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The Pandemic to Undermine the Growth of the American Metal Tank Market

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The Pandemic to Undermine the Growth of the American Metal Tank Market

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘U.S. Metal Tank (Heavy Gauge) Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2025’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

In 2019, the U.S. metal tank market increased by 2.3% to $7.7B, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the market value increased by 5.2% against the previous year. As a result, consumption attained a peak level of $9.6B. From 2015 to 2019, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure, hampered by both an economic slowdown and lower metal prices which plummeted amid a sharp drop of global oil and commodity prices.

Metal tanks, as an element of engineering infrastructure, are widely used in various industries, particularly, in oil and gas extraction and processing, as well as in the chemical industry, and transport facilities. Therefore, the key factor determining the development of the market is the dynamics of the industrial sector, which, in a broader context, reflects the overall GDP growth. Another particular fundamental is the state of the global oil market which determines capital investment in the oil and gas sector.

According to the World Bank outlook from January 2020, the U.S. economy was expected to slow down to +1.7% per year in the medium term, hampered by increasing global uncertainty, trade war, and slower global growth. In early 2020, however, the global economy entered a period of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, due to which most countries in the world put on halt production and transport activity. The result will be a drop in GDP relative to previous years and an unprecedented decline in oil prices.

The U.S. is struggling with a drastic short-term recession, with the expected contraction of GDP of approx. -6.1% in 2020, as the hit of the pandemic was harder than expected, and unemployment soared due to the shutdown and social isolation.

The industrial sector has proven vulnerable to the pandemic as due to quarantine measures, industrial facilities were paused, and the drop in incomes of the population makes the growth of end markets unfeasible. The oil and gas sector also challenges a drastic drop in drilling activity and oil extraction which is due to much lower demand for oil amid the pandemic and the related dramatic drop in oil prices.

Tight financial conditions and uncertainty regarding the length of the pandemic and the possible bottom of the related economic drop, as well as high volatility of financial markets, and political tensions between the U.S. and China, disrupt capital investments in the immediate term, which is to put a drag on the metal tank market.

In the medium term, should the pandemic outbreak end in the second half of 2020, the economy is to start recovering in 2021 and then return to the gradual growth, driven by the fundamentals that existed before 2020.

Taking into account the above, it is expected that in 2020, the consumption of metal tanks will drop by approx. 6%. In the medium term, as the economy recovers from the effects of the pandemic, the market is expected to grow gradually, with an anticipated CAGR of +0.5% for the period from 2019 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to $8.2B (in fixed 2019 prices) by the end of 2030.

The U.S. Metal Tank Market Remains to a Large Extent Dependent on Imports

In value terms, metal tank production amounted to $7.7B in 2019. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a perceptible downturn. The U.S. metal tank market remains dependent on imports: over the period under review, the share of imports in terms of total metal tank consumption in the U.S. increased from 12% in 2007 to 17% in 2019 (based on value terms). It means that the U.S. metal tank market remains an attractive destination for foreign manufacturers.

Metal tank imports declined dramatically to $1.3B (IndexBox estimates) in 2019. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% from 2013 to 2019; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years.

In value terms, China ($492M) constituted the largest supplier of metal tanks to the U.S., comprising 37% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Canada ($181M), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by Mexico, with an 11% share.

From 2013 to 2019, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from China stood at +9.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Canada (+0.2% per year) and Mexico (+9.8% per year).

Companies Mentioned in the Report

Enerfab, Inc., Paul Mueller Company, Caldwell Tanks, Inc., Modern Welding Company, Inc., Flexcon Industries, Inc., Imperial Industries, Inc., Walker Engineered Products, Taylor-Wharton International LLC, CST Industries, Inc., Permian Tank & Manufacturing, Nooter Construction, Inc., Polar Tank Trailer, Mid-State Tank Co., Fort Worth F and D Head Company, James Machine Works LLC, Rocky Mountain Fabrication, Phoenix Fabricators & Erectors, HMT LLC (Pasadena Tank Corporation), Washington Metal Fabricators (WMF), Truenorth Steel,  Arrow Tank and Engineering Co, Helgesen Industries, Mississippi Tank and Manufacturing Company, Alonso & Carus Iron Works, Cimarron Energy, Tankcraft Corporation, Highland Tank & Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

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The Expansion of Data Center Facilities and Telecom Drives the Global Wire And Cable Market While the Pandemic Hampers Construction and Industry

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Insulated Wire And Cable – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

In 2019, the global wire and cable market increased by 0.5% to $239.6B, rising for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.0% from 2012 to 2019; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years.

Insulated wire and cable consumption tend to follow distributional and industrial electrical utility construction, the creation of new communities, and a replacement cycle. Therefore, the rising demand for insulated wire and cable will also be shaped by both the residential construction sector and industrial production alike, which are conditioned by rising population and urbanization, particularly in Asia. Thus, the largest wire and cable markets worldwide were China ($53.2B), the U.S. ($27.4B) and Indonesia ($13.8B), together accounting for 39% of the global market (IndexBox estimates). These countries were followed by Japan, Mexico, India, Germany, Russia, France, South Korea, the UK, Turkey and Italy, which together accounted for a further 27%.

Capital investment and the expansion of transport and telecom infrastructure also constitute major factors behind the market growth; overall, those factors reflect the global GDP growth.

The telecommunications market uses a wide range of wire and cable products. With the active development of the electronic devices market, continuous improvement of the existing telecommunication infrastructure is required, including within the framework of modernization, which will contribute to the growth of the insulated wire and cable market.

