
Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Insights, Size, and Forecast By End Use (Passenger Vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles, Heavy Commercial Vehicles), By Application (Structural Components, Interior Components, Exterior Components, Chassis Components), By Type (Thermoplastic Composites, Thermosetting Composites, Hybrid Composites), By Manufacturing Process (Injection Molding, Compression Molding, Filament Winding, Hand Layup), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa), Key Companies, Competitive Analysis, Trends, and Projections for 2026-2035
Key Market Insights
Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market is projected to grow from USD 18.7 Billion in 2025 to USD 39.4 Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 8.7% from 2026 through 2035. This robust growth signifies the increasing adoption of lightweight, high-performance materials in the automotive industry. Automotive advanced polymer composites, encompassing various material types such as carbon fiber composites, glass fiber composites, and natural fiber composites, are engineered to offer superior strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility compared to traditional metallic materials. The market is primarily driven by stringent emission regulations globally, which compel automakers to reduce vehicle weight to improve fuel efficiency and decrease carbon footprints. Furthermore, the rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) significantly contributes to market expansion, as these vehicles heavily rely on lightweight materials to extend battery range and optimize performance. The growing emphasis on vehicle safety and passenger comfort, coupled with advancements in manufacturing processes like injection molding and compression molding, further propels market growth.
Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Value (USD Billion) Analysis, 2025-2035

2025 - 2035
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A key trend shaping the market is the continuous innovation in material science, leading to the development of more sustainable and cost-effective composite solutions. The integration of smart materials and multi-functional composites is also gaining traction, offering enhanced features like self-healing properties or integrated sensors. However, the market faces restraints such as the relatively high cost of advanced polymer composites compared to conventional materials and challenges associated with their recyclability and repair. Despite these hurdles, significant opportunities lie in the development of bio-based and recycled composites, aligning with the growing focus on circular economy principles. Moreover, the increasing adoption of additive manufacturing for complex composite parts presents a substantial growth avenue, enabling rapid prototyping and customized solutions. The expansion of composite applications beyond structural components into areas like interior aesthetics and powertrain systems also presents lucrative opportunities for market players.
Asia Pacific stands as the dominant region in the global automotive advanced polymer composite market, primarily due to the presence of a burgeoning automotive manufacturing sector and a large consumer base in countries like China, India, and Japan. The region's proactive government initiatives promoting EV adoption and local manufacturing further fuel its leadership. Concurrently, Asia Pacific is also the fastest-growing region, driven by continuous industrialization, rapid urbanization, and significant investments in automotive R&D. Key players such as BASF, Hexion, Teijin Limited, DuPont, LG Chem, Kraton Corporation, Toray Industries, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Solvay, and Sabic Innovative Plastics are actively expanding their production capacities, forging strategic partnerships, and investing in R&D to develop novel composite materials and manufacturing technologies. Their strategies often involve focusing on specific application segments, enhancing product performance, and improving cost-effectiveness to maintain competitive advantages and capitalize on the burgeoning demand for lightweight automotive solutions globally. The leading segment, exterior components, reflects the critical need for lightweighting in body panels, bumpers, and aerodynamic parts.
Quick Stats
Market Size (2025):
USD 18.7 BillionProjected Market Size (2035):
USD 39.4 BillionLeading Segment:
Exterior Components (42.5% Share)Dominant Region (2025):
Asia Pacific (45.2% Share)CAGR (2026-2035):
8.7%
What is Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite?
Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite refers to engineered materials combining polymer matrices with reinforcing fibers, typically carbon or glass. These lightweight composites offer superior strength to weight ratios compared to traditional metals. Their core concept involves tailoring material properties at a molecular level for specific automotive applications. This allows for significantly reduced vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency and electric vehicle range. Furthermore, their high impact resistance and design flexibility enable the creation of complex structural components, body panels, and interior parts, enhancing both safety and aesthetic appeal within the automotive industry. They represent a crucial advancement in vehicle design and performance.
