On a country-by-country basis, Brazil is by far the largest national market, accounting for nearly 60 % of total demand. Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay are very small by comparison. All countries are predicted to enjoy good growth rates over the forecast period, in particular the developing market of Bolivia (from a very small base) and the dynamic market of Brazil. Brazil will be hosting the Football World Cup in summer 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016, both of which have stimulated demand for all types of paints and coatings.

 

Highest growth in the architectural and general industrial segments

 

Architectural and decorative coatings for consumer and professional uses account for some three quarters of the American market overall, although this proportion varies from country to country. Growth is forecast to be highest in the architectural and general industrial segments. This is influenced by growth in the dominant market of Brazil, where significant investment in infrastructure is currently taking place. Growth in the marine and protective coatings segment is being boosted by developments in the oil and gas sector, particularly in Brazil where there is currently extensive activity in the area of deep water oil reserves.