The development of the 5G and other wireless networks, on the one hand, requires less data cable systems, but on the other hand, it needs more power supply cable systems for base stations. Moreover, the growth of demand for data centers amid the penetration of big data and machine learning to major business sectors shapes the demand for both data and power cable systems. Thus, insulated cables for a voltage under 80 V feature as the most imported category of cables in the world, with imports amounting to 4M tonnes in 2019, which equated to $26B.

Overall, imports of insulated wire and cable amounted to 9.6M tonnes in 2019. In value terms, wire and cable imports shrank to $112.5B (IndexBox estimates) in 2019. In value terms, the U.S. ($20.8B), Germany ($10.5B) and Japan ($7.5B) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2019, together accounting for 34% of global imports. These countries were followed by China, Mexico, France, the UK, Hong Kong SAR, Spain, Canada, South Korea, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, which together accounted for a further 30%.

Until 2020, the global economy has been developing steadily for five years, although at a slower pace than in the previous decade. The slowdown in global economic growth was caused by increased political uncertainty in the world and trade wars between the United States and China. According to the World Bank outlook from January 2020, the global economy was expected to pick up the growth momentum and increase from +2.5% to +2.7% per year in the medium term.

In early 2020, however, the global economy entered a period of the crisis caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to battle the spread of the virus, most countries in the world implemented quarantine measures that put on halt production and transport activity.

The combination of those factors disrupts economic growth heavily throughout the world. According to World Bank forecasts, despite the gradual relaxing of restrictive measures and unprecedented government support in countries that faced the pandemic in early 2020, the annual decline of global GDP could amount to -5.2%, which is the deepest global recession being seen over the past eight decades.

Both the construction and industrial sectors have proven vulnerable to the pandemic. Thus, the above economic prerequisites will have the most negative impact on the expansion of new residential and non-residential construction projects, thereby hampering the demand for electricity and electrical networks.

Due to quarantine measures, construction projects were paused, and the drop in incomes of the population makes mortgage loans less affordable. In addition, the reduced capital investment may lead to the postponement of plans for the building of new infrastructural and industrial facilities.

Moreover, the disruption of established international supply chains between insulated wire and cable producers and consumers due to asynchronous quarantine measures and restricted transport activity also hampers the market growth.

Taking into account the above, it is expected that in 2020, global consumption of insulated wire and cable should decline slightly against 2019. In the medium term, as the global economy recovers from the effects of the pandemic, the market is expected to grow gradually. Overall, market performance is forecast to pursue a slightly upward trend over the next decade, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +0.3% for the period from 2019 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 24M tonnes by the end of 2030.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

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The Global Silica Sands Market to Standoff the Pandemic

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IndexBox invites everyone interested in the relevant data and the actual trends regarding the global silica sand market to join our webinar: ‘Global Silica Sand Market – Statistics, Trends, and Outlook’. Here is a summary of the webinar’s key findings.

The Global Silica Sand Market Posted Solid Gains Until being Hit by the Pandemic

For the third consecutive year, the global silica sand market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 7.7% to $52.4B in 2019 (IndexBox estimates). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2007 to 2019.

The countries with the highest volumes of silica sand consumption in 2019 were China (123M tonnes), the U.S. (105M tonnes) and Brazil (20M tonnes), with a combined 51% share of global consumption. Turkey, the Netherlands, India, Italy, France, the Czech Republic, Malaysia, Poland and Germany lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 20%. In value terms, the U.S. ($7.6B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Brazil ($2.1B). It was followed by Italy.

The main applications of quartz sand are the glass industry, cement production, steel castings manufacturing, production of building materials, production of welding materials, porcelain production, water treatment systems, as an abrasive material for sandblasting, etc. Due to the fact that the scope of quartz sand use is very extensive, the general state of the economy, which is expressed in the growth of GDP, as well as the state of key consuming industries, including construction, constitute the fundamental factors behind the market growth.

It is the construction sector that shapes the consumption of many products and materials, which include quartz sand (dry building mixtures, floorings, cement, mortars, etc.). In addition, the demand in the glass industry, water treatment, and, to a certain extent, metallurgy is also associated with the construction sector.

Until 2020, the global economy has been developing steadily for five years, although at a slower pace than in the previous decade. According to the World Bank outlook from January 2020, the global economy was expected to pick up the growth momentum and increase by from +2.5% to +2.7% per year in the medium term. The main driver of growth in the global economy was the growing demand from developing countries, mainly China and the countries of Southeast Asia. In these countries the economic growth rates are the highest in the world, which is accompanied by active urbanization and growth of the population’s income; all this together leads to an expansion of the volume of both industry and construction. In the United States and the EU, economic growth was also high, which was due to both the strong employment and the availability of credit funding.

In early 2020, however, the global economy entered a period of the crisis caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to battle the spread of the virus, most countries in the world implemented quarantine measures that put on halt production and transport activity.

The combination of those factors disrupted economic growth heavily throughout the world. According to World Bank forecasts, despite the gradual relaxing of restrictive measures and unprecedented government support in countries that faced the pandemic in early 2020, the annual decline of global GDP could amount to -5.2%, which is the deepest global recession being seen over the past eight decades.

In Asian countries, especially China, which faced the pandemic earlier than others, the epidemic situation improved earlier, with the quarantine measures largely relaxed, and the economy is gradually recovering from the forced outage. Thus, in China, by the end of 2020, an increase of 1% is expected (while a year earlier it was 6.1%), and in general in Southeast Asia in 2020, an increase of 0.5% is expected. In the medium term, it is assumed that the economy will gradually recover over several years as the restrictions are finally lifted.

