective and industrial coatings.

• Automotive Aftermarket Expansion: The growing used car market and refinishing activities are providing stability to automotive coatings demand.

• Technological Innovation: Advancements in smart coatings, powder coatings, and UV-curable formulations are expanding the performance capabilities of paints across industries.

Competitive Landscape

The U.S. paints and coatings market is highly consolidated, with leading multinational and domestic players maintaining strong brand presence and extensive distribution networks.

Sherwin-Williams, PPG Industries, and Axalta Coating Systems dominate the market, while RPM International, Benjamin Moore, and Behr are influential in the architectural and speciality coatings segments.

Competition increasingly centres on sustainability, product durability, and innovation, with manufacturers investing in eco-friendly formulations, low-VOC technologies, and digital colour-matching systems to meet evolving consumer and regulatory demands.

Conclusion

The U.S. paints and coatings sector remains a cornerstone of national manufacturing and construction activity. With its strong industrial base, innovation-driven transformation, and ongoing sustainability shift, the market is poised for steady and resilient growth through 2030. Continued investment in infrastructure, housing renovation, and technological advancement will ensure that the U.S. maintains its leading position in the global coatings industry.