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In 2005, global demand for adipic acid was 2.7 million metric tons. By the
end of 2006, global demand for adipic acid is forecast to be 2.8 million metric
tons.
The major markets for adipic acid are in use as a feedstock for nylon 66 fibers
and resins, polyester polyols and plasticizers. Globally, the nylon fiber and
engineering resin markets accounted for 63% of total consumption of adipic
acid in 2005. These markets are almost entirely captive, with INVISTA and Solutia
dominating the markets in North America; Rhodia, INVISTA and BASF the top producers
in Western Europe; and Asahi Kasei dominating the Japanese market. Globally,
the polyester polyols market accounts for 21% of the total consumption of adipic
acid and the plasticizers market accounts for 7%.
The following graph shows world supply/demand for adipic acid by region:
In the United States, adipic acid demand for nylon 66 fiber, nylon 66 engineering
resin and polyester polyols is expected to increase by 1.7–3.2% per year,
while demand in adipate-based plasticizers will remain flat.
In Western Europe, consumption of adipic acid for nylon 66 fibers, nylon 66
engineering resins and polyester polyols will grow at an average rate of approximately
2% per year during 2005–2010.
In Japan, consumption of adipic acid for nylon 66 fibers will grow at an average
rate of 5.9% per year during 2005–2010. Consumption for nylon 66 engineering
resins will grow at 2.5% per year. Use for polyester polyols will decrease
by 1% per year, and demand for plasticizers will decrease by 1.2% per year.
China is expected to exhibit the fastest growth in the world. Consumption
for the production of polyester polyols, which are used in hotmelt adhesives
for shoe soles and other products, has grown swiftly. PetroChina Liaoyang Petrochemical’s
second adipic acid plant came on stream in 2004. Net imports to China (mainly
from the Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore and Germany) decreased from 172
thousand metric tons in 2004 to 139 thousand metric tons in 2005.
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