The U.S., meanwhile, is struggling with a drastic short-term recession, with the expected contraction of GDP of approx. -6.1% in 2020, as the hit of the pandemic, was harder than expected, and unemployment soared due to the shutdown and social isolation. In Japan, the decline is also expected to be deep, with -6.1% in 2020, which also hampers any growth of the construction sector.

According to the European Commission, the EU economy is forecasted to plummet by -8.3% in 2020 on the backdrop of the pandemic, hampered by the lockdown, a drop in consumer spending and decreased investment. Russia is also struggling with a sensitive short-term recession, with the expected contraction of GDP of approx. -6.0% in 2020. Current short-term indicators show that the plunge in the first half of 2020 was really deep, but a gradual recovery starts in the third quarter of 2020.

This unpreceded drop in the global economy should certainly affect the silica sand market which is to a very high extent bound to the construction sector.

The COVID Pandemic Challenged the Market, Hampering the Growth and Disrupting Supply Chains

The construction sector has proven extremely vulnerable to the pandemic. Thus, the above economic prerequisites will have the most negative impact on the production of building materials, and, therefore, on the consumption of silica sand. The negative challenge for the market is that due to quarantine measures, construction projects were paused, and the drop in incomes of the population makes mortgage loans less affordable. Moreover, reduced capital investments may lead to the postponement of plans for the building new and the renewal of the existing dwellings, infrastructural and industrial facilities.

In addition, the disruption of established international supply chains between silica sand producers and consumers due to asynchronous quarantine measures and restricted transport activity. Silica sands exports expanded modestly to $1.2B (IndexBox estimates) in 2019, with the U.S. ($375M), Australia ($205M) and Belgium ($96M) featuring among the top exporters, together accounting for 54% of global exports. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the period from 2007 to 2019. In 2020, expectations regarding the dynamic of global trade are cautious, as it may stagnate along with global consumption.

On the other hand, lower oil prices as a result of reduced demand and oversupply amid the pandemic are making oil and gas more affordable. Consequently, the cost of construction materials incorporating silica is to decrease, which should partially mitigate the negative effect of the drop in spending and investments. Increasing urbanization, as well as the expansion of the suburbs of large metropolitan areas (especially in developed countries), are driving an increase in demand for construction products for individual housing and water treatment, which is also to support the demand for silica sand.

In the medium term, should the pandemic outbreak end in the second half of 2020, the economy is to start recovering in 2021 and then return to the market trend of the gradual growth, driven by the fundamentals existed before 2020 and boosted by support measures imposed by the government. After the ease of the quarantine shutdown, a recovery in the global economy began by the end of the 2nd quarter of 2020. State support measures for the economy will help support investment in both the developed and developing world. However, those projections are very vulnerable to the possible second wave of the COVID worldwide.

Accordingly, the possible action to handle with the new market reality is all around first, the health of employees and everyone, and second – the improvement of business efficiency.

Direct b2b-sales remain one of the key sales channels for silica sand, and there the COVID-related lockdown did not lead to major shifts in this segment. However, online communication becomes increasingly important even in the b2b sales channels. Therefore, enhancing the use of online communications and document workflow is vital for any company in today’s environment.

As for business efficiency, improving financial stability, reducing debt, improving cost-effectiveness, adjusting employment, and payroll feature among key measures to keep a company’s market position during the extremely uncertain period.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

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THE SECRET LIFE OF ROADS – AND THE FUTURE OF U.S. MIDDLE-SKILL JOBS

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Skills of the Trade: Asphalt Technologists Wanted

There are 2.2 million miles of roads and highways that criss-cross the United States. Chances are that you’ve never thought about the blacktop asphalt beneath your wheels as you drive across the country, the state or to your local grocery store.

Asphalt is, however, the obsession of Allen Miller, who works at the Cedar Mountain Stone Corporation in Culpeper, Virginia, as one of five apprentices learning industrial maintenance and the emerging discipline of “asphalt technology.” Under the tutelage of a mentor at the company, Miller spends his days learning how to operate the asphalt plant that operates 24-7 at Cedar Mountain’s vast quarry during construction season; how to formulate asphalt so that it can withstand 20 years of freezes, thaws and the weight of thousands of tractor-trailers every day, and how to test it so that the quality of the state’s roadways passes the standards of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

“We have to have certain gradations of stone, the right amount of dust, and not too much asphalt binder in it,” said Ed Dalrymple, Miller’s boss and the fourth-generation owner of Cedar Mountain Stone Corporation. “If we have all of that in the right proportions, the road’s going to last.” Moreover, under VDOT’s pay-for-performance requirements, well-built roads earn a bonus, while inferior blacktop will cost the company penalties. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are potentially at stake, which means Dalrymple is counting on Miller to do his job right. On any given day, you might see Miller out drilling core samples from freshly laid road beds, watching the computerized control panels monitoring the moisture levels of asphalt being mixed at the plant or taking 20-pound samples of asphalt to the on-site laboratory for analysis.

More Than Half of New Jobs Are “Middle-Skill” Jobs

Miller’s job may sound obscure, but it is one of millions of so-called “middle-skill” jobs – well-paying jobs that require post-secondary education and credentials but not a four-year degree – that have remained steadily in demand among employers. According to the National Skills Coalition, 52 percent of job openings are “middle skill” jobs, in fields as varied as construction, health care, information technology and a host of other fields.

Globalization and the rise of technologies such as automation have ushered in myriad anxieties about worker displacement, stagnant wages, and the loss of low-skilled jobs. The steady presence of middle-skill jobs could prove a potent buffer against these worries. For one thing, many middle-skill positions are in fields that cannot be easily outsourced or automated, such as construction, or where demand is growing, such as health care, thanks to the aging of the Baby Boom generation.

