This study presents historical demand (2007, 2012, 2017) and forecasts for 2022 and 2027 by material (metal, wood, plastic and composite, concrete, and other) and market (residential buildings, commercial buildings, nonbuilding, and agricultural) in dollar and linear feet terms, and Census region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West) and subregion in dollar terms.

Demand for fencing is forecast to rise 4.5% annually through 2022. Growth will be driven by an increase in construction activity. Additionally, the increased adoption of high value fencing materials such as ornamental metal and plastic and composite lumber will further boost demand. Improvement in product designs and performances will mean these materials will be increasingly specified to improve the appearance and value of the properties on which they are installed.

Fencing shipments are also forecast to grow 4.5% annually. The US trade deficit in fencing will rise through 2022 due to increased demand for low-cost imported fencing products. However, the imposition of import tariffs on aluminum and steel (in March 2018) and Canadian softwood lumber (in November 2017) may have an adverse impact on domestic producers of fencing that import fencing raw materials, as the tariffs will lead to higher material prices and therefore increase production costs.

Conversely, foreign producers that acquire fencing raw materials from outside the US and export their fencing products to the US may benefit, as their production costs are not affected by the tariffs. However, it is not expected that these tariffs will affect the fencing trade balance in 2022, as they are being challenged both domestically by Congress and internationally through the World Trade Organization (WTO) by countries impacted by the tariffs.