Global Flat Glass

Global Flat Glass

Global demand for flat glass is forecast to increase 4.9% per year to 14.3 billion square meters in 2027, while fabricated flat glass demand is expected to rise 7.7% per year to $145 billion. Growth will be driven by the emerging solar energy market, as more countries expand their production capabilities for solar modules.

Demand for Solar Modules Booming Worldwide

Global manufacturing of solar modules and other solar components grew rapidly between 2017 and 2022, a trend that is expected to continue throughout the 2020s. Solar energy is a key component of efforts to improve sustainability and combat climate change, and governments worldwide are attempting to support and stimulate industry development.

The Asia/Pacific region dominated solar module production in 2021, hosting nine of the world’s ten largest manufacturers of such products. China is the region’s and world’s dominant producer, though Vietnam and Malaysia are also important centers of production. Due to the Asia/Pacific region’s comparatively developed industry, it will account for the bulk of global solar energy glass demand gains. However, many other countries – particularly the US – are poised to expand production as they attempt to develop domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on imports.
Flat glass is a key component of solar modules in that it acts as a transparent and sturdy cover for fragile solar cells – and significant development is occurring for more advanced solar glass products/applications. Transparent window glass that can generate solar power has yet to achieve large-scale commercialization, but it could be a transformative technology for building construction industries.

Motor Vehicle Market to Rebound Following COVID-19 Pandemic

The motor vehicle market for flat glass represents a particularly lucrative outlet for sales because the high degree of fabrication supports very high average product prices. This market was especially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, shrinking in 2020 and facing challenges to recovery in 2021 and 2022. Sales of flat glass to the motor vehicle market were constrained by global supply chain issues; an automotive chip shortage prevented automakers from fully meeting the rebounding demand. Strong growth is expected in 2023 and 2024, attributable to a resolution of the chip shortage allowing automakers to clear order backlogs and meet pent-up demand.

High Production Costs Continuing to Impact Market

The inflationary environment associated with the COVID-19 pandemic challenged flat glass producers with high costs of energy, raw materials, and logistics. As a result, prices rose significantly in 2021 and 2022; some leading firms imposed particularly large price hikes midway through 2022, affecting price levels in 2023. These increases contributed to disruption of downstream markets, the effects of which have likely not yet been fully realized. Persistent high costs could adversely affect flat glass demand by driving builders to embrace architectural styles with smaller glass areas. Glass also faces a degree of competition from plastic products, as some firms are exploring solar panels with lightweight plastic covers in place of glass.

Study Description

This Freedonia industry study analyzes the 11.2 billion square meter global flat glass industry. It presents historical demand data (2012, 2017, and 2022) and forecasts (2027 and 2032) by market (architectural, motor vehicle, solar energy, other markets), and region (North America, Central and South America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia/Pacific, Africa/Mideast). The study discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also evaluates company market share and competitive analysis on industry competitors including AGC, Fuyao Glass Industry Group, Guardian Industries, Nippon Sheet Glass, Saint-Gobain, and Xinyi Glass.
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