TradeVistas | More Than Half of New Jobs Are “Middle-Skill” Jobs

But Less than Half of U.S. Workers are Trained Up to the Middle Level

Moreover, there is a shortage of workers with the right skills and training to fill all of the middle skill opportunities currently available. Despite the prominence of middle-skill jobs as a share of the economy, the National Skills Coalition also reports that just 43 percent of U.S. workers are trained up to the middle level. This means that thousands of U.S. workers are potentially missing out on opportunities to earn good wages and move ahead in their careers. At the same time, employers are losing opportunities to grow their businesses.

Promoting middle-skill jobs – such as through apprenticeships, dual enrollment at high schools and community colleges and employer-sponsored training – would not only help businesses find the workers they need, it would create new opportunities for workers to get ahead without requiring the time and financial commitment of a four-year degree that ultimately may or may not have market value. The U.S. federal government could also help create millions of new middle-skill jobs by passing an infrastructure bill, which President Donald Trump and both political parties agree should be a top priority. According to a 2017 report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure could create as many as 11 million jobs over the next 10 years while creating high demand for workers such as welders, “concrete strength-testing technicians,” construction managers, and construction health and safety technicians – all jobs that require a post-secondary credential but not necessarily a four-year degree.

Which takes us back to Allen Miller.

At the end of his four-year apprenticeship with Cedar Mountain Stone, Miller will hold a journeyman’s license in industrial maintenance as well as an associate’s degree from nearby Germanna Community College. In addition, he’ll hold a certificate in “asphalt technology” issued by the Virginia Asphalt Association, the trade association for the state’s road construction industry. He could stay at Cedar Mountain Stone or go elsewhere. Either way, he is destined to make a comfortable living that approaches six figures. He will also achieve this without a cent in student loans. “I’m going to be done with no debt, and I’m getting valuable on the job training along the way,” he said. “It’s working out great for me.”

As policymakers look for strategies to help the U.S. workforce adapt to the global economy, Allen Miller might be the model for the kind of worker the U.S. economy needs more of to succeed.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in September 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness as of July 2020. Since the original publication of this article, Allen received an Associate’s Degree from Germanna Community College in December 2019. He continues to work for Cedar Mountain Stone and is teaching night classes in asphalt technology to the next generation of apprentices.

_______________________________________________________________

Anne Kim

Anne Kim is a contributing editor to Washington Monthly and the author of Abandoned: America’s Lost Youth and the Crisis of Disconnection, forthcoming in 2020 from the New Press. Her writings on economic opportunity, social policy, and higher education have appeared in numerous national outlets, including the Washington Monthly, the Washington Post, Governing and Atlantic.com, among others. She is a veteran of the think tanks the Progressive Policy Institute and Third Way as well as of Capitol Hill, where she worked for Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN). Anne has a law degree from Duke University and a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

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3 Major Trends Driving Polypropylene Fiber Market Expansion

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Shifting to renewable plastics, to address growing environmental concerns without compromising on the superior characteristics of plastics, will be a major factor driving the growth of polypropylene fiber industry.

Polymers are among the most commonly used materials in nearly every aspect of modern life. Polymers have been in use for centuries, and have rapidly integrated themselves into applications across myriad dominions of technologies, science, and industry.

While natural fibers have been in existence since early civilizations, man-made fibers were developed at the end of the 19th century, when the first regenerated or semi-synthetic materials were discovered. While completely synthetic polymers were created early in the 20th century, most fibers used commonly in modern applications gained prominence only in the 1960s and 70s.

One of the most prominent polymer types, polypropylene, first came to light when it was polymerized by two Phillips petroleum scientists, Robert Banks, and Paul Hogan. The material began to gain prominence over the next three years, especially once it started being commercially produced, following the perfection and synthesis of the first polypropylene resin by an Italian chemist, Prof. Giulio Natta in 1954. Polypropylene emerged fully into the commercial landscape by 1957 and gained massive popularity across the European region, gradually establishing itself as one of the most common types of plastics in the modern world.

The 1970s saw the first fibers from polypropylene being introduced into the textile industry and becoming a core part of the synthetic fibers industry.

Polypropylene fibers, also known as PP, refers to a synthetic fiber, which is transformed from 85% propylene. The materials demonstrate vast potential across several applications, most significantly in the manufacture of yarns. For instance, most affordable carpets used for domestic purposes are made using polypropylene fiber.

The rapid growth of the polypropylene fiber market in recent years is attributed mainly to the plethora of benefits demonstrated by the material, such as heat-insulating properties, lightweight, resilience, high resistance to organic solvents, acids, alkalies, and mildew, etc.

Burgeoning interest in polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete for construction applications

In the construction domain, the integrity and life of the structure depend heavily on its resistance against conditions such as chemical attacks, weathering action, abrasion, and other degradation processes throughout its life.

Concrete has long been considered the most preferred material for construction applications, owing to its low permeability, higher resistance against mechanical and chemical attacks, and enhanced mechanical properties, among others. While the compressive strength of concrete significantly impacts its behavior, its tensile strength is equally important with regard to its durability and appearance. However, concrete alone has a relatively low tensile strength. To address this, concrete is becoming increasingly reinforced with various types of fibers, in order to improve its crack arresting system, flexural tensile strength, and the ductile behavior of the basic matrix post cracking.

