Air Duct Market Analysis

Across South America, the air duct market sits at a transition point shaped by urban growth, public infrastructure upgrades, and stricter building oversight, moving far beyond improvised sheet-metal practices common in the late twentieth century. In Brazil, the turning point came during the 2000s construction boom in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, when high-rise commercial towers and enclosed shopping centers pushed designers to adopt engineered air distribution aligned with ABNT NBR 16401, the national standard that redefined thermal comfort and airflow performance. Chile followed a different path, where post-earthquake rebuilding after 2010 forced mechanical designers to rethink duct anchoring and vibration control under the General Urbanism and Construction Ordinance enforced by the Ministry of Housing and Urbanism. Colombia’s evolution was closely tied to healthcare expansion, especially after the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio modernization in Bogotá highlighted how poorly sealed air pathways contributed to contamination risks. Over time, the region’s climate diversity has shaped duct design choices, with corrosion-resistant finishes becoming essential in coastal Peru and Ecuador due to high salinity, while insulation density gained importance in Argentina’s colder southern provinces. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated change, as ministries of health across Brazil, Chile, and Argentina issued emergency ventilation recommendations that exposed outdated air conveyance layouts in public buildings. What once functioned as a hidden construction component is now treated as a critical system affecting energy use, safety, and indoor conditions. Today the South American air duct landscape is defined by this gradual professionalization, influenced by public policy, climate realities, and a growing awareness that airflow design is inseparable from building performance and occupant well-being. According to the research report, "South America Air Duct Market Research Report, 2031," published by Actual Market Research, the South America Air Duct market is anticipated to add USD 150 Million by 2026–31. The current South American air duct market is shaped by targeted developments and the actions of established industrial players responding to regional priorities rather than uniform continental demand. Brazil remains the operational anchor, where industrial clusters in Campinas and Joinville support fabrication for logistics hubs and data centers, projects that expanded rapidly after the São Paulo state government promoted digital infrastructure investment in 2021.

Multinational suppliers such as Johnson Controls and Trane Technologies have expanded engineering teams in Brazil and Chile to adapt airflow systems for energy labeling programs tied to national efficiency plans. In Chile, the completion phase of the Nuevo Pudahuel International Airport in Santiago created benchmarks for low-leakage air conveyance and acoustic control, influencing specifications later adopted in public hospitals under the Servicio de Salud Metropolitano. Argentina’s market momentum has been tied to institutional retrofits, particularly university buildings in Buenos Aires, where firms like Trox Argentina supported compliance with updated ventilation guidance issued by the Ministry of Education after pandemic disruptions. Colombia has seen notable momentum from mixed-use developments in Medellín, with companies such as Systemair establishing local partnerships to serve high-altitude performance requirements. Across the region, the most visible developments are not volume driven but specification driven, with procurement increasingly led by consulting engineers rather than contractors. .

Market Dynamic

Air DuctSegmentation

Fabric ducts are the fastest-growing material in the South American air duct market because they offer lightweight installation, flexible design, and efficient airflow distribution suitable for diverse commercial, industrial, and public spaces.

Fabric ducts are increasingly preferred in South America due to their adaptability to a wide variety of construction projects and the region’s need for cost-effective yet efficient ventilation solutions. In many urban centers across Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, there is a rising demand for large commercial buildings, sports arenas, hospitals, and industrial facilities that require uniform air distribution across wide spaces. Fabric ducts allow air to be delivered evenly throughout these environments, reducing hotspots and improving thermal comfort for occupants without the need for large, heavy metal ductwork. Their lightweight construction simplifies installation, which is particularly beneficial in areas with limited skilled labor or logistical challenges, enabling contractors to complete projects more quickly and efficiently. Fabric ducts can be tailored with perforations, diffusers, and various shapes to meet specific airflow requirements, making them highly versatile for retrofitting older buildings or designing new facilities. The ability to produce fabric ducts in different colors and designs also allows architects to incorporate functional ventilation into aesthetically sensitive spaces without compromising visual appeal. Additionally, many fabric duct systems are washable, making maintenance simpler and supporting hygiene standards in hospitals, food processing facilities, and educational institutions. Energy efficiency is another critical factor, as fabric ducts reduce air leakage and require lower fan energy, aligning with sustainability goals increasingly emphasized by governments and developers in South America.

