Demand for filters in China is expected to increase 14.0 percent per annum to 90.2 billion yuan in 2017, according to industry research firm The Freedonia Group. Their latest study indicates that sales gains will be fueled by solid, albeit decelerating, growth in the production of motor vehicles and other transportation equipment and rapid growth in the motor vehicle park.
Growth in manufacturing output, building construction spending, and other industrial activities will also drive filter sales. The market for consumer filters will expand along with increasing urbanization and rising income levels. The aftermarket for filters will also benefit from more widespread knowledge about health and the need to replace filters more frequently.
Internal combustion engine (ICE) and related filters represented the largest product category of filters in China in 2012 and demand for them will grow 15.6 percent annually through 2017. Although growth in motor vehicle and gas motorcycle production will be slow (compared to historical rates), production gains will still support substantial filter consumption.
According to analyst Peng Sun, “Filter sales will be stimulated by robust growth in the stock of motor vehicles, other transportation equipment and rapid industry development.”
Demand for air filters is expected to increase 12.8 percent per year through 2017. Sales gains will be fueled by rising output of products equipped with air filters, such as HVAC equipment. Rapid development of industries with air purification requirements will also support the expansion of the air filter market.
Due to severe air pollution in China, health concerns will also drive consumers to purchase air filtration products.
Motor vehicles will continue to represent the largest filter market through 2017, with an annual growth rate of 14.1 percent, supported by motor vehicle production and a rapidly developing aftermarket. The manufacturing sector will remain the second largest filter market through 2017, benefiting from increases in manufacturing activity. Utility filter market gains will be driven by the construction of numerous new power plants, water and wastewater treatment facilities, and waste incinerators. Demand for filters in consumer and other markets will be fueled by increasing personal income levels and rising concerns about air and water quality.