The use of polymeric materials for concrete modification has been a source of great interest and research over the past few decades. Polypropylene fibers, for instance, were first considered as suitable admixtures to concrete in the year 1965, in the construction of blast-resistant structures for the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Since then the material has undergone persistent improvements over the years and is used in modern applications as a short discontinuous fibrillated material for polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete production, or in the manufacture of thin sheet components as a continuous mat.

PFRC (polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete), especially, is used extensively in the construction of various structures, owing to the robust properties it demonstrates from the addition of fibers, such as flexural strength, impact strength, tensile strength, and increased toughness. PP is the preferred material of choice for these applications, mainly because of its vast availability, economic price points, and consistency in quality.

Textile innovations in polypropylene fiber-based fabrics for sportswear 

Textiles are the first and most prominent application areas for the polypropylene fiber industry. High abrasion resistance, non-absorption of liquids, stains and dirt, washing ease, and color resistance are the major factors contributing to the popularity of these synthetic fibers over their natural counterparts in the textile industry.

Increasing standards and perceptions of customers across the globe have triggered a need for textile innovation in recent years. The sportswear market especially has witnessed a prolific rise in customer propensity towards higher comfort levels, easy-care, and attractive designs in their activewear. This in turn has prompted many key players to innovate functional fibers, novel structures and garments, designed to address these evolving customer needs.

For instance, one of the most common challenges faced by manufacturers of protective wear and sportswear is finding a high-performance, durable fabric that can remain hygienic and comfortable for its wearers. PP is the most commonly used material in active wear due to its durability and wear-resistance, but unlike cotton or wool, it is not sweat-absorbent, which can impact its performance in terms of comfort.

To address this, the EUREKA initiative’s E! 2709 BASTEX project came up with novel antibacterial additives, designed to be incorporated into polypropylene fiber-based materials in order to manufacture high-performance clothing. The concentration of the additive was defined such that it would demonstrate optimum antibacterial and hygienic properties and ensure wearer comfort, without affecting the durability and physical & mechanical properties of the polypropylene fibers.

Strategic initiatives by global players will present lucrative innovation prospects

Synthetic fibers, while widely popular across myriad industries are associated with several environmental concerns. For instance, studies suggest that the synthetic fiber industry is the cause of over 20% of the industrial water pollution across the globe. In order to address these concerns and create a more sustainable and durable alternative to harmful synthetic materials, several key players are making targeted efforts to develop new strategies and innovations in fiber technologies.

To illustrate, in June 2020, HP introduced its new material called High Reusability Polypropylene (PP). The novel, chemically resistant, durable material has been qualified for the company’s production-grade additive manufacturing systems. Designed for HP customers in the customer space as well as industries such as medical and automotive, the new BASF-enabled 3D High Reusability PP demonstrates qualities similar to regular polypropylene, including low moisture absorption rate, high durability, and robust resistance to chemical wear and tear.

Likewise, Borouge, Borealis, and ITOCHU made a joint announcement regarding their strategic intent to evaluate the benefits of integrating renewable polypropylene in the Japanese market. This move is a part of Japan’s countermeasures against climate change worldwide, including its plan to introduce nearly 2 million tons of renewable plastic products into the market by 2030. The joint effort will contribute significantly to this shift to renewable plastics, and address growing environmental concerns without compromising on the superior characteristics of plastics like polypropylene.

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Growing Need for Commercial Spaces to Propel Global Windows and Doors Market Size through 2026

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The window and door market is estimated to record significant growth on account of increasing home improvement and remodeling activities commenced worldwide. Customers are preferring customized windows and doors while remodeling their home interior. In fact, a major section of today’s population is inclining towards customized doors as it provides multiple personalized choices in terms of hardware, material, and color.

Studies reveal that buyers keep natural light among the key interior design features while purchasing a house. Demand for large windows with less frame and sliding glass doors will boost new prospects in the market over the forthcoming years.

Rapid urbanization coupled with surging product commercialization could positively benefit the windows & doors industry. Several private and public organizations are heavily investing in commercial and residential infrastructure development projects, which could play a pivotal part in expanding the urban sector.

In terms of material, windows and doors are generally made up of metal, wood, uPVC, and others. The other segment includes material like glass and carbon-fiber. Glass has managed to control a prominent portion of the business share owing to growing inclination towards outdoor living. There are multiple types of glasses available for glass windows with each type offering some peculiar features like the ability to enhance the beauty, decor & design of homes, or provide excellent resistance to wear and tear.

Sliding glass doors are considered a secure, energy-efficient, and safe alternative, making it popular among consumers that are planning to conduct a kitchen renovation or living room extension. Whereas, tempered glass is heavily used in commercial spaces like offices due to its remarkable durability.

As for metal doors and windows, they usually go well with brick exterior buildings & homes and modern grey or white rendered walls. Benefits like superior efficiency, durability, and excellent strength make metal a vital option for window frames and door by manufacturers.

Based on applications, the windows and doors market is mainly divided into residential and commercial. The commercial application segment is projected to record noteworthy gains on account of the proliferating number of commercial infrastructure developmental activities. Rampant growth in the construction sector could drive the demand for windows and doors over the forthcoming years.

Surging population growth and rising urbanization across developing economies have sprouted a need for commercial spaces like hospitals, offices, hotels, and shopping malls. Developments like these could play a crucial role in enhancing the window and door market outlook.

Meanwhile, rising sales in the real estate sector, especially across developing economies, coupled with proliferating demand for single-family homes could accelerate the adoption of windows and doors across the residential sector.

Source: Global Market Insights, Inc.

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Cities With the Most Women in Construction

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Construction has long been a male-dominated field. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 13 percent of payroll employees in the construction industry are women—a number that has remained relatively stagnant since the 1990s. When also taking into account self-employed workers, the proportion is even lower, at just 10.3 percent. Despite the gender gap in employment, some job functions and locations offer better opportunities for women seeking a career in the construction industry.

Nationwide, there are over 1.1 million women working in construction, compared to 9.9 million men. In addition to differences in total employment, men and women tend to fill different occupations within the industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women who work in construction are most likely to work in office or administrative positions. By contrast, men have a much higher representation in roles related to finance, transportation, construction, extraction, and maintenance.

A major benefit for women in the construction industry is that they tend to command higher wages than female workers in other fields. The median full-time wage for women in construction is $46,808 per year, compared to $43,394 for female workers across all industries. Interestingly, the opposite is true for men in construction, who generally earn less than the typical male worker. In addition, men and women in the construction industry report relatively equal pay. While the national gender pay gap across all industries is 19 percent, the gender pay gap in construction is only 3.7 percent.

Although only 10.3 percent of workers in the construction industry are women, some parts of the country have much stronger female representation. To find which cities have the most women in construction, researchers at Construction Coverage analyzed employment data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Researchers ranked cities based on the female employment share in the construction industry. In the final rankings, cities were categorized by population size: small (100,000–149,999), midsize (150,000–349,999), and large (350,000 or more).

Most of the cities on the list are concentrated in the South or the West, with some representation in the Midwest and little in the Northeast.

Here are the cities with the most women in construction.

City Rank Female employment share in the construction industry Total female employment in the construction industry Total male employment in the construction industry Median earnings for full-time workers in the construction industry
Minneapolis, MN     1     19.1%     1,298     5,495     $54,521
Seattle, WA     2     17.6%     2,697     12,664     $70,966
San Francisco, CA     3     17.0%     2,985     14,590     $70,711
Washington, DC     4     16.1%     1,831     9,517     $52,035
Virginia Beach, VA     5     15.5%     2,187     11,891     $52,325
Colorado Springs, CO     6     15.4%     2,743     15,037     $55,363
Atlanta, GA     7     14.6%     885     5,158     $44,346
El Paso, TX     8     14.1%     2,968     18,044     $35,710
Charlotte, NC    9     13.6%     4,747     30,113     $36,988
Wichita, KS    10     13.4%     1,855     12,011     $40,067
San Diego, CA    11     13.3%     4,270     27,919     $53,990
Tampa, FL    12     13.3%     2,015     13,135     $49,938
Kansas City, MO   13     13.1%     1,760     11,630     $41,742
Portland, OR    14     13.0%     1,897     12,703     $63,892
Baltimore, MD    15     12.3%     1,577     11,201      $50,740
Louisville, KY    16     12.1%     1,932     13,971     $46,560
New Orleans, LA    17     11.9%     1,143      8,433     $37,300
Austin, TX    18     11.8%     4,650     34,688     $40,595
Denver, CO    19     11.8%     3,636     27,277     $49,437
Columbus, OH   20     11.7%      2,395      18,139     $40,913
United States –     10.3%     1,136,672     9,900,222     $48,307

 

For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Construction Coverage’s website: https://constructioncoverage.com/research/cities-with-the-most-women-in-construction-2020

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Archives, Global Trade Daily, Special Reports

How Shipping Containers Can Be a Quick Storage and Office Space for Your Construction Site

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Since all construction sites are temporary, the biggest need for any office or storage space is portability. But that is not all. Storage space on construction sites needs to be secure and durable. To have a professional workspace for your company, the office space on construction sites have to be comfortable with adequate heating and cooling facility and hygienic washrooms. You need a resting space for workers to recharge their batteries, and an area to have meetings with visitors.

Shipping containers or Conex containers are a growing trend in ‘cargotecture’ that has inspired designers and engineers to create attractive and useful buildings. Their use is widespread not only in the construction industry but also in education, healthcare, hotels and restaurants, student housing, manufacturing, agriculture, and more.

Types of Containers for the Construction Industry

Shipping containers can be used in versatile ways in the construction industry. However, some of the most common and popular uses are:

Storage containers/ sheds – Construction sites often have expensive machines and computers which cannot be left in the open or in unsecured enclosures because they can be easily stolen. Wooden sheds are not enough. Steel containers with a secure locking system can help keep the equipment safe. Containers with high-security lockboxes are useful where the equipment is very expensive and additional security is required. Shipping containers can also be used to store oil and fuel safely to prevent any leakages or accidents.

Office containers – Shipping containers are the right solution for on-site temporary offices with a built-in HVAC system. They can be customized to be used as private offices, conference spaces, and waiting rooms for visitors.

Temporary housing – At times the worker staff needs to remain on-site 24/7 for special needs. It is not recommended to sleep in the open or in any other unsafe space. Shipping containers can be a great solution for providing temporary yet comfortable housing space to this staff. They can also be equipped with hygienic toilets.

Office and storage combo containers – These convertible shipping containers are ideal for those construction sites where there isn’t enough space. Combo shipping containers can be used both as storage spaces and offices with HVACs and R-11 insulated walls and ceilings.

Recreation containers – Construction site workers need breaks. It is unsafe to sit among rubble of machines and tools or in any other unsafe place. Shipping containers can be converted into recreational rooms and sleeper cabins for site workers to take breaks.

Using Containers for On-site Offices

Steel containers are extremely sturdy with high structural integrity, making them durable in harsh construction sites. On average, shipping containers retain their durability for up to 25 years. They can withstand up to 60,000 pounds of pressure thus keeping any equipment or personnel safe from accidents caused by falling items.

