| |
After experiencing strong demand in the late
1990s and most of 2000, demand for C1-C4 alkyl acetates declined or remained stable
in most regions in 2001. In 2001, global demand for C1-C4 alkyl acetates reached
2.4 million metric tons. In the United States, consumption of C1-C4 alkyl acetates
declined by nearly 8% between 2000 and 2001 as a result of the economic slowdown.
Although weak economic conditions were experienced in most world regions, demand
for C1-C4 alkyl acetates was buoyed in some markets by relatively strong residential
construction and remodeling activity. Ethyl and n-butyl acetates fared relatively
better than other acetates, especially methyl acetate. Additional C1-C4 alkyl
acetate capacity will not be required to meet projected demand for the next four
to five years; with no additional capacity, global capacity utilization is forecast
to reach 85% by 2006.
Global demand for ethyl and n-butyl acetates,
the two largest-volume C1-C4 alkyl acetates, is forecast to grow between 3% and
4% because of strong demand for surface coatings and as replacements for restricted
solvents. n-Propyl acetate is the fastest-growing C1-C4 alkyl acetate; printing
inks are behind most of the growth for n-propyl acetate. The slowest-growing C1-C4
alkyl acetate is methyl acetate because of its use in cellulose acetate for cigarette
filter tow and filament yarn.
Growth in demand for C1-C4 alkyl acetates
varies by acetate and region. Total growth in the United States is small because
of the large volumes of methyl acetate consumed in the manufacture of acetic anhydride;
this application is declining. Excluding methyl acetate, U.S. consumption of C1-C4
acetates is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 1.7% between 2001 and
2006. The near lack of methyl acetate consumption in all other regions results
in larger rates of growth in these other regions. Demand in Western Europe is
expected to grow at 1.2% per year during 2001–2006. Demand in Southeast Asia
is expected to experience much higher growth rates, because of increasing production
of surface coatings and demand for inks. Consumption of C1-C4 alkyl acetates in
Japan, especially ethyl acetate, is expected to grow robustly because of the continued
replacement of toluene in inks.
|
