Metal Finishing Chemicals Market Report 2026

The metal finishing chemicals market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $13.87 billion in 2025 to $15 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of automotive manufacturing, expansion of electronics production, increasing industrial machinery demand, rising need for corrosion protection, availability of electroplating infrastructure.

The metal finishing chemicals market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $20.11 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing adoption of sustainable surface treatment processes, rising demand from electric vehicle manufacturing, expansion of aerospace component production, growing focus on waste reduction, increasing investments in specialty chemicals. Major trends in the forecast period include growing adoption of eco-friendly plating solutions, rising demand for corrosion-resistant coatings, increasing use in automotive lightweight components, expansion of precision surface treatment technologies, enhanced focus on regulatory-compliant chemicals.

The increasing global sales of automobiles are expected to drive the growth of the metal-finishing chemicals market. Growth in automobile sales is fueled by rapid urbanization and the expansion of auto manufacturers in developing countries. Automobile parts are coated with metals such as zinc and nickel to prevent corrosion and reduce wear from friction. For instance, in July 2023, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, a UK-based trade association, UK car production increased by 11.7% in the first half of 2023, reaching 450,168 units, with June seeing a 16.2% rise, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth. Since January, factories produced 47,037 more units, driven primarily by a 13.6% surge in exports, which accounted for 359,940 units or 80% of total production. Domestic production also grew 4.5% to 90,228 units.

Major companies in the metal-finishing chemicals market are introducing advanced systems to enhance sustainability in zinc-nickel plating. The Atotech CMA Closed-Loop System, for example, is designed for alkaline zinc-nickel plating. In July 2023, MKS Instruments, a US-based manufacturer of measuring and control devices, launched this TÜV Rheinland-certified system, which significantly reduces water consumption, waste, wastewater, and carbon emissions. The system integrates compact membrane anodes, specialized chemical additives, a vacuum evaporator, and a freezing unit, minimizing environmental impact while improving product quality and extending the electroplating line’s lifespan.

In January 2024, MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions, a US-based producer of chemical compounds for surface finishing applications, acquired All-Star Chemical Company for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition brings exceptional talent from All-Star into the MacDermid Enthone organization, potentially fostering innovation and enhancing operational efficiencies. The combined capabilities may facilitate the development of more environmentally friendly chemical solutions, aligning with industry trends toward sustainability. All-Star Chemical Company, also based in the US, specializes in supplying a comprehensive range of metal finishing chemistry and emphasizes customer service and high-quality products.

Major companies operating in the metal finishing chemicals market are McGean-Rocho Inc., Atotech Deutschland GmbH, Advanced Chemical Company, Asterion LLC, Quaker Houghton Corporation, A Brite Company, DOW Chemicals, Coral Chemical Company, Elementis plc, Raschig GmbH, Chemetall GmbH, Coventya Chemical Company, Platform Specialty Products Corporation, BASF SE, Element Solutions Inc., Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, C. Uyemura & Co. Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., Linde plc, OC Oerlikon Management AG, Sequa GmbH, Houghton InternationalIInc., Interplex Holdings Pte. Ltd., Kuntz Electroplating Inc., Pioneer Metal Finishing Inc., Roy Metal Finishing Inc., Bajaj Electroplaters Pvt. Ltd., MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions, Pavco Inc., Technic Inc.

North America was the largest region in the metal finishing chemicals market in 2025. The Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the metal finishing chemicals market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the metal finishing chemicals market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The metal finishing chemicals market consists of sales of metal finishing chemical products such as nitric acid and hydrochloric acid. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.