Round ducts are the largest shape segment in the South American air duct market because they provide efficient airflow, reduce energy consumption, and are easier to install and maintain in commercial, industrial, and residential projects.

Round ducts are widely used in South America because their circular design allows air to move smoothly, minimizing turbulence and pressure loss, which improves the overall efficiency of HVAC systems. This is particularly important in large commercial buildings, factories, and public facilities, where energy savings and reliable airflow are critical for maintaining comfortable environments. The structural integrity of round ducts allows them to span long distances without excessive support, which is valuable in high-ceiling industrial warehouses, sports arenas, and shopping centers where ductwork must cover extensive areas. Installation is faster and less labor-intensive compared to rectangular systems, as round sections can be easily fabricated, connected, and sealed using standard fittings, making them practical for urban projects where time and resources may be limited. Maintenance is also more straightforward because cleaning equipment can access round ducts easily, and the consistent shape reduces the risk of dirt accumulation or airflow blockages. Round ducts can be constructed from various materials, including galvanized steel, aluminum, and flexible options, allowing designers to balance durability, cost, and energy efficiency depending on project requirements. Their widespread adoption is further supported by the region’s growing commercial and residential infrastructure development, where standardization of HVAC components and familiarity among contractors drive preference for round shapes.

The residential segment is the fastest-growing end-user category in the South American air duct market due to rapid urban housing development, growing middle-class populations, and increasing awareness of indoor air quality and energy efficiency in homes.

Residential construction is expanding quickly across South America, particularly in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, where urbanization is driving the development of new apartment complexes, single-family homes, and mixed-use housing projects. Rising disposable incomes and expanding middle-class populations have led homeowners to demand improved thermal comfort, proper ventilation, and healthier indoor environments, all of which depend on efficient ductwork systems. Governments are also encouraging energy-efficient building practices through codes and incentives, prompting builders to install insulated ducts and centralized HVAC systems that optimize energy use while maintaining consistent airflow across multiple rooms. In urban residential projects, space constraints often require flexible and lightweight duct materials that can be easily integrated into ceilings, walls, and narrow service areas, making both new construction and retrofits more practical. Homeowners are increasingly concerned with indoor air quality, including filtration of dust, pollen, and other pollutants, which has driven the installation of duct-based HVAC systems in both modern apartments and renovated older homes. Fabric, flexible metal, and lightweight steel ducts are being widely used to meet these performance and design requirements, while also allowing quieter and lower-maintenance operation compared to traditional metal systems.

Air Duct Market Regional Insights

Brazil is leading the South American air duct market because of its booming construction sector and increasing adoption of modern HVAC systems in commercial and residential buildings.

Brazil’s air duct market growth is closely tied to the country’s expanding construction industry, which encompasses high-rise residential buildings, commercial complexes, and industrial facilities requiring modern ventilation solutions. Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development have prompted widespread adoption of air duct systems to ensure comfort and proper air circulation in diverse climates across the country. Building codes and regulations increasingly focus on energy efficiency and thermal comfort, encouraging the integration of advanced ductwork in both new and retrofitted structures. Local manufacturers are producing a variety of duct materials, including galvanized steel and flexible options, allowing for customization to meet architectural and environmental requirements. The trend toward commercial modernization, especially in office buildings, shopping centers, and hospitality infrastructure, has increased the need for HVAC systems that rely heavily on efficient air ducts. Public awareness about indoor air quality, coupled with rising standards for health and safety in buildings, has further stimulated demand. Additionally, Brazil’s industrial base supports domestic production and distribution of duct systems, facilitating timely supply for large construction projects. As the country continues to invest in urban development and modern building practices, its air duct market strengthens, establishing Brazil as the leading market in South America.