Hydrophobing Agents

Global Hydrophobing Agents Market to Reach US$1.4 Billion by 2030

The global market for Hydrophobing Agents estimated at US$1.1 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$1.4 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.1% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Hydrophobing Agents Metallic Stearates, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.9% CAGR and reach US$751.9 Million by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Hydrophobing Agents Hydrophobic Polymers segment is estimated at 2.2% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$310.9 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 6.0% CAGR

The Hydrophobing Agents market in the U.S. is estimated at US$310.9 Million in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$272.3 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 6.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.2% and 2.4% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 1.8% CAGR.

Global Hydrophobing Agents Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Hydrophobing Agents Becoming Essential in Modern Construction and Materials Engineering?

Hydrophobing agents are gaining increasing importance across a range of industries—particularly construction, paints and coatings, textiles, and paper manufacturing—due to their ability to impart water-repellent properties to various substrates. These agents modify surface chemistry to reduce water absorption and capillary action, thereby improving the durability, longevity, and performance of materials in challenging environmental conditions. In construction, for example, hydrophobing agents are widely used in concrete, bricks, and mortar to prevent moisture ingress, which can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and freeze-thaw deterioration. Similarly, in the coatings industry, these agents are integrated into paints, sealants, and finishes to protect surfaces from weathering and enhance stain resistance. The heightened focus on material protection, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall, humidity, or extreme temperature fluctuations, is accelerating the demand for hydrophobing technologies. As infrastructure investment surges worldwide—particularly in developing economies and urban expansion zones—the market for hydrophobing agents is expanding rapidly, driven by the need for resilient and maintenance-friendly construction materials.

How Are Advancements in Chemistry and Application Methods Enhancing Hydrophobing Agent Performance?

The performance and application scope of hydrophobing agents have been significantly improved through advancements in chemical formulations and delivery technologies. Modern hydrophobing agents are available in both reactive and non-reactive types, with silanes, siloxanes, and silicone-based compounds dominating the market due to their superior water-repellent properties and chemical stability. These compounds form covalent bonds with mineral surfaces, creating durable, breathable barriers that repel water without trapping moisture, thereby preserving the material’s structural integrity. New-generation hydrophobing agents are being designed to be more environmentally friendly, featuring low VOC content and compatibility with green building standards. Furthermore, micro- and nano-emulsion technologies are enabling deeper penetration of hydrophobing treatments into porous materials, enhancing long-term performance. Spray-on and mix-in solutions are improving ease of use, expanding adoption across both professional and DIY applications. Additionally, hybrid formulations that combine water-repellent properties with anti-microbial, UV-resistant, or self-cleaning functionalities are gaining traction, particularly in premium architectural coatings and advanced composites. These innovations are making hydrophobing agents not only more efficient but also more versatile in protecting a wide array of materials and surfaces.

What Role Do Environmental Standards and Infrastructure Policies Play in Market Growth?

<>Environmental standards, durability requirements, and infrastructure development policies are playing a significant role in shaping the hydrophobing agents market. As nations focus on sustainable urbanization and long-lasting infrastructure, the use of protective additives that extend the lifecycle of materials is gaining policy-level support. Building codes in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia increasingly emphasize water resistance and moisture management as key aspects of structural performance. Hydrophobing agents, by reducing maintenance needs and preventing premature degradation, contribute to long-term cost savings and energy efficiency in buildings—aligning with LEED, BREEAM, and other green building certifications. In addition, governments are encouraging the development and use of environmentally friendly hydrophobing technologies, particularly solvent-free and water-based formulations, to meet air quality and chemical safety regulations. Public infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, tunnels, and water-retaining structures are also key growth areas, as hydrophobing treatments are essential in managing moisture-related damage and extending operational life. Regulatory momentum and increased scrutiny over material sustainability are thus driving both innovation and adoption in the hydrophobing agent market.

What Are the Key Drivers of Growth in the Hydrophobing Agents Market?

The growth in the hydrophobing agents market is driven by several factors related to construction trends, material innovation, end-user demands, and regulatory pressure. First, the booming global construction sector—particularly in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America—is generating high demand for long-lasting, moisture-resistant building materials, fueling the need for hydrophobing treatments. Second, rising consumer expectations for low-maintenance and weather-resistant surfaces in residential and commercial buildings are promoting the use of hydrophobic coatings and admixtures. Third, the increased focus on infrastructure resilience amid climate change concerns is pushing builders to incorporate moisture-protection solutions into highways, tunnels, and marine structures. Fourth, advancements in formulation chemistry are enabling more effective and eco-friendly hydrophobing agents, broadening their appeal across multiple industries including textiles, packaging, and automotive. Fifth, the rise of sustainable construction practices and green certifications is encouraging architects and engineers to select materials treated with low-emission, high-durability hydrophobing solutions. Lastly, growing interest in multifunctional coatings that combine hydrophobicity with aesthetics or self-cleaning capabilities is creating new market opportunities in high-end design and specialty applications. Together, these drivers are positioning hydrophobing agents as indispensable tools for extending material life, reducing maintenance, and improving overall building performance in a sustainability-focused global marketplace.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Hydrophobing Agents market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Product (Hydrophobing Agents Metallic Stearates, Hydrophobing Agents Hydrophobic Polymers, Hydrophobing Agents Silicone Polymers, Hydrophobing Agents Fatty acid Polymers); End-Use (Building & Construction End-Use, Paints & Coatings End-Use, Personal Care End-Use, Other End-Uses)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 41 Featured) -

• 3M Company
• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
• Axalta Coating Systems
• BASF SE
• Evonik Industries AG
• Hempel A/S
• Huntsman Corporation
• Jotun A/S
• Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
• Merck KGaA
• Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
• Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.
• PPG Industries, Inc.
• RPM International Inc.
• Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
• Sika AG
• The Dow Chemical Company
• The Sherwin-Williams Company
• Wacker Chemie AG

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

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APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

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JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

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