Study predicts growth in global flat glass demand, led by Asia/Pacific region

World demand for flat glass is forecast to rise 6.3 percent per year through 2016 to 8.3 billion square meters, according to a new Freedonia study. Analysts anticipate the global market value of fabricated flat glass will exceed $100 billion by 2016.

The "World Flat Glass Industry" report, available through reportlinker.com, predicts U.S. demand for flat glass will continue to recover through 2016, as the country's battered building construction sector rebounds. TheAsia/Pacific region will continue to post the fastest gains through 2016, according to the report. While gains in the region's dominant national market of China will slow in comparison to the pace of the 2006-2011 period, they will still remain well above the world average.

The West European market for flat glass will see the weakest gains among all regions through 2016. A slow growing population, combined with a stagnant motor vehicle industry, will limit gains in glass demand, according to the report.

For more information on how to purchase the Freedonia study, click here.