Metal Finishing Chemicals Global Market Report 2026

Metal finishing chemicals are substances employed for electroplating or treating metal parts. These chemicals play a crucial role in forming a thin coating on metals, enhancing their appearance, improving marketability, increasing corrosion and wear resistance, adding value, and enhancing the overall function or performance of the product. Commonly used chemicals in metal finishing include chromic acid, ammonia, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and sodium hydroxide.

The main types of metal finishing chemicals include plating chemicals, cleaning chemicals, conversion coating, proprietary chemicals, and others. Plating chemicals involve the application of metal coatings on various materials through processes such as autocatalytic chemical reduction of metal cations in a liquid bath. These may include formula additives, metal salts, and other consumables used in electroless plating, electrodeposition, anodized layer formation, or electroplating. The materials used in metal finishing chemicals cover a range of metals, including zInc., nickel, chrome, copper, gold, silver, platinum, and others. Processes such as electroplating, chemical and electro-chemical conversion, and electroless plating are utilized. Metal finishing chemicals find applications across various industries, including automotive, electrical and electronics, industrial machinery, construction, aerospace and defense, among others.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are influencing the metal finishing chemicals market by increasing costs of imported acids, specialty additives, plating compounds, and processing equipment. Automotive and electronics manufacturers in North America and Europe are most affected due to reliance on imported formulations, while Asia-Pacific faces higher export production costs. These tariffs are pressuring margins for finishing service providers. However, they are also accelerating domestic chemical production, recycling initiatives, and innovation in low-toxicity finishing solutions.

The metal finishing chemicals market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides metal finishing chemicals market statistics, including metal finishing chemicals industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a metal finishing chemicals market share, detailed metal finishing chemicals market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the metal finishing chemicals industry. This metal finishing chemicals market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

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 TUV 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.

Metal Finishing Chemicals Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses metal finishing chemicals market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

Reasons to Purchase

• Gain a truly global perspective with the most comprehensive report available on this market covering 16 geographies.
• Assess the impact of key macro factors such as geopolitical conflicts, trade policies and tariffs, inflation and interest rate fluctuations, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
• Create regional and country strategies on the basis of local data and analysis.
• Identify growth segments for investment.
• Outperform competitors using forecast data and the drivers and trends shaping the market.
• Understand customers based on end user analysis.
• Benchmark performance against key competitors based on market share, innovation, and brand strength.
• Evaluate the total addressable market (TAM) and market attractiveness scoring to measure market potential.
• Suitable for supporting your internal and external presentations with reliable high-quality data and analysis
• Report will be updated with the latest data and delivered to you within 2-3 working days of order along with an Excel data sheet for easy data extraction and analysis.
• All data from the report will also be delivered in an excel dashboard format.

Where is the largest and fastest growing market for metal finishing chemicals ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The metal finishing chemicals market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Plating Chemicals; Cleaning Chemicals; Conversion Coating; Proprietary Chemicals; Other Types
• 2) By Material: Zinc; Nickel; Chrome; Copper; Gold; Silver; Platinum; Other Materials
• 3) By Process: Electroplating; Chemical and Electro-chemical Conversion; Electroless Plating; Other Process
• 4) By End-Use Industry: Automotive; Electrical and Electronics; Industrial Machinery; Construction; Aerospace and Defense; Other End Users
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Plating Chemicals: Electroplating Chemicals; Electroless Plating Chemicals; Zinc Plating Chemicals
• 2) By Cleaning Chemicals: Aqueous Cleaning Chemicals; Solvent-Based Cleaning Chemicals; Acidic Cleaning Chemicals
• 3) By Conversion Coating: Phosphate Coatings; Chromate Coatings; Anodizing Chemicals
• 4) By Proprietary Chemicals: Custom Formulated Chemicals; Specialty Coatings And Finishes
• 5) By Other Types: Rust Inhibitors; Surface Treatment Chemicals; Buffing And Polishing Compounds
• Companies Mentioned: 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.
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
• Delivery Format: Word, PDF or Interactive Report
• + Excel Dashboard
• Added Benefits
• Bi-Annual Data Update
• Customisation
• Expert Consultant Support

Added Benefits available all on all list-price licence purchases, to be claimed at time of purchase. Customisations within report scope and limited to 20% of content and consultant support time limited to 8 hours.