Demand for unitary air conditioners is forecast to expand at a 4.9% yearly rate through 2021 to $11.0 billion, continuing to outperform air conditioning equipment sales as a whole. The replacement of units that have reached the end of their operational lives will remain the primary driver of sales.

Demand for cordless electric tools is forecast to increase 6.4% per year to $7.6 billion in 2021, roughly in line with the pace of growth observed between 2011 and 2016. These products will continue to take market share from plug-in models and will reach 41% of the total in 2021.

Demand for asphalt shingles in value terms is anticipated to grow 5.6% per year to $8.5 billion in 2021. Gains will be driven by the expected increase in area demand as housing starts rise and homeowners undertake roof replacement projects.

Global demand for protective packaging in e-commerce applications is projected to increase 9.6% per year to $7.8 billion in 2021. This is the fastest growing market for protective packaging.

Value demand for guar gum is forecast to expand 7.1% yearly through 2021 to $120 million. Overall growth will be slower than the growth seen between 2011 and 2016, despite recovery in volume demand, as pricing undergoes a correction from the double-digit gains seen during the same period.

Food markets for converted flexible packaging accounted for 71% of total demand in 2016 and are expected to rise to $15.5 billion in 2021. Ongoing product introductions and trends favoring smaller package sizes will fuel opportunities as will the need for enhanced shelf life and package resealability.

Australia’s countertop market will total 4.15 million square meters in 2021. Australia’s countertop demand per capita is the second highest of any major market, lagging only the US.

Global demand for buses is projected to increase 4.9% per year through 2021 to 623,000 units, an improvement over 2011-2016 market performance. The number of buses in use worldwide is expected to reach 9.7 million units.

Demand for oxygen and other gas barrier films is forecast to increase 4.1% annually to $4.1 billion in 2021. Growth will be driven by demand for higher performing gas barriers that prolong product lifespan.

Demand for ceiling products is forecast to reach $2.4 billion on annual growth of 4.1% through 2021, driven by office and commercial construction spending as well as a shift toward higher quality products in the nonresidential market. Ceiling demand in terms of square footage noticeably trails value gains due to increasing open ceiling plans in many large nonresidential buildings.