20 ft. and 40 ft. shipping containers are ideal for on-site offices for project managers, logistics managers, architects, contractors, procurement and store manager, and other on-site personnel. They can be easily stacked or arranged side-by-side and connected to form large office spaces with an industrial lift or a staircase. Shipping containers can be a hygienic alternative to chemical toilets which can get very messy with time. It can be fitted with plumbing for shower blocks, sinks and taps, water storage tanks, and waste disposal units.

Since office containers come with pre-fitted lighting, electricity hookups, telephone, and internet accessibility, charging units, and windows it is very convenient to just assemble them onsite.

Construction site offices can also be extended to have an emergency medical aid facility for injuries caused on-site. Shipping containers can easily be converted into first aid centers with basic medical facilities, HVAC systems, hot and cold-water supply, examination beds, and other medical supplies.

Using Containers for On-site Storage

There is a range of items that need to be securely stored on construction sites for which shipping containers are an ideal solution. It includes expensive tools, machines, computer hardware and sensitive documents. These items cannot be left unsecured as they can either be stolen or destroyed leading to big financial losses. Containers used for storage can also be doubled up as on-site workshops with a separator door. They can be used for small tasks to maximize the usage of the space.

Shipping containers can be modified with lighting, high-security doors, and shelving to store tools and machines. They can also be temperature controlled with HVAC systems and equipped with ramps and rollup doors to store weather-sensitive items such as wooden doors, windows, steel bars, glass, paint, and cement.

Steel shipping containers are designed to weather the harsh conditions at sea. They can certainly save the equipment from fire, vandalism, theft accidental damage, and helps easy sorting, loading and unloading. They come in 10 ft., 20 ft., 24 ft., and 40 ft. sizes with simple and high-security lockbox options for your specific needs.

Containers can also store flammable fuel and oil safely on construction sites. They can be converted into a COSHH store with taps, venting systems, removable floors, and drip trays to safety store the fuel.

Benefits of Shipping Containers at Construction Sites

Customization – Unlike steel and concrete and modular buildings, shipping containers provide you the flexibility to customize every inch. You can add single or double doors, windows, ramps, roll-up shutters, interior accessories, shelves, electrical and plumbing units, and much more. The sturdy steel frame of shipping containers also allows them to be stacked on top of each other to assemble and disassemble multi-story buildings. The buildings can also be equipped with industrial lifts, ramps, scaffolding, and staircases for easy access. Such a level of customization at an affordable price can seldom be achieved via permanent construction of modular buildings.

Durability – Shipping containers are designed with highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and reinforced steel with a shelf life of 25 years on an average. They can easily bear the harsh environment of a construction site while providing a safe enclosure to your tools, machines, and personnel from any falling objects.

Cost-effective – Having a permanent or temporary office of steel and concrete can be more expensive than a steel container. Moreover, it takes more time to get a permanent structure up and running. With steel containers you can quickly assemble the structure you need at an effective monthly fee. When the construction is over, the building can be quickly taken down and containers returned to the service provider.

Portability – Since shipping containers come pre-fabricated they can be easily moved around the construction site and relocated if required. This is impossible with a fixed steel and concrete construction.

Conclusion

Keeping in mind the durability, versatility, cost-effectiveness and mobility of shipping containers, they are an ideal solution for every construction site. You can quickly set up the building you need that follows the required state and federal safety laws and OSHA guidelines. If used innovatively, there are infinite ways in which shipping containers can be configured for use at a construction site.

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Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

Personal Protective Equipment – The Product of Choice for Frontline Personnel

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The globe has been observing a stringent rise in the count of industrial fatalities lately. In fact, as per the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland, more than 7,500 people die every year across some of the major industries including manufacturing, construction, and others primarily due to the negligence of PPE kits while working. Given the rising accidental count, PPE has now become more of a necessity across the aforementioned sectors, enabling the personal protective equipment industry to gain further prominence in recent years.

This has undeniably compelled personal protective equipment companies to focus on designing exceptional and superior protective wear with a view to ensuring maximum safety for workers.

However, in the midst of the ongoing pandemic situation, the global PPE industry has been witnessing a dramatic revolution in the global business sphere. Having originated from the Wuhan province of China, COVID -19, apart from claiming millions of lives, has brought about a major halt in vivid businesses in turn slowing down the economy of various countries. Amid this critical situation, the demand for PPE has, however, massively increased in order to offer protection to frontline warriors including the workers and medical staff. Not just the healthcare sector, but the thriving polymer industry is also leveraging the benefits of rising PPE demand, as the need for NBR latex gloves and similar PPE has exhibited a prolific upsurge.

Why PPE?

PPE, as of today, stands as a firm line of defense against some of the serious injuries that occur at workplaces, and while considering the current healthcare situation, it stands as a pivotal form of cross-contamination barrier between two or more people. That said, it is important that the credibility factor of this equipment remain unquestioned, for maintain the safety standards.

While citing an instance illustrating the increased proactiveness of personal protective equipment companies during the peak COVID season, it is crucial to state the mention of Medtronic- a pioneer in medical device production. Recently, the company donated personal protective equipment worth USD 1 million to a relief organization- International Medical Corps- in an effort to support its ongoing coronavirus response efforts in Puerto Rico and the continental United States. As per close officials, the donation covers about 408,000 KN95 respirators and more than 1.1 million surgical masks, which are being distributed to more than 15 hospitals and healthcare facilities across the hot spot zones.

