London -- Polyurethane production in South America started recovering in 2010 soon after the adverse effects resulting from the global crisis. Since then, these markets have experienced overall growth, with total production of polyurethane products reaching 725.3 kilotonnes (kt) in 2011, according to a new study by market research experts IAL Consultants.
By 2016 this figure is forecast to be 906.5 kt, equivalent to a mean annual growth of 4.6 percent.
IAL Consultants' fourth edition of this study of the markets for Polyurethane Chemicals and Products in South America updates and expands on a previous study, published in 2009.
A lengthy programme of interviews throughout the industry has allowed IAL to give a more comprehensive breakdown of the CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers) market into its associated end-uses, the group said.
The report contains figures for both PU product manufacture and raw material consumption, with 2011 as the base year. Market forecasts are provided for 2016.
Unsurprisingly, Brazil is by far the largest producer of polyurethane products in South America and uses about 72 percent of the associated raw materials consumed in the region, said IAL. Brazil, one of the 'BRIC' growth regions, is one of the fastest developing economies in the world with an annual average GDP growth over 5 percent.
In addition, the upcoming 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Brazil have propelled construction levels with investments being made in infrastructure as well as in building new hotels and other facilities. Polyurethane producers of all types (flexible foam, rigid foam, CASE, and binders) have benefitted from these, the consultancy said.
See more at www.ialconsultants.com and in the next issue of Urethanes Technology International.
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