Automotive paint prices are continuing to rise, with global coatings manufacturers openly acknowledging pricing increases in response to sustained cost pressures across raw materials, energy and supply chains.
Leading suppliers including PPG Industries, AkzoNobel, Axalta Coating Systems and Sherwin-Williams have all referenced pricing actions in their latest annual reports and financial disclosures.
Among them, PPG has been the most explicit, confirming global price increases of up to 20 per cent across parts of its portfolio, citing rising costs for raw materials, freight, packaging and energy. The company has pointed to 'pricing strength' as a key contributor to maintaining profitability in a challenging cost environment.
AkzoNobel has similarly attributed its financial performance to higher product pricing, noting that price increases have been used to offset inflation in input costs. In its reporting, it refers to 'pricing initiatives' and 'margin management' as central to its strategy.
Axalta, a major supplier to the collision repair sector, uses the term 'positive price-mix' to describe its performance, a reference to both direct price increases and a shift toward higher-value coatings. Industry reporting has also indicated targeted increases in refinish paint pricing, reinforcing the upward trend.
Meanwhile, Sherwin-Williams continues to reference 'pricing actions' and 'selling price increases' in its disclosures.
Across all four companies, the language may differ, but the strategy is consistent: escalating input costs are being offset through systematic price increases across coatings markets.
Increased prices for most commodities are to be expected with surging oil prices, the conflict between Iran and Israel/USA affecting shipping routes and other economic factors.
While these price rises might not be implemented in Australia immediately it's inevitable that they will filter through at some stage.
PPG, meanwhile, has assured its Australian customers that it is doing everything in its power to keep its prices fair and manageable.
"PPG is a global company with multiple business units servicing various markets globally. These global announcements do not reflect the position of the automotive refinish business here in Australia and New Zealand. Our valued customers can rest assured we are working diligently to absorb costs, manage supply robustness, and operate efficiently in a demanding supply environment so you can continue to count on PPG as your business partner of choice,” a spokesperson said.
While no single dataset tracks automotive paint pricing in Australia, the consistent messaging from global coatings giants provides strong evidence that increases here will eventually be unavoidable, with local repairers likely to feel the effects.