London -- Total production of polyurethane products in South America was 705kT in 2017, and by 2022 this figure is forecast to reach 798kT, according to a new market report from IAL Consultants.
Brazil is by far the largest polyurethane market in South America, followed at some distance by Argentina.
Polyurethane consumption in the region has been severely affected by economic woes and production was in decline for several years. It only began to recover in 2017.
There is one diisocyanate producer in the region. This is Argentina-based Petroquimica Rio Tercero and because there is only one producer it leaves the region susceptible to raw material price increases and supply shortages.
Flexible Foam dominates the production of polyurethane products in South America, with a share of 55%. The rigid foam and coatings segments are sizeable, while production of PU adhesives & sealants and binders is negligible.
The report updates the 2016 edition with forecasts up to 2022.
| National production share in South America 2017 | |
|---|---|
| Country | % |
| Argentina | 12 |
| Brazil | 67 |
| Chile | 5 |
| Colombia | 6 |
| Peru | 3 |
| Rest of continent | 4 |
| Venezuela | 3 |
| Source: IAL Consultants | |