The aforementioned is just one example of initiatives that are revolutionizing the PPE industry sphere. Below listed are some of the recent developmental trends that are fueling the growth scope of the PPE market.

PPE vending machines in rail stations- for safe and distant commuting

Considering the health risk for day-to-day commuters, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has reportedly announced its plans of setting up PPE vending machines at some of its rail stations to ensure maximum commuter safety, given the burgeoning COVID-19 cases in the city. The machines are approved by the CTA’s board and is deemed to contain PPE including disposable face masks, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, and sanitizing wipes and considered to be pocket friendly for the people, ranging from $3.87 to $10.

Such measures are anticipated to stand as an exemplary model for other countries and states who have been brainstorming into the ways of making traveling easy and risk-free for its people.

An internship for COVID-19 PPE production?

Innovation and internship programs have been the center of attraction for college as well as school-going champs, in an attempt to gain practical knowledge on the field. However, the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic has slashed on some emerging dreams. Nevertheless, with more than 400,000 COVID cases in the country, the State University of New York has launched a grant program that gives the students and faculty a chance to develop innovative alternatives to PPE for the city’s frontline warriors.

Named SUNY Prepare Innovative and Internship Program, the internship would offer USD 10,000 for faculty and students and is claimed to be open for all SUNY state-operated and Community College campuses. This initiative would not only bridge the demand-supply gap but would offer the student an opportunity to explore the world of combating the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Increased demand for lighter PPE

Personal protective equipment, although offering optimum safety and security from unwanted chemical spills, infection control, and other accidents, are infamous for heavyweight and suffocation they create. This has brought about a surge in demand for lighter protection, particularly across the industries that make use of powered air-purifying respirators. Various studies claim that a lot of existing PAPRs on the market are incredibly heavy and their design lacks even weight distribution, leading to strains and aches on operators. Since more and more workforces are tuning to heavy PPE today, lightweight PPE structure is emerging as an important design component to deliver on.

With this, considering the ongoing COVID-19 chaos, the healthcare sector is set to emerge as a prime revenue source for all PPE kit suppliers today. This leaves the public to ponder over: With the world currently being in turmoil due to novel coronavirus pandemic, will personal protective equipment emerge as a first line of defense?

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Archives, EU Trade, Global Trade Daily

While Germany Dominates the European Fastener Market, Spain Emerges as the Fastest-Growing Importer

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IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘EU – Nails, Tacks, Staples, Screws And Bolts – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The EU nail and fastener market fell slightly to $16.5B in 2019, approximately equating the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the period from 2013 to 2019; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period.

Consumption y Country

The countries with the highest volumes of nail and fastener consumption in 2019 were Italy (921K tonnes), Germany (914K tonnes) and the UK (376K tonnes), with a combined 49% share of total consumption.

From 2013 to 2019, the biggest increases were in Italy, while nail and fastener consumption for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($3.9B), Italy ($2B) and France ($1.7B) were the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2019, with a combined 46% share of the total market. These countries were followed by the UK, Poland, Spain, Romania, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Sweden and Belgium, which together accounted for a further 42%.

The countries with the highest levels of nail and fastener per capita consumption in 2019 were Slovakia (28 kg per person), Italy (15 kg per person) and Belgium (13 kg per person).

Production in the EU

In 2019, approx. 2.9M tonnes of nails, tacks, staples, screws and bolts were produced in the European Union; growing by 2.9% compared with the year before. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% from 2013 to 2019; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 5.4% year-to-year.

Production by Country

The countries with the highest volumes of nail and fastener production in 2019 were Italy (1.1M tonnes), Germany (841K tonnes) and Poland (311K tonnes), with a combined 77% share of total production.

From 2013 to 2019, the biggest increases were in Italy, while nail and bolt production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports in the EU

For the fourth consecutive year, the European Union recorded consistent growth in overseas purchases of nails, tacks, staples, screws and bolts, which increased by 0.2% to 4.5M tonnes in 2019. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2019 and are expected to retain growth in years to come. In value terms, nail and bolt imports fell to $17.8B (IndexBox estimates) in 2019.

Imports by Country

In 2019, Germany (1M tonnes), distantly followed by France (404K tonnes), the UK (391K tonnes), Spain (320K tonnes), Italy (289K tonnes), Belgium (263K tonnes), the Czech Republic (260K tonnes), the Netherlands (259K tonnes) and Slovakia (208K tonnes) represented the largest importers of nails, tacks, staples, screws and bolts, together creating 76% of total imports. The following importers – Austria (180K tonnes), Poland (156K tonnes) and Sweden (137K tonnes) – together made up 11% of total imports.

Imports in Germany increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% from 2013 to 2019. At the same time, Spain (+10.2%), Slovakia (+9.0%), the Czech Republic (+6.9%), Italy (+6.3%), Belgium (+5.2%), Sweden (+4.5%), Austria (+3.6%), France (+2.9%), the UK (+2.7%) and the Netherlands (+1.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Spain emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the European Union, with a CAGR of +10.2% from 2013-2019.

In value terms, Germany ($4.4B) constitutes the largest market for imported nails, tacks, staples, screws and bolts in the European Union, comprising 25% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by France ($1.9B), with a 11% share of total imports. It was followed by the UK, with a 8.6% share.

Import Prices by Country

The nail and bolt import price in the European Union stood at $3,960 per tonne in 2019, reducing by -6.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a noticeable descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 5.4% year-to-year. Over the period under review, import prices attained the maximum at $4,518 per tonne in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2019, import prices failed to regain the momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination; the country with the highest price was Austria ($5,177 per tonne), while Belgium ($2,586 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2019, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands, while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform