Plasterboard Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Volume (2025) | 12.25 Billion square meters |
| Market Volume (2030) | 15.72 Billion square meters |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 5.12% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Middle East and Africa |
| Largest Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
Plasterboard Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Plasterboard Market size is estimated at 12.25 Billion square meters in 2025, and is expected to reach 15.72 Billion square meters by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.12% during the forecast period (2025-2030). This growth trajectory reflects the accelerating adoption of dry construction techniques, stricter green-building mandates, and the expansion of synthetic gypsum supply chains. Contractors seeking shorter project cycles are opting for lightweight boards that reduce labor hours, while regulators are implementing low-VOC requirements that favor gypsum solutions formulated with recycled content. Rapid urbanization in the Asia-Pacific, megaprojects in the Gulf, and commercial real-estate recovery in North America and Europe are widening the addressable plasterboard market. Price-competitive synthetic gypsum sourced from flue-gas desulfurization plants in coal-reliant economies is lowering raw material costs, encouraging manufacturers to scale up their output. Competitive intensity is poised to rise as leading brands deploy closed-loop recycling systems to comply with landfill restrictions and differentiate on sustainability.
Key Report Takeaways
- By form, tapered-edge boards led the market with a 62.10% plasterboard share in 2024, whereas square-edge variants are growing at a 5.18% CAGR through 2030.
- By type, standard boards accounted for 55.30% of the plasterboard market size in 2024, while moisture-resistant grades posted the highest 5.68% CAGR to 2030.
- By end use, residential construction accounted for 58.40% of the 2024 volume, while non-residential projects registered the fastest growth rate of 5.48% through 2030.
- By geography, the Asia-Pacific region captured 46.20% of the global volume in 2024; the Middle East and Africa region is expected to expand at a 5.38% CAGR up to 2030.
Global Plasterboard Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid shift toward dry construction techniques over wet methods | +1.2% | Global, with acceleration in Asia-Pacific and Middle East | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Residential megaproject pipelines in Asia and GCC boost volume demand | +0.8% | Asia-Pacific core, spill-over to Middle East | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Tightening green-building codes mandate low-VOC, high-recycled-content boards | +0.6% | North America & EU, expanding to APAC | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Price-competitive synthetic gypsum supply in emerging markets widens adoption | +0.4% | Asia-Pacific, Latin America, select African markets | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Recycling-grade gypsum shortages in the West spur investment in closed-loop systems | +0.3% | Europe & North America primarily | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Rapid Shift Toward Dry Construction Techniques Over Wet Methods
Builders favor dry systems for labor efficiency and predictable timelines. Saudi mega-developments, such as NEOM, specify standardized drywall assemblies to minimize on-site curing delays. Building codes now recognize drywall for its consistent quality and reduced moisture defects. Demand is spreading to installation tools, joint compounds, and finishing accessories, enlarging the plasterboard market. Manufacturers are engineering thinner, dimensionally stable boards compatible with prefabricated modules[1]NEOM, “Modular Construction Standards,” neom.com.
Residential Megaproject Pipelines in Asia and GCC Boost Volume Demand
Urbanization policies in India, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia are driving mass housing programs that anchor long-term supply contracts with board producers. India’s infrastructure plan valued at USD 1.4 trillion up to 2035 underpins capacity expansions by regional manufacturers. Clustered developments reduce logistics miles and promote consistent board specifications, reinforcing economies of scale.
Tightening Green-Building Codes Mandate Low-VOC, High-Recycled-Content Boards
Rating systems such as LEED and BREEAM have elevated demand for products with reduced embodied carbon. Saint-Gobain’s CarbonLow technology achieves a 60% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional boards, while British Gypsum offers 100% recycled-content variants. Compliance costs and testing favor large players with R&D scale. Low-VOC products are shifting from a premium niche to a baseline requirement[2]Saint-Gobain, “CarbonLow Technology Cuts Embodied Carbon by 60%,” saint-gobain.com.
Price-Competitive Synthetic Gypsum Supply in Emerging Markets Widens Adoption
FGD by-product gypsum is 20-30% cheaper than mined alternatives and offers purer chemistry that improves board strength. An abundant supply in India and Southeast Asia lowers end-product prices, thereby bolstering plasterboard market penetration in price-sensitive housing. National mandates for FGD installation secure medium-term feedstock availability.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture sensitivity and mould risk increase remediation costs | -0.70% | Global, particularly humid climates and coastal regions | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Volatile gypsum/energy prices squeeze producer margins | -0.50% | Global, with acute impact in energy-intensive markets | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Stringent landfill bans on gypsum waste raise disposal costs | -0.40% | Europe & North America primarily, expanding to APAC | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Moisture Sensitivity and Mold Risk Increase Remediation Costs
Boards that remain damp can foster mold, triggering insurance claims that average USD 15,000–50,000 per dwelling. Building authorities in coastal zones now specify moisture-resistant grades, yet these products cost 15–25% more. Some developers switch to fiber cement in high-risk sites. Skilled labor for correct vapor-barrier installation is limited in emerging regions, which slows the uptake of plasterboard in the market.
Volatile Gypsum and Energy Prices Squeeze Producer Margins
Energy accounts for nearly one-third of manufacturing costs. Sudden utility price spikes erode margins on fixed-price construction contracts. Producers hedge exposure through fuel-switching capability and regional raw-material sourcing, but smaller firms lack financial buffers. Freight inflation further burdens remote markets where transport is a large cost component.
Segment Analysis
By Form: Tapered Dominance Faces Square-Edge Disruption
Tapered-edge boards commanded 62.10% of the plasterboard market share in 2024. Their recessed edges simplify joint finishing and remain the default for residential interiors. The plasterboard market size for tapered boards is expected to grow at a slower pace than overall demand as modular construction gains ground. Square-edge products are projected to advance at a 5.18% CAGR through 2030, as architects in logistics and industrial projects increasingly adopt exposed joints that align with minimalist design.
Square-edge boards integrate seamlessly with metal framing and pre-finished panels used in factory-built construction, reducing the need for sanding and compound use. Contractors cite lower-skilled labor hours as the chief gain. In contrast, homeowners and interior renovators still prefer the seamless appearance enabled by tapered edges. Manufacturers are marketing hybrid boards with micro-beveled edges that balance speed and aesthetics, a sign of converging form preferences within the plasterboard market.
By Type: Moisture-Resistant Innovation Drives Growth
Standard boards accounted for 55.30% of the volume in 2024, primarily due to competitive pricing. However, moisture-resistant grades are on track for a 5.68% CAGR to 2030 and are narrowing the gap. The plasterboard market size for moisture-resistant variants is expanding fastest in bathroom pods, basements, and tropical climates. Boards infused with hydrophobic additives and glass fiber mats limit water absorption and inhibit the growth of mold, meeting stricter code requirements in coastal states.
Fire-resistant, sound-attenuating, and impact-proof categories are also rising as commercial developers seek multi-function specifications. Hospitals and schools stipulate boards that combine acoustic dampening with advanced hygiene coatings, driving average selling prices higher. Product platforms such as National Gypsum’s EVOLVE integrate multiple performance attributes into a single sheet, streamlining inventory and installation for large jobs.
By End-use Sector: Commercial Acceleration Outpaces Residential
Residential construction accounted for 58.40% of 2024 demand, as urban migration in Asia and Africa drove demand for mid-rise housing. The plasterboard market continues to benefit from government stimulus for affordable homes, but is facing slower growth compared with commercial space. Non-residential applications are forecasted to grow at a 5.48% CAGR, driven by office retrofits, data centers, and healthcare facilities that require performance-enhanced walls.
Commercial builders prioritize rapid tenant fit-outs and stringent fire and acoustic codes, leading to higher board spend per square meter. Industrial warehouses are specifying square-edge boards for speed and durability, while hotels opt for laminated boards that eliminate on-site painting steps. These trends are shifting product mixes toward premium SKUs, improving manufacturer margins within the plasterboard market.
Geography Analysis
The Asia-Pacific’s plasterboard market benefits from sustained public housing initiatives and factory construction that adopts drywalling as the default. Synthetic gypsum sourced from regional power plants lowers costs and supports competitive pricing. Governments are adopting seismic and fire regulations that increase board thickness standards, pushing average material intensity per square meter higher.
The Middle East and Africa region is scaling board consumption through giga-projects in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt. Harsh climate conditions and rapid schedules make moisture-resistant and lightweight boards attractive. Local producers partner with global majors to facilitate technology transfer and establish joint logistics networks, thereby reducing import dependency.
