For the August issue of Coatings World, we explore two markets: Aerospace Coatings and High Performance Pigments. Exploring the current state of the aerospace coatings market we talked to the leading manufacturers in a highly consolidated market including AkzoNobel, Deft and Sherwin-Williams. The market was valued at roughly $140 million in 2008, according to Chemark Consulting, and is dominated by the commercial aircraft segment, which accounted for 73.5 percent of the market. The military and general aviation segments accounted for 22.5 percent and five percent respectively. Continued economic pressure in the airline industry continues to depress demand for both original equipment (OE) and maintenance coatings in both the commercial and general aviation segments. The military segment on the other hand is expanding at a higher growth rate due to increases in defense spending.
    
The high performance pigments (HPP) and special effects pigments market has had a rough few years. The recent economic downturn, declining U.S. housing starts and automobile crisis have had an undeniable impact on the HPP market, but there are indications that this trend is reversing. HPPs have experienced increased demand in China and other emerging regions, where automotive and consumer goods production and consumption are booming.  HPP manufacturers Coatings World spoke with have reported a rebound and hope that this upswing will continue.  
    
Also if you plan on heading to Guangzhou this year for CHINACOAT 2010, you’ll want to check out the preview in this issue. Since its inception in 1996, CHINACOAT has become the key event for coatings, printing inks and adhesives suppliers who wish to enter, expand and consolidate their positions in the Chinese market. Despite the global financial crisis, China’s coatings industry continues to grow. According to CHINACOAT organizer Sinostar, China’s coatings output value in the first half of 2009 was worth RMB 78.142 billion (~$11.5 billion), an increase of 3.6% over the same period of 2008 and its sales value was RMB 76.05 (~$11.2 billion), an increase of 3.2% over 2008.
    
With 700+ exhibitors from 25 countries and more than 25,000 anticipated visitors, as well as a comprehensive series of technology exchange programs, CHINACOAT 2010 will again serve as a global meeting place for the paint and coatings industry across the world from September 27-29.