What are the Trends in Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market
Lightweighting Beyond EVs The Polymer Push
Sustainable Composites Circularity in Auto
Smart Polymers Adaptive Automotive Materials
Multifunctional Composites Integration Innovation
Lightweighting Beyond EVs The Polymer Push
Automakers are increasingly using advanced polymer composites for lightweighting beyond electric vehicles. This trend extends to body panels, structural components, and even interior parts in conventional gasoline and hybrid cars. The material shift helps reduce overall vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency and handling across diverse vehicle segments. Polymers offer design flexibility and cost advantages over traditional metals for this broad application.
Sustainable Composites Circularity in Auto
Automotive is embracing sustainable composites, shifting towards circularity. This involves designing materials for reusability and recyclability from the outset. Focus is on reducing virgin material dependency and minimizing waste throughout the vehicle lifecycle. End of life solutions are evolving, promoting resource recovery and reintroduction of valuable composite fractions back into the production stream. This trend highlights a commitment to environmental stewardship and resource efficiency within the automotive industry.
Smart Polymers Adaptive Automotive Materials
Smart polymers are emerging as adaptive automotive materials, revolutionizing the Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market. These innovative polymers dynamically alter their properties in response to external stimuli like temperature or light. This enables functionalities such as self healing coatings, shape memory alloys for adaptable aerodynamics, and smart interiors that change color or texture. Their integration offers enhanced safety, comfort, and performance, signaling a significant shift towards intelligent, responsive automotive components.
Multifunctional Composites Integration Innovation
Automakers increasingly embed diverse functions into single composite parts, beyond just structural integrity. This integration innovation reduces component count, weight, and assembly complexity. Enhanced conductivity, sensing capabilities, and self healing properties are being combined within lightweight polymer composites. This trend optimizes space utilization and expands design possibilities for next generation vehicles.
What are the Key Drivers Shaping the Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market
Stringent Emission Regulations & Fuel Efficiency Mandates
Growing Demand for Lightweighting in Electric Vehicles
Advancements in Polymer Composite Manufacturing Technologies
Increasing Focus on Vehicle Safety & Crashworthiness
Stringent Emission Regulations & Fuel Efficiency Mandates
Strict rules on vehicle emissions and the push for better fuel economy are major drivers. These mandates compel automakers to lightweight vehicles. Advanced polymer composites, being significantly lighter than traditional materials, offer a direct solution. Their use reduces overall vehicle weight, directly decreasing fuel consumption and harmful greenhouse gas emissions, meeting crucial regulatory targets.
Growing Demand for Lightweighting in Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicle manufacturers seek advanced polymer composites to reduce vehicle weight, improving battery range and overall efficiency. This lightweighting is crucial for meeting consumer expectations for extended driving ranges and faster charging. The inherent properties of advanced composites, such as high strength to weight ratio, make them ideal for structural components, body panels, and battery housings. This demand directly fuels the growth of the advanced polymer composite market.
Advancements in Polymer Composite Manufacturing Technologies
Innovations in polymer composite manufacturing, like automated fiber placement and additive manufacturing, enhance production efficiency and reduce costs. These advancements enable manufacturers to create lighter, stronger, and more complex composite components for automotive applications. This accelerates the adoption of advanced polymers, improving vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and safety across the global automotive sector.
Increasing Focus on Vehicle Safety & Crashworthiness
Stricter regulations and consumer demand for occupant protection are driving the adoption of advanced polymer composites. These materials offer superior energy absorption and lightweighting capabilities, enhancing crashworthiness without compromising performance. Composites enable innovative designs that improve impact resistance and mitigate injury risks. This focus on safety accelerates their integration into vehicle structures, contributing to overall market growth.
Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Restraints
Supply Chain Fragility and Volatility for Raw Materials
Supply chain fragility and volatility for raw materials presents a significant restraint. Disruptions in the availability or pricing of essential chemicals, fibers, and resins directly impede production and innovation within the global automotive advanced polymer composite market. Geopolitical events, natural disasters, or trade disputes can severely impact the consistent flow of these critical components. This instability forces manufacturers to seek alternative, potentially more expensive, or less suitable materials, hindering market growth and increasing operational costs. Reliability issues in raw material sourcing create substantial risk and uncertainty.
High R&D Costs and Extended Qualification Cycles for New Materials
Developing novel polymer composites for automotive use demands substantial investment in research and development. Rigorous testing and validation are essential to meet stringent automotive industry standards for safety, durability, and performance. This extensive qualification process prolongs market entry for new materials, adding significant time and cost. Manufacturers face the challenge of justifying these expenditures given the long return on investment periods, hindering rapid adoption of advanced composites.
Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Opportunities
Accelerating EV Adoption: Advanced Polymer Composites for Superior Lightweighting and Range
The accelerating global adoption of electric vehicles creates a substantial opportunity for advanced polymer composites. These materials are crucial for superior lightweighting, directly addressing EV battery weight challenges. By significantly reducing vehicle mass, composites enhance energy efficiency and extend driving range, a key consumer demand. This accelerates EV market penetration, especially in high growth regions like Asia Pacific, as manufacturers seek innovative solutions to improve performance, meet sustainability goals, and offer competitive advantages to consumers concerned about range and charging frequency.
Sustainable Automotive Manufacturing: The Rise of Bio-Based and Recyclable Polymer Composites
The global automotive advanced polymer composite market offers a powerful opportunity in sustainable manufacturing. It hinges on the rise of bio-based and fully recyclable polymer composites. This innovation addresses pressing environmental concerns, enabling a circular economy and significantly reducing vehicle lifecycle emissions and waste. Adopting these advanced sustainable materials empowers manufacturers to create lighter, more eco-friendly vehicles, enhancing brand reputation and unlocking substantial growth potential within the evolving automotive industry.
Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Segmentation Analysis
Key Market Segments
By Application
- •Structural Components
- •Interior Components
- •Exterior Components
- •Chassis Components
By Type
- •Thermoplastic Composites
- •Thermosetting Composites
- •Hybrid Composites
By End Use
- •Passenger Vehicles
- •Light Commercial Vehicles
- •Heavy Commercial Vehicles
By Manufacturing Process
- •Injection Molding
- •Compression Molding
- •Filament Winding
- •Hand Layup
Segment Share By Application
Share, By Application, 2025 (%)
- Structural Components
- Interior Components
- Exterior Components
- Chassis Components

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Why is the Exterior Components segment leading the Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market?
The dominance of exterior components is attributed to the critical need for vehicle lightweighting and enhanced aesthetic appeal. Advanced polymer composites offer superior strength to weight ratios, enabling manufacturers to significantly reduce overall vehicle mass for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Furthermore, these materials provide greater design flexibility for complex shapes and improved impact resistance, making them ideal for body panels, bumpers, and spoilers where both performance and visual appeal are paramount.
What factors drive the preference for Thermoplastic Composites within the advanced polymer market?
Thermoplastic composites are highly favored due to their excellent processability, especially via high speed manufacturing methods like injection molding. This allows for rapid cycle times and cost effective production of intricate parts, crucial for the automotive industry's high volume demands. Their ability to be recycled also aligns with increasing sustainability goals, further boosting their adoption across various applications from interior to exterior components in vehicle manufacturing.
How do manufacturing processes like Injection Molding support the widespread adoption of advanced polymer composites in automotive production?
Injection molding plays a pivotal role in the expansive use of advanced polymer composites due to its capability for producing complex parts with high precision and consistency at rapid rates. This process is particularly efficient for high volume manufacturing of components such as interior trims, structural brackets, and various exterior elements. Its automation potential and capacity to create parts with integrated functionalities contribute significantly to cost reduction and overall efficiency in modern automotive assembly lines.
What Regulatory and Policy Factors Shape the Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market
Global automotive advanced polymer composites are significantly impacted by evolving regulatory landscapes. Stringent emission and fuel economy mandates worldwide, including European Union CO2 targets, US CAFE standards, and Chinese fuel consumption regulations, strongly drive demand for lightweighting solutions. Simultaneously, vehicle safety standards necessitate composites meeting rigorous crashworthiness and impact absorption requirements across regions. Furthermore, End of Life Vehicle directives, particularly in Europe, increasingly emphasize material recyclability and sustainable resource management, pushing innovation toward more circular composite solutions. Government incentives for green technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices also foster composite research and adoption, supporting the shift away from traditional materials.
What New Technologies are Shaping Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market?
Global automotive advanced polymer composite innovations are accelerating market expansion. Emerging thermoplastic composites and sustainable bio based polymers are crucial for next generation lightweighting, especially for electric vehicles. Additive manufacturing and automated fiber placement technologies are enabling complex part geometries and efficient production. Self healing composites enhance vehicle durability and lifespan. Significant developments target multi material systems for improved crashworthiness and battery enclosure applications. Advanced polymers are also integral for superior thermal management and noise vibration harshness reduction. These technological leaps reflect a robust industry push towards lighter, safer, and more energy efficient vehicles, driving sustained market evolution and adoption.
Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Regional Analysis
Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market
Trends, by Region

Asia-Pacific Market
Revenue Share, 2025
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North America is a key region in the automotive advanced polymer composite market, driven by stringent fuel economy standards (CAFE) and growing demand for lightweight vehicles. The presence of major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, coupled with robust R&D in composite materials, fuels market expansion. High adoption rates of SUVs and light trucks further necessitate lightweighting solutions. Investment in manufacturing technologies for these materials is increasing, with particular focus on thermosets and thermoplastics for structural and semi-structural applications. The region is also a leader in developing recycled carbon fiber technologies, addressing sustainability concerns and potentially reducing material costs.
Europe is a pivotal region in the advanced polymer composite market, driven by stringent emission regulations and a strong automotive R&D ecosystem. Germany leads with significant investment from premium car manufacturers focusing on lightweighting for EVs and high-performance vehicles. The UK emphasizes advanced materials for sports cars and niche applications. France shows growth in mainstream vehicle applications, while Eastern Europe emerges as a cost-effective manufacturing hub. Scandinavian countries focus on sustainable and bio-based composites. Overall, Europe's market is characterized by a high demand for innovative, lightweight, and durable materials, particularly in the premium and EV segments.
Asia Pacific dominates the Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market, holding a commanding 45.2% share. This leadership is further strengthened by its status as the fastest-growing region, projected to expand at an impressive 9.2% CAGR. The region's robust automotive production, increasing adoption of lightweight materials for fuel efficiency and emissions reduction, and a strong presence of key composite manufacturers are driving this significant growth. Demand from countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, coupled with technological advancements in composite manufacturing, positions Asia Pacific as a critical hub for the market's future expansion.
Latin America’s advanced polymer composite market for automotive is expanding, driven by increasing vehicle production and the demand for lightweighting and enhanced performance. Brazil and Mexico lead the region, with significant domestic manufacturing capabilities and a growing focus on EV production. The shift towards higher-performance vehicles and the implementation of stricter emission regulations are boosting the adoption of advanced composites. Local partnerships between raw material suppliers, compounders, and automotive OEMs are crucial for market development. While import dependence remains a factor, domestic production capabilities are gradually increasing to meet the rising demand, with a focus on cost-effective and high-volume applications.
The Middle East & Africa (MEA) automotive advanced polymer composite market is nascent but exhibits substantial growth potential. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, driven by luxury vehicle demand and aspirations for local automotive manufacturing (e.g., Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030), are key regional drivers. South Africa also contributes, albeit on a smaller scale, through its established automotive industry. The region's hot climates necessitate lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials, making composites attractive. However, high material costs, limited local manufacturing expertise, and a less developed supply chain compared to other regions remain significant challenges hindering widespread adoption. Focus is on high-performance applications in premium and electric vehicles.
Top Countries Overview
The US market for advanced polymer composites in automotive is robust. Demand is driven by lightweighting mandates and performance needs. Suppliers are innovating new materials for electric vehicles and autonomous systems, expanding applications beyond traditional body panels to structural and interior components, reflecting strong growth.
China dominates the global advanced polymer composite market for automotive applications. Its rapid electric vehicle expansion drives demand for lightweight, high strength materials. Government support and domestic innovation accelerate technology adoption, positioning China as a key player in this critical automotive material sector.