Europe emphasizes circular economy objectives, rewarding plants with take-back schemes and near-zero-waste performance. British Gypsum’s recycled-content SoundBloc line meets stringent landfill limits. North America invests in electrified factories sourcing renewable power, positioning the region as a testing ground for zero-carbon board production. Latin America lags in per-capita consumption but is seeing gradual growth tied to commercial interiors modernization.
Competitive Landscape
The Plasterboard Market is moderately concentrated. Global leaders Saint-Gobain, Knauf Group, and USG Boral operate multi-continent networks, leveraging economies of scale in procurement and R&D. Mid-tier firms, such as Etex and Siniat, focus on specialty boards and regional depth. Competitive advantage is shifting toward sustainability credentials. Niche entrants marketing magnesium-oxide boards and fiber cement sheets are challenging gypsum in high-humidity zones, yet cost parity is not yet universal. Overall, rivalry is expected to intensify as code compliance tightens and customers demand certified low-carbon products.
Plasterboard Industry Leaders
-
Etex Group
-
Saint-Gobain
-
Georgia-Pacific
-
USG Corporation
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Knauf Group
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- September 2025: Saint-Gobain unveiled its CertainTeed plasterboard facility in Sainte-Catherine, Canada. This plant, now entirely electrified, draws its power from hydroelectric sources and stands as North America's inaugural zero-carbon (encompassing scope 1 and 2) plasterboard facility.
- March 2025: The Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic inaugurated the construction of new production facilities for Mega Union Industry LLC, specializing in gypsum and gypsum plasterboard sheets.
Global Plasterboard Market Report Scope
Plasterboard is basically a layer of gypsum between two layers of lining paper. The gypsum layer can have different additives added to it, and the lining paper can have different additives, weight, and strength. The market is divided into two types: square-edged and tapered. The market is segmented by types such as fire-resistant plasterboard, impact-resistant plasterboard, thermal insulated plasterboard, moisture-resistant plasterboard, sound-resistant plasterboard, and standard plasterboard. The report also covers the market size and forecasts for the plasterboard market in 15 countries across major regions. Market sizing and forecasting for each segment have been done based on volume (square meter).
| Square-edge |
| Tapered |
| Standard |
| Fire-resistant |
| Thermal-insulated |
| Moisture-resistant |
| Sound-resistant |
| Impact-resistant |
| Residential |
| Non-residential |
| Asia-Pacific | China |
| India | |
| Japan | |
| South Korea | |
| ASEAN Countries | |
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
| North America | United States |
| Canada | |
| Mexico | |
| Europe | Germany |
| United Kingdom | |
| Italy | |
| France | |
| Nordic Countries | |
| Rest of Europe | |
| South America | Brazil |
| Argentina | |
| Rest of South America | |
| Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia |
| South Africa | |
| Rest of Middle East and Africa |
| By Form | Square-edge | |
| Tapered | ||
| By Type | Standard | |
| Fire-resistant | ||
| Thermal-insulated | ||
| Moisture-resistant | ||
| Sound-resistant | ||
| Impact-resistant | ||
| By End-use Sector | Residential | |
| Non-residential | ||
| By Geography | Asia-Pacific | China |
| India | ||
| Japan | ||
| South Korea | ||
| ASEAN Countries | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| North America | United States | |
| Canada | ||
| Mexico | ||
| Europe | Germany | |
| United Kingdom | ||
| Italy | ||
| France | ||
| Nordic Countries | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| South America | Brazil | |
| Argentina | ||
| Rest of South America | ||
| Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia | |
| South Africa | ||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | ||
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the projected global demand for plasterboard in 2030?
Demand is forecast at 15.72 billion square meters, reflecting a 5.12% CAGR from 2025.
Which region contributes the largest share of global plasterboard consumption?
Asia-Pacific leads with 46.20% of 2024 volume, driven by large-scale housing and infrastructure projects.
Which plasterboard type is growing fastest?
Moisture-resistant grades are expanding at a 5.68% CAGR due to tighter building-envelope requirements.
Why are square-edge boards gaining popularity in commercial builds?
They align with modular construction methods that cut finishing labor and speed up assembly.
How are manufacturers lowering the carbon footprint of plasterboard?
Companies are electrifying plants, using recycled content, and implementing closed-loop gypsum recycling programs.
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