Demand for asphalt used in paving, roofing, and other products is forecast to rise 3.0% annually to 27.6 million tons in 2021. In terms of weight, asphalt used in paving products is projected to see the most rapid growth, reaching nearly 22 million tons in 2021.

Demand for stevia is forecast to reach $120 million in 2021, after yearly gains of over 11%. Overall growth will be slower than that seen during the 2011-2016 period, reflecting changes in the factors underlying advances, such as trends in the beverage industry -- including declining carbonated soft drink (CSD) production and the growing popularity of unsweetened ready-to-drink tea and coffee -- and issues with the aftertaste associated with Reb A.

Red and yellow natural colors were the largest classes in 2016, each accounting for just over 20% of total demand, at $45 million each. They will remain the leading segments, each growing 7.6% a year to $65 million.

In 2016, North American aftermarket demand for automotive batteries totaled US$4.5 billion, more than three times larger than the next largest product category. Automotive batteries accounted for 54% of total regional demand for automotive batteries and ignition system components in 2016.

Demand for raw frac sand is forecast to increase over 4% per year to nearly 100 billion pounds in 2021. In value terms, raw frac sand is expected to grow 10% per year to over US$3 billion in 2021, reflecting substantial gains in average prices as well as volume growth.

PET film demand in the packaging market is forecast to expand 2.4% annually to 322 million pounds in 2021, faster than any of the major packaging film resins. Growth will be driven by rising barrier requirements, particularly in food packaging.

Public bus operators in the US have begun to invest in environmentally friendly models. On July 27, 2017, for example, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted to gradually replace its fleet of 2,200 natural gas transit buses with fully electric models in order to reduce air pollution and address climate change.

Demand for personal emergency response systems (PERS) and related alarms is expected to expand 7.3% annually through 2021 to $220 million. Growth will be driven primarily by an above average increase in the number of people over the age of 65, which is the demographic most likely to utilize these devices.

“One of the biggest impacts this could have on the industry is on pricing,” according to Freedonia analyst Kyle Peters. “Major appliance retailers have not had to face significant competition from Amazon in the past. Traditional retailers will need to lower prices to compete with Amazon, which will have an impact on profit margins.”

Demand for toilet fixtures, including water closet bowls, flush tanks, and urinals, is expected to rise 3.8% annually through 2021 to $1.2 billion. Rising building construction activity will fuel demand growth.