Across the world, governments and market sector actors recognize the impact buildings have on energy, water and materials use, emissions, occupant safety and productivity. As urbanization continues to spread, it is critical to create a safe and efficient environment that is resilient to natural and man-made risks.
The 2016 Building Products and Sustainable Construction Top Markets report ranks the 2018 market potential of 75 international markets for U.S. exports of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR), lighting, plumbing products, wood products, insulation, windows and doors and glass for construction. These seven categories of building products are well positioned to deliver on the goals of sustainable construction. The report includes 10 country case studies with in-depth analysis of the opportunities and challenges for U.S. exports in the building products sector overall and each of the seven subsectors.
As developing countries continue to expand their economies and invest in infrastructure, the construction sector is expected to grow at a fast rate, which creates a great opportunity for U.S. building product manufacturers. According to the latest Top Market report, this industry is expected to grow to more than $39.4 billion in 2018, up from $35.2 billion in 2015. Below are the projected Top 10 markets by sector:
There are a wide range of government resources and programs to help overcome the following challenges for U.S. exporters in the building products and sustainable construction industry:
- Tariff impacts constrain the foreign import market share of U.S. products;
- Standards and conformity assessment requirements are the most significant non-tariff barriers to trade. Compliance cost burdens may have a disproportionate impact on SME exporters;
- Market specific actionable intelligence is needed on sales opportunities and sales channels;
- Information is needed on relevant trade promotion opportunities and programs;
- U.S. building products exporters face increased opportunity when green retrofit and new green construction take larger shares of the construction environment.
EXIM Bank works closely with the International Trade Administration by providing small businesses financing solutions to help them grow in international markets. To learn more about our financing solutions, contact your local EXIM Bank Regional Director by clicking the link below:
