Fiber Cement Market– Market Overview 1 | Page 3

Residential building sector is forecast to be the fastest growing application for fiber cement market The new housing market is all set to experience rapid growth in fiber cement demand in the near future. The demand for planks is on a surge under this application as, builders will prefer siding and roofing done from fiber cement over the traditional wooden planks as it offers a similar appearance, but would require little maintenance when compared to its counterpart wood. Also the resistances from external environment or insect attacks, which fiber cement products provide are far superior than wood. Residential improvement and repairs are forecast to account for the largest share of fiber cement products in the coming future. Consumer interest in bathroom renovation projects supported demand for fiber cement backer board installed beneath decorative tile flooring and bathtub and shower surrounds. North America leads the global fiber cement market followed by Asia Pacific The demand for fiber cement is growing at a steady pace across the globe, with a few regions growing much faster than others. The North American market is the largest and the fastest growing market followed by Asia Pacific (APAC). The US is a major market in the North American region growing at 8.0 % annually; it is forecast to reach $2.7 billion by 2017. Growth in APAC is attributed to the increase in residential construction. With the increase in population and a higher per capita income, the growth of fiber cement products is on an upsurge. On the contrary, the growth in Europe and rest of the world is seen to be steady.