Market Forecast By Type (Varnish Makers & Painters Naphtha, Mineral Spirits, Hexane, Heptane, Others), By Applications (Paints & Coatings, Cleaning & Degreasing, Adhesives, Aerosols, Rubbers & polymers, Printing inks, Others) And Competitive Landscape
Product Code: ETC5221971 | Publication Date: Nov 2023 | Updated Date: Feb 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 60 | No. of Figures: 30 | No. of Tables: 5 | |
Report Name | Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market |
Forecast Period | 2025-2031 |
Market Size | USD 210 Million by 2031 |
CAGR | 6.5% |
Growing Sector | Construction |
The Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners market report thoroughly covers the market by type and by application. The report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the on-going market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
In 2025, the Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners market is valued at approximately $ 160 million, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% over the next five years. Additionally, by 2031, the market is expected to reach around $ 210 million. The construction sector holds significant position in the overall market.
The aliphatic solvents and thinners market in Zimbabwe is gradually expanding, driven by demand from industries such as paints and coatings, automotive, and manufacturing. As the construction sector grows, there is a rising need for high-quality paints and coatings, which in turn drives the demand for solvents and thinners. With a growing focus on product performance and sustainability, the market is seeing an increased demand for low-VOC and eco-friendly solvent options. However, the market faces challenges such as the fluctuation of raw material prices and limited local production capabilities, which often result in dependency on imports. Additionally, the economic situation in Zimbabwe, including inflation and currency volatility, has made it more difficult for businesses to manage costs and maintain a stable supply of these chemicals. Despite these challenges, the market holds potential for growth with a continued focus on infrastructure development and the adoption of sustainable practices.
According to 6Wresearch, Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during 2025-2031. The growth of the aliphatic solvents and thinners market in Zimbabwe is primarily driven by the ongoing expansion of the construction and automotive sectors, which rely heavily on paints and coatings for both decorative and protective purposes. The growing demand for high-quality coatings, coupled with the increasing focus on sustainability, is pushing the market towards eco-friendly and low-VOC solvent options. However, the market faces several challenges, including economic instability, which impacts both consumer demand and production costs. Fluctuations in raw material prices and the country’s limited local production capacity further exacerbate supply chain issues, often resulting in dependence on imported solvents.
Additionally, the lack of sufficient infrastructure and technical expertise for manufacturing advanced solvent solutions restricts the market's potential. The regulatory environment, while evolving towards more stringent environmental standards, presents both a challenge and an opportunity as companies invest in greener technologies. These factors, coupled with competition from international suppliers, create a complex landscape for growth, although there is still substantial potential in meeting the growing demand for sustainable and efficient solvent solutions.
In Zimbabwe, the aliphatic solvents and thinners market is primarily served by a mix of local and international companies. Notable players include Chemplex Corporation Limited, a leading manufacturer and distributor of chemicals in Zimbabwe, which produces a variety of solvents and thinners for industrial and automotive applications. Aico Chemicals is another key player, providing solvents and coatings products to the construction and automotive sectors. International brands like Shell and TotalEnergies also have a significant presence in the market, offering a range of aliphatic solvents and thinners, often imported to meet local demand.
Additionally, some of these players hold majority of the Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners market share. Moreover, these companies play a crucial role in shaping the market dynamics by providing both traditional and innovative solvent products, often adapting to the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Despite economic challenges, these companies continue to drive the market through strategic partnerships, local manufacturing, and by leveraging global supply chains.
In Zimbabwe, government regulations governing the aliphatic solvents and thinners market are largely shaped by environmental and safety standards aimed at reducing the environmental impact of chemical products. The country is aligned with regional efforts to minimize air pollution and improve public health through the implementation of regulations that limit the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in solvents and coatings. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) plays a key role in enforcing these regulations, ensuring that industrial chemicals meet the required safety and environmental standards.
Additionally, the government has introduced various policies to encourage the use of eco-friendlier and sustainable chemicals, as part of broader environmental conservation efforts. While enforcement can be challenging due to economic constraints, there is a growing push for manufacturers to adopt greener alternatives, which is influencing market dynamics. Further, these initiatives have further boosted the Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners market revenues. Furthermore, the introduction of stricter regulations is expected to continue, pushing the industry toward sustainable practices while addressing the environmental concerns associated with the use of solvents and thinners.
The future of the Zimbabwe aliphatic solvents and thinners market looks promising, with significant growth potential driven by the expanding construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. As the demand for high-quality paints and coatings increases, especially for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, the market is poised to benefit from these trends. The growing focus on environmental sustainability is expected to accelerate the shift toward low-VOC and eco-friendly solvent solutions, which will create new opportunities for innovation and product development.
Local production capabilities are likely to expand, reducing the country's dependency on imports and helping to mitigate supply chain issues. Furthermore, advancements in solvent recovery and recycling technologies could offer both economic and environmental benefits, creating long-term value for manufacturers. The regulatory environment will continue to drive the adoption of greener solutions, ensuring that the market evolves in line with global sustainability goals. However, economic stability and the ability to adapt to fluctuating raw material prices will remain key factors in the market's growth trajectory.
According to Ravi Bhandari, Research Head, 6Wresearch, the growth of the Varnish Makers’ & Painters’ Naphtha category in Zimbabwe is being influenced by increasing demand from the automotive and construction sectors, where high-quality paints and coatings are essential. Varnish Makers’ Naphtha, known for its use as a solvent in paints, varnishes, and coatings, is seeing rising adoption due to the expanding infrastructure development and the growing emphasis on durable, high-performance coatings in various applications. The category benefits from the ongoing trends toward product sustainability, with manufacturers exploring low-VOC and eco-friendly alternatives.
However, the category faces challenges such as economic volatility, fluctuating raw material prices, and dependence on imports, which may impact growth in the short term. Despite these challenges, the increasing focus on enhancing the performance of coatings and varnishes is expected to fuel further growth in the Varnish Makers’ & Painters’ Naphtha category, as demand for high-quality solvent solutions continues to rise.
The growth of the paints and coatings application in Zimbabwe is primarily driven by the expanding construction and automotive sectors, which require high-quality coatings for both decorative and protective purposes. The growing demand for residential, commercial, and infrastructure development, along with increased car ownership and manufacturing, is contributing to a rise in the use of paints and coatings. This surge in demand is fueling the need for aliphatic solvents and thinners, particularly those used in automotive coatings, architectural finishes, and industrial coatings. Moreover, there is an increasing focus on sustainable and environmentally-friendly paints and coatings, which is pushing manufacturers to adopt low-VOC and eco-friendly solutions. While economic challenges, such as inflation and raw material price fluctuations, may hinder growth, the overall outlook for the paints and coatings market remains positive, with opportunities for innovation in environmentally conscious products and technologies.
The report provides a detailed analysis of the following market segments -
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Overview |
3.1 Zimbabwe Country Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Type, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Applications, 2021 & 2031F |
4 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.3 Market Restraints |
5 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Trends |
6 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Segmentations |
6.1 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market, By Type |
6.1.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.1.2 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume, By Varnish Makers¢Ã¢Â?‰Â?¢ & Painters¢Ã¢Â?‰Â?¢ Naphtha, 2021-2031F |
6.1.3 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume, By Mineral Spirits, 2021-2031F |
6.1.4 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume, By Hexane, 2021-2031F |
6.1.5 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume, By Heptane, 2021-2031F |
6.1.6 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume, By Others, 2021-2031F |
6.2 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market, By Applications |
6.2.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.2.2 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume, By Paints & Coatings, 2021-2031F |
6.2.3 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume, By Cleaning & Degreasing, 2021-2031F |
6.2.4 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume, By Adhesives, 2021-2031F |
6.2.5 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume, By Aerosols, 2021-2031F |
6.2.6 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume, By Rubbers & polymers, 2021-2031F |
6.2.7 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenues & Volume, By Printing inks, 2021-2031F |
7 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Import-Export Trade Statistics |
7.1 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Export to Major Countries |
7.2 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Imports from Major Countries |
8 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Key Performance Indicators |
9 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market - Opportunity Assessment |
9.1 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Opportunity Assessment, By Type, 2021 & 2031F |
9.2 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Opportunity Assessment, By Applications, 2021 & 2031F |
10 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market - Competitive Landscape |
10.1 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
10.2 Zimbabwe Aliphatic Solvents and Thinners Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
11 Company Profiles |
12 Recommendations |
13 Disclaimer |