India significantly contributes to the global automotive advanced polymer composite market. Its expanding automotive sector drives demand for lightweight, high strength materials. Local manufacturers and research institutions are increasingly focusing on developing and adopting these composites for various vehicle applications, positioning India as a key growth region.
Impact of Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
Geopolitical shifts in supply chains for raw materials like carbon fiber and resins, often originating from politically sensitive regions, pose significant risks. Trade disputes and tariffs on advanced composites can disrupt production and increase costs for automotive original equipment manufacturers. Additionally, regulations regarding sustainability and recycling of these polymers vary across nations, influencing market adoption and investment strategies.
Macroeconomic factors such as global economic growth directly impact consumer demand for automobiles, thus affecting demand for advanced polymers. Inflationary pressures on energy and labor costs can raise production expenses for composites manufacturers. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates influence the affordability of imported raw materials and competitiveness of exported composites.
Recent Developments
- March 2025
BASF introduced a new line of lightweight thermoplastic composites specifically engineered for electric vehicle battery enclosures. These materials offer enhanced flame retardancy and thermal management capabilities, addressing critical safety concerns in EV design.
- February 2025
Solvay and Toray Industries announced a strategic partnership to co-develop advanced carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) solutions for structural automotive applications. This collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of high-performance composites in mass-produced vehicles by combining their respective expertise in resin and fiber technology.
- January 2025
DuPont completed the acquisition of a specialized composites manufacturing facility from a smaller industry player, expanding its production capacity for high-performance automotive polymers. This move allows DuPont to better meet the growing demand for lightweight materials in both internal combustion engine and electric vehicle platforms.
- April 2024
LG Chem launched a new series of bio-based advanced polymer composites derived from renewable resources, targeting interior and exterior automotive components. This initiative reflects a growing industry trend towards sustainable materials and helps automakers reduce their carbon footprint.
- December 2024
SABIC Innovative Plastics initiated a pilot program with a major European automaker to integrate its new generation of recycled content polycarbonates into non-structural automotive parts. This strategic initiative focuses on circular economy principles and validates the performance of recycled polymers in demanding automotive environments.
Key Players Analysis
Key players like BASF, DuPont, and Solvay are market leaders, focusing on high performance polymer composites for lightweighting and enhanced safety. Companies such as Teijin Limited and Toray Industries specialize in carbon fiber composites, crucial for electric vehicle battery enclosures and structural components. Hexion and Sabic Innovative Plastics contribute with advanced thermoset and thermoplastic solutions respectively, often involving resin systems and compounding technologies. Strategic initiatives include extensive R&D, collaborations with automotive OEMs, and expanding production capacities to meet the escalating demand driven by stricter emission regulations and the rapid growth of electric vehicles.
List of Key Companies:
- BASF
- Hexion
- Teijin Limited
- DuPont
- LG Chem
- Kraton Corporation
- Toray Industries
- Formosa Plastics Corporation
- Solvay
- Sabic Innovative Plastics
- Cytec Solvay Group
- PolyOne Corporation
- Hexcel Corporation
- SABIC
- Continental AG
- Mitsubishi Chemical
Report Scope and Segmentation
| Report Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 18.7 Billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 39.4 Billion |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 8.7% |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Regional Analysis |
|
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 2: Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 3: Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 4: Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Manufacturing Process, 2020-2035
Table 5: Global Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Region, 2020-2035
Table 6: North America Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 7: North America Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 8: North America Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 9: North America Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Manufacturing Process, 2020-2035
Table 10: North America Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country, 2020-2035
Table 11: Europe Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 12: Europe Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 13: Europe Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 14: Europe Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Manufacturing Process, 2020-2035
Table 15: Europe Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 16: Asia Pacific Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 17: Asia Pacific Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 18: Asia Pacific Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 19: Asia Pacific Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Manufacturing Process, 2020-2035
Table 20: Asia Pacific Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 21: Latin America Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 22: Latin America Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 23: Latin America Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 24: Latin America Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Manufacturing Process, 2020-2035
Table 25: Latin America Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 26: Middle East & Africa Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 27: Middle East & Africa Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 28: Middle East & Africa Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 29: Middle East & Africa Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Manufacturing Process, 2020-2035
Table 30: Middle East & Africa Automotive Advanced Polymer Composite Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
