Concrete Air-entraining Agents Market - By Type, By Form, By Application, By End Use Industry, Global Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Concrete Air-entraining Agents Market Size

The global concrete air-entraining agents market size was estimated at USD 2 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 3.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
 

Concrete is subject to an almost constant freeze-thaw cycle in areas with very cold winters like those in North America and Europe. Internal waters freeze when they get into the body of a concrete mass, leading to the cracking and deterioration of the structure. Air-entraining agents indeed come to the rescue in that they induce the formation of tiny air bubbles in the concrete mix that provide space during the freezing of water for some elastic deformation to take place without hurting the structure. The outcome is a considerable enhancement in the durability of the concrete for use in cold climatic regions.
 

Modern constructions prioritize longevity and reduce maintenance expenditure. Air-entraining agents give high resistance to weathering, scaling damage, and chemical attack purposes. Air-entrained concrete does not lose its structural integrity even after 300 cycles of freeze-thaw which shows its effectiveness in extending the service life of concrete structures.
 

Emerging economies are heavily investing in the construction of infrastructure to boost urbanization and economic growth thus, durable concrete solutions are essential for projects such as roads, bridges, and urban transit systems. The use of air-entraining agents is commonly found in such projects to enhance their concern in regard to infrastructure longevity and resistance especially at regions exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
 

Regulatory bodies are becoming stringent with building codes all over the world to increase the resilience of structures and sustainability. For instance, in the USA, ASTM C260 requires the presence of air-entraining agents in concrete designed to be frozen or thawed. All these standards ensure better durability and functionality of concrete structures producing demand for air-entraining agents.
 

Concrete Air-entraining Agents Market Trends

• The increasing concern about the carbon footprint of cement production has led to a significant shift within industry toward low-carbon concrete solutions. Consequently, concrete formulations are being adapted to achieve sustainability without compromising durability. Air-entraining agents, in combination with SCMs (supplementary cementitious materials) like fly ash, slag, and silica fume, are being used more and more to improve durability while at the same time reducing cement use.
   
• Industries have invested more to creating green, plant-based, and non-toxic air-entraining agents that will reduce the footprint on the environment, as well as minimize worker health and safety hazards. The surfactant and biosurfactant are now making entry into the natural product market.
   
• Precast and modular construction methods are getting more and more acceptance because of their rapidness, efficiency, and less labor dependency. Such construction approaches demand concrete which has consistent workability and durability during its handling and transporting process. AEAs have now played an important role in maintaining the workability and strength of precast concrete components
   
• Digital transformation is now embraced across the construction industry, especially in concrete production. The main technological instruments adopted include real-time sensors, automated batching systems, and AI tools for quality monitoring; these are now commonplace in the popularly known big concrete plants. These systems acquire precise dosing of the admixtures, including air-entraining agents, to further improve consistency and lower wastage.
   

Concrete Air-entraining Agents Market Analysis

The concrete air-entraining agents industry is segmented by type into natural-based air-entraining agents, synthetic air-entraining agents, and blended air-entraining agents. Synthetic air-entraining agents accounted for 44% of the total market in 2024.
 

• Natural-based air-entraining agents like Vinsol resin, wood rosin, and tall oil have been found to be in constant demand because they are cement-compatible and show foaming characteristics that tend to be on the stable side. Vinsol resin is particularly in demand in cold regions for highway and bridge constructions because it tops the charts regarding freeze-thaw resistance and durability. There is renewed interest in these agents owing to the bio-based and eco-friendly construction additives demand.
   
• Synthetic air-entraining agents like alkyl aryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, and olefin sulfonates are winning the race as they are mile ahead in terms of cost efficiency, better control on air content, and very reliable performance for various types of cement chemistries. This has increased their utilization in high-volume applications like ready-mix concrete and urban infrastructure projects. On the other part, blended air-entraining agents, which are a combination of natural and synthetic surfactants, are fast emerging as a middle-ground offering sustainability without compromising performance.
   

Concrete air-entraining agents market is segmented by form into liquid, and powder. Liquid accounted for 67.3% of the total market in 2024.
 

• Performance qualities, this sector has fully developed the place of Concrete Air-Entraining Agents in the market. Dosing liquid air-entraining agents in concrete mix is easier, disperses better in concrete mixes, and is compatible with system automation for batching. Liquid is the preferred form for ready-mix and big infrastructure jobs, which require consistency, speed, and scalability. They are compatible with existing mixing equipment and allow for precise control over air content, making them the leading choice of concrete producers around the world.
   
• Powder-based air-entraining agents, though not the most common, still serve certain specialized functions--the most significant of which include prepackaged dry types of concrete mixes and remote or smaller construction applications where the handling of liquid admixtures is logistically complex. However, powders boast a long life and can even improve usability in areas with severe weather or with less access to liquid admixture storage facilities. Still, market trends seem to favor liquid formulations because concrete production technology is being rapidly mechanized and digitalized.
   

Concrete air-entraining agents market is segmented by application into ready-mix concrete, precast concrete, concrete pavements, concrete blocks & bricks, shotcrete, and others. Ready-mix concrete accounted for 41% of the total market in 2024.
 

• Ready-mix concrete primarily drives its widest application of demand for air-entraining agents throughout urban construction, infrastructure development, and commercial buildings. The more mechanized and quality-oriented construction becomes, durability and, in particular, freeze-thaw resistance, is associated with regularized air content in concrete. Liquid air-entraining agents are particularly suitable to ready-mix plants which controlled mixing environments and automatic dosing afford optimized performance, thus supporting its leading market share worldwide.
   
• Besides improving surface durability, finish quality, and long-term strength, air-entraining agents are utilized in other applications such as Precast Concrete and Concrete Pavements. Rising use of AEAs in Shotcrete applications mainly involves tunneling and mining for better workability and adhesion in unfavorable conditions. Meanwhile, other segments, namely Concrete Blocks and Bricks, are using air-entraining agents basically for the purpose of reducing density and enhancing insulation. However, nothing comes close in terms of volume and flexibility to the ready-mix segment, which remains the most prominent driver for growth in the market.

The concrete air-entraining agents market is segmented by end use into residential construction, commercial construction, infrastructure development, industrial construction, and others. Residential construction accounted for 33.5% of the total market in 2024.
 

• Residential Construction is the primary player in the end-use landscape of Concrete Air-Entraining Agents, mainly because of the increasing number of housing projects and affordable housing schemes that fuel suburban growth in both emerging and developed economies. AEAs are important in improving the workability and durability of concrete used in foundations, walls, and flooring, especially in frozen-thawed areas. Homeowners increasingly prefer long-lasting and low-maintenance structures, in practice, air-entraining admixtures have become quite common in residential construction.
   
• Commercial construction and infrastructure development are extensive end-use segments where now a days AEAs find their applications toward improving structural performance under dynamic loads and stress from environments. Yet, they will be more project-specific and climate-dependent, having little significance as end-use segments. Industrial Construction applies AEAs in special structures requiring resistance to chemicals and high levels of wear and tears; however, this part of the market is smaller. Consistently high-volume housing demand, with regulatory standards for concrete durability, is complying with the trend and will keep the segment leading in terms of market adoption.

With over 85% market share, U.S. is leading the concrete air-entraining agents market that is valued at USD 248.6 million in 2024.
 

• The U.S. market registers continued growth, typically due to increased investments in residential redevelopments and refurbishments to aging infrastructure, as well as new developments in suburban housing. The diverse climate of the country, particularly with some northern states, makes it a requirement to use air-entraining agents to impart freeze-thaw resistance to the concrete. There are very strict guidelines laid down by associations like the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the ASTM International that insist on the use of such agents for durability and long-term performance, which fuels even further demand.
   
• North America holds an important position among the world markets due to an advanced construction industry, material technologies, and wide acceptance of ready-mix concrete practices among all its countries. The regional focus on sustainable and energy-efficient buildings further drives the demand for durable concrete solutions where air-entraining agents serve an important purpose. Besides, the presence of some of the key admixture manufacturers, established building codes, and good awareness about concrete performance among the contractors corroborate further North America's leadership in this regard.
   

Concrete Air-entraining Agents Market Share

The competitive landscape of the blended cement market is shaped by a few dominant multinational players such as BASF-SE, SikaAG, GCP Applied Technologies, Mapei, and RPM International-these guild standards have defined innovation, sustainability and performance in engineering. They heavily invest in R&D for next-generation admixtures improving durability, workability, or frost-resistance of concretes-those that are still reliable when the weather becomes extreme. Scale allows them to offer customized solutions in various markets while ensuring consistency through vertically integrated operation and strong global supply chains.
 

Most of these major companies are directing their efforts at linking these digital construction technologies with AI-charged mix design platforms for live performance monitoring, predictive dosing, and automated quality control. On the one hand, they would introduce environment-friendly admixtures so that they could comply with carbon reduction targets, enhance lifecycle performance of structures, and avoid noncompliance with constantly changing green building regulations. On the other hand, they create construction standards worldwide via adoption of ESG principles, acquisition of green certifications, and cooperation with regulatory bodies.
 

Strategic alliances with ready-mix producers, government infrastructure initiatives, and construction tech companies give these major competitors an advantage in making the conform shifts hurting regulations and changes in consumer preferences. These companies are highly active in making air-entrained concrete solutions be accepted and advanced in developed as well as developing markets through strong technical support, comprehensive product portfolios, and education initiatives for builders as well as engineers further consolidating their position as key enablers of durable and sustainable construction.
 

Concrete Air-entraining Agents Market Companies

BASF SE has held the leading position in the market for Concrete Air-Entraining Agents by maintaining continued innovation and a vigorous sustainability agenda. The company seeks to bring forth enhanced admixture solutions to improve freeze-thaw resistance and increase concrete durability for infrastructure mainly found in cold regions. Digital construction tools and technical assistance are made available by BASF for clients toward optimized concrete performance, tailored to local conditions.
 

Sika AG has maintained its competitive edge through an extensive range of high-performance air-entraining agents engineered for ready-mix as well as precast application. Further, the firm is actively investing in R&D directed toward giving improvements in workability and resilience to the concrete while also promoting low-carbon construction. Sika has the capability to redesign itself to suit regional dynamics and regulations since it has global manufacturing footprint as well as very close partnerships with customers.
 

GCP Applied Technologies Inc. gains a competitive advantage from its scientifically developed admixture solutions backed by demonstrated air-entrainment efficacy. Digital mix optimization tools and close cooperation with concrete producers are used to help ensure quality, dosage accuracy, and compliance with performance requirements. If product innovation from GCP continues, the demand for increased durability and high-performance concrete will also increase.
 

Mapei S.p.A. combines the global capacity of air-entraining agents produced in accordance with the different environmental and construction needs. Globally, Mapei invests in sustainable formulations as well as in training sessions for contractors in order to raise the level of knowledge regarding the benefits of the admixtures. Technical support together with adaptable logistics makes Mapei a favorite partner in both small and large-scale construction projects.
 

RPM International Inc., with its diverse product offerings in construction chemicals, also integrates air-entraining admixture into a larger offering of concrete-related solutions. The focus is on strategic acquisitions and innovations in material science so RPM remains competitive. At the same time, the RPM operations also emphasize environmentally compliant, life cycle enhancement of concrete structures, in line with changing market expectations regarding durability and performance, to deliver its modern-day offerings.
 

Concrete Air-Entraining Agents Industry News

• BASF announced that it has upscaled its range of raw materials for construction chemicals in May 2025, including some components used for air-entraining agents, to attain high performance and sustainability of concrete admixtures.
   
• In May 2025, RPM International acquired The Pink Stuff, which could add to its portfolio of construction chemicals perhaps related to air-entraining agents.
   
• In February 2025 was the month when Saint-Gobain acquired FOSROC, a key player in the construction chemicals business. This acquisition consolidates Saint-Gobain's already strong presence in the construction chemicals market following the prior acquisition of GCP Applied Technologies.
   
• In September 2024, Mapei announced the expansion of its operations in the U.S. through the construction of a new admixtures production plant in Denver, Colorado. They announced more plans for facilities to be set up in Houston, Texas, and Chicago, Illinois, to augment their manufacturing capabilities as well as meet the growing demands.
   

The concrete air-entraining agents market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (kilo tons) from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Natural-based air-entraining agents
  • Vinsol resin
  • Wood rosin
  • Tall oil
  • Others
• Synthetic air-entraining agents
  • Alkyl aryl sulfonates
  • Alkyl sulfates
  • Olefin sulfonates
  • Others
• Blended air-entraining agents

Market, By Form

• Liquid
• Powder

Market, By Application

• Ready-Mix Concrete
• Precast Concrete
• Concrete Pavements
• Concrete Blocks & Bricks
• Shotcrete
• Others

Market, By End Use Industry

• Residential construction
• Commercial construction
• Infrastructure development
  • Roads & highways
  • Bridges & dams
  • Airports & ports
  • Others
• Industrial construction
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa