Published:
•ID: 4432566
•Pages: 109
Cement Board
Underlayment
South America Cement Board Underlayment Market - Outlook 2025-2034
South America Cement Board Underlayment Market is segmented by Application (Residential Flooring, Commercial Flooring, Industrial Flooring, Roofing Underlayment, Exterior Cladding), Type (Fiber Cement Board, Gypsum Cement Board, Wood Cement Board, Reinforced Cement Board), and Geography (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Rest of South America)
Report ID:
HTF4432566
Published:
CAGR:
7.3%
Market Size (2025):
$0.9 Billion
Forecast (2034):
$1.65 Billion
Pricing
Report Overview
Executive Summary
- •The South America Cement Board Underlayment market involves manufacturing and application of cement-based boards designed for underlayment use in flooring, roofing, and exterior cladding within residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Key product types include fiber cement, gypsum cement, wood cement, and reinforced cement boards noted for durability, moisture resistance, and fire retardance. The market scope covers major countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia, driven by increasing urbanization and infrastructure investments.
- •Market highlights include a base market size of USD 0.9 Billion in 2025 with projected growth to USD 1.65 Billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 7.3%. Fiber cement boards dominate product type share, while reinforced cement boards are the fastest growing segment. Residential flooring leads application demand, followed by commercial flooring and roofing underlayment.
- •This market offers strategic value by improving construction material performance, supporting sustainability goals, and addressing regional building code requirements. Cement board underlayment enhances structural integrity and occupant safety, making it indispensable across diverse construction projects in South America.
Competitive Landscape
Competition in the South America Cement Board Underlayment market is characterized by established multinational manufacturers and emerging regional players focused on product innovation, cost optimization, and distribution expansion. Companies leverage advanced fiber cement technologies and eco-friendly formulations to differentiate offerings. Market rivalry intensifies with strategic collaborations, quality certifications, and responsiveness to local regulations. Innovation in reinforcing materials and manufacturing processes drives competitive positioning, while pricing and supply chain efficiency remain critical. Regional preferences and infrastructure development pace further influence competitive dynamics, fostering continuous product improvement and market consolidation.
Leading Companies in South America Cement Board Underlayment Market
- •James Hardie (Australia)
- •USG Boral (United States)
- •Cembrit (Denmark)
- •Etex Group (Belgium)
- •National Gypsum Company (United States)
- •Saint-Gobain (France)
- •Knauf Group (Germany)
- •Laticrete International (United States)
- •Mafisa (Brazil)
- •Portobello S.A. (Brazil)
- •Duratex S.A. (Brazil)
- •Gyptec (Argentina)
- •Panel Rey (Mexico)
- •Fundermax (Austria)
- •Cemboard Industries (Chile)
- •Votorantim Cimentos (Brazil)
- •Ternium (Argentina)
- •Eternit S.A. (Chile)
- •Fibracem (Brazil)
- •Sinteplast (Argentina)
- •Knauf do Brasil (Brazil)
- •Gyplac (Brazil)
- •Brasilit (Brazil)
- •LafargeHolcim (Switzerland)
- •Saint-Gobain Brasil (Brazil)
Market Breakdown
- •By Type
- ◦Fiber Cement Board
- ◦Gypsum Cement Board
- ◦Wood Cement Board
- ◦Reinforced Cement Board
- •By Application
- ◦Residential Flooring
- ◦Commercial Flooring
- ◦Industrial Flooring
- ◦Roofing Underlayment
- ◦Exterior Cladding
- •By End User
- ◦Construction Companies
- ◦Renovation Contractors
- ◦DIY Consumers
- ◦Industrial Facilities
- •By Distribution Channel
- ◦Direct Sales
- ◦Distributors & Dealers
- ◦Online Retail
- ◦Specialty Building Supply Stores
Growth Drivers
- •Rising urbanization and infrastructure development across South America, particularly in Brazil and Argentina, are fueling demand for durable and fire-resistant underlayment materials such as cement boards.
- •Increasing adoption of fiber cement board due to its superior moisture resistance and longevity compared to traditional plywood or OSB underlayments is driving market expansion.
- •Government incentives for sustainable building practices and stricter building codes mandating fire safety and quality materials enhance cement board underlayment usage.
- •Growth in residential and commercial renovation projects, especially in urban hubs, contributes significantly to the cement board underlayment market growth.
- •Technological advancements in reinforced cement board manufacturing are enabling production of lighter, stronger, and more versatile underlayment solutions, attracting new customers.
Market Trends
- •There is a growing trend towards eco-friendly cement boards incorporating recycled materials and low-emission binders to meet sustainability goals in South America’s construction sector.
- •Modular and prefabricated cement board panels are gaining traction for faster construction timelines and reduced labor costs in commercial projects.
- •Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on product customization, offering boards with varied thickness, reinforcement, and surface treatments tailored to specific applications.
- •Integration of digital tools in supply chain and inventory management is optimizing distribution and reducing lead times in the region.
- •Expansion of online sales channels and partnerships with local distributors is enhancing market reach to remote and developing areas within South America.
Market Opportunities
- •Untapped rural and peri-urban construction markets across Peru and Colombia offer significant growth potential for cement board underlayment manufacturers.
- •Increasing demand for fire-resistant and mold-proof building materials in commercial infrastructure presents opportunities for advanced fiber cement and reinforced boards.
- •Collaborations with local contractors and green building certification programs can accelerate adoption and market penetration.
- •Innovations in lightweight and flexible cement boards could open new applications in retrofit projects and disaster-resilient constructions.
- •Expansion of distribution networks into emerging economies within South America will broaden customer base and increase sales volumes.
Market Challenges
- •High raw material costs and supply chain disruptions have led to pricing volatility, challenging manufacturers’ profitability in South America.
- •Limited awareness among small contractors and DIY consumers about the benefits of cement board underlayment slows market adoption in certain regions.
- •Competition from cheaper alternative materials such as plywood and OSB continues to restrain market growth, especially in cost-sensitive projects.
- •Regulatory inconsistencies across countries in South America complicate compliance and market entry for manufacturers.
- •Lack of skilled labor for proper installation of cement board underlayment can affect product performance and customer satisfaction.
Regulatory Framework
- •From 2020 to 2025, South American countries including Brazil and Chile have implemented stricter building codes mandating fire-resistance ratings for underlayment materials, directly impacting cement board specifications and certifications required for market entry.
- •Environmental regulations focusing on reducing VOC emissions and promoting sustainable construction materials have led to increased demand for eco-friendly cement board products.
- •Trade policies encouraging local production through tariffs on imported building materials have stimulated domestic cement board manufacturing capabilities.
- •Compliance with international standards such as ASTM and ISO is increasingly recognized and required by major construction projects and government tenders in the region.
- •Government incentives for green building certifications offer financial benefits to projects using certified cement board underlayment, fostering market growth.
Industry Insights
- •In March 2024, James Hardie expanded its production capacity in Brazil by launching a new fiber cement board manufacturing facility designed to meet growing demand in commercial and residential underlayment segments. This facility integrates sustainable manufacturing practices reducing carbon footprint and improving product durability.
- •In November 2023, USG Boral introduced a reinforced cement board product line tailored for industrial flooring applications in South America, featuring enhanced impact resistance and faster installation capabilities. This innovation addresses evolving infrastructure needs and safety regulations.
Mergers & Acquisitions
- •In August 2024, Etex Group completed the acquisition of a leading Brazilian cement board manufacturer, Mafisa, strengthening its footprint in South America’s underlayment market. The deal enhances Etex’s product portfolio with region-specific innovations and expands its distribution network across Brazil and neighboring countries.
- •In January 2025, Saint-Gobain Brasil acquired a majority stake in Portobello S.A., a prominent ceramic and cement board supplier. This strategic move aims to integrate underlayment solutions with complementary building materials, fostering cross-selling opportunities and innovation in sustainable construction products.
Recent Industry News
- •On 15th January 2025, Knauf do Brasil announced a partnership with a local distributor network to enhance supply chain efficiency and expand access to its fiber cement board products in remote regions of South America. The initiative supports faster delivery and improved customer service, targeting growing construction activities in underserved markets. Source: Knauf Official Press Release
- •On 22nd March 2025, Laticrete International launched an innovative waterproof cement board underlayment product in Chile, featuring advanced polymer technology to improve durability and moisture resistance. This launch addresses increasing demand for high-performance materials in commercial and residential construction sectors. Source: Laticrete Corporate Announcement
- •On 9th May 2025, Duratex S.A. expanded its manufacturing capacity in Brazil by commissioning a new automated production line for gypsum cement boards, aiming to meet rising demand in industrial flooring and roofing underlayment applications. The expansion is expected to reduce lead times and increase product consistency. Source: Duratex Investor Relations
- •On 28th July 2025, National Gypsum Company formed a strategic alliance with regional construction firms in Argentina to promote the adoption of reinforced cement boards in seismic-resistant building designs. This collaboration includes training programs and joint marketing initiatives to boost market penetration. Source: National Gypsum Press Release
Market Statistics
- •CAGR by 2034: 7.3%
- •Market Size by 2034: USD 1.65 Billion
- •Market Size in 2025: USD 0.9 Billion
- •Dominating Type: Fiber Cement Board
- •Next-Following Type: Reinforced Cement Board
- •Dominating Application: Residential Flooring
- •Next-Following Application: Commercial Flooring
- •Dominating Region: Brazil
- •Second-Leading Region: Argentina
- •Region with Highest Growth Rate: Chile
- •Dominating Country: Brazil
Market Share Table
- •Market Share (%) of Dominating vs Followed Type
- ◦Fiber Cement Board: 55%
- ◦Reinforced Cement Board: 20%
- •Market Share (%) of Dominating vs Followed Application
- ◦Residential Flooring: 48%
- ◦Commercial Flooring: 25%
- •Growth Rate (%) of Dominating vs Followed Type
- ◦Fiber Cement Board: 6.5%
- ◦Reinforced Cement Board: 9.2%
- •Growth Rate (%) of Dominating vs Followed Application
- ◦Residential Flooring: 7.0%
- ◦Commercial Flooring: 7.8%
Top Companies Profiled in South America Cement Board Underlayment Market
- •James Hardie (Australia)
- •USG Boral (United States)
- •Cembrit (Denmark)
- •Etex Group (Belgium)
- •National Gypsum Company (United States)
Regional Outlook
The Brazil currently holds a significant share of the market, primarily due to several key factors: increasing consumption rates, a burgeoning population, and robust economic momentum. These elements collectively drive demand, positioning this region as a leader in the market. On the other hand, Chile is rapidly emerging as the fastest-growing area within the industry. This remarkable growth can be attributed to swift infrastructure development, the expansion of various industrial sectors, and a marked increase in consumer demand. These dynamics make this region a crucial player in shaping future market growth.
In our report, we cover a comprehensive analysis of the following regions and countries:
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Peru
- Colombia
- Rest of South America
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| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Year Market Size | USD 0.9 Billion |
| Forecast Year Market Size | USD 1.65 Billion |
| CAGR | 7.3% |
| Forecast Period | 2026 to 2033 |
| YoY Growth | 7.1% |
| Regions Covered | Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Rest of South America |
| Key Companies | James Hardie (Australia), USG Boral (United States), Cembrit (Denmark), Etex Group (Belgium), National Gypsum Company (United States), Saint-Gobain (France), Knauf Group (Germany), Laticrete International (United States), Mafisa (Brazil), Portobello S.A. (Brazil), Duratex S.A. (Brazil), Gyptec (Argentina), Panel Rey (Mexico), Fundermax (Austria), Cemboard Industries (Chile), Votorantim Cimentos (Brazil), Ternium (Argentina), Eternit S.A. (Chile), Fibracem (Brazil), Sinteplast (Argentina), Knauf do Brasil (Brazil), Gyplac (Brazil), Brasilit (Brazil), LafargeHolcim (Switzerland), Saint-Gobain Brasil (Brazil) |
South America Cement Board Underlayment Market - Outlook 2025-2034 - Table of Contents
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