| |
MDI production accounted for 73% of world aniline consumption; other large
applications include use as a chemical intermediate for rubber processing
chemicals, dyes and pigments. Since most MDI producers are captive in aniline
and its precursor nitrobenzene, typically in integrated units, nearly all MDI
expansions result in increased production and consumption of nitrobenzene/aniline.
MDI has been the driving force behind world growth in aniline demand since
1982. Future demand for aniline will continue to depend largely on MDI requirements.
MDI is consumed in polyurethane (PU) foam, both rigid and flexible. Most rigid
PU foam is used in construction and appliances while flexible PU foam is used
primarily in furniture and transportation. As a result, consumption of nitrobenzene/aniline/MDI
largely follows the patterns of the leading world economies and depends heavily
on construction/remodeling activity (residential and nonresidential),
automotive production and original equipment