In 2016, global demand for water treatment chemicals totaled $25.4 billion which is forecast to rise 5.3% per year to $32.9 billion in 2021. The best opportunities for growth in this market are expected in developing regions of the world, particularly in large, rapidly industrializing countries such as India and China and in regions with significant infrastructural development such as Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Central and South America. Not only will governments of developing countries continue efforts to increase access to drinking water and sanitation facilities, but the rising amount of industrial production in these areas will boost demand for water treatment chemicals in industrial markets such as electric power generation and manufacturing.
   These and other trends are presented in Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market, 2nd Edition, a new study from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry research firm. The more mature markets in the United States, Western Europe, and Japan are projected to post more modest gains as consumers limit their use of water treatment chemicals by relying on higher-value specialty chemicals that can be used in lower dosages, or on nonchemical water treatment practices.
   Analyst Emily Park addresses the main drivers of growth in all regions: “Gains will be supported in part by expanding regulatory requirements for drinking water and wastewater quality and the rising use in water treatment of membrane systems, which require the use of coagulants and flocculants in pretreatment steps.”   A shift in product mix favoring more expensive specialty products will also support value demand. Furthermore, biocides will compete with disinfection equipment and will be restricted by environmental regulations in many regions, although biocide use will be prominent in developing markets.