Demand for abrasives in the US is forecast to rise four percent annually through 2014. Durable goods manufacturing will remain the dominant market, with the motor vehicle segment growing the fastest. Nonmetallic coated and bonded abrasives and loose grains and powders will outperform metallic abrasives.

This study analyzes the $4.7 billion US abrasives industry. It presents historical demand data for the years 1999, 2004 and 2009, and forecasts for 2014 and 2019 by raw material (e.g., alumina-based, specialty silicas, superabrasives, silicon carbide, silica sand, garnet, natural diamond), product (e.g., nonmetallic, metallic) and market (e.g., durable goods manufacturing, cleaning and maintenance).

The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles 32 industry players, including 3M, Saint-Gobain and Bosch.