Flat Glass

U.S. flat glass manufacturers have experienced sluggish growth during this decade due to the decline in U.S. motor vehicle production and weak commercial construction activity. These are the flat glass industry’s two most important end-use markets. To offset sluggish growth, manufacturers have introduced new products and new technologies for the growing residential market. Producers have also increased their emphasis on value-added products. In addition, U.S. producers have increased reliance on foreign market sales. Meanwhile, competition is increasing from foreign-sourced products.

Catalina Research uncovered these trends in our 74-page profile on the U.S. flat glass industry. The profile provides data and information on primary flat glass production and value-added flat glass product sales. Primary flat glass production is segmented into automotive and nonautomotive markets. Value-added product shipments cover tempered glass for construction and automotive purposes, tempered glass for appliance and other uses, and other flat glass products such as laminated, glazed, and insulated glass products.

This Catalina Market Profile also analyzes exports and imports of primary flat glass and safety glass and insulating glass units. Trade data is provided in quantity and dollars. Export shipments are broken out by major country of destination and import shipments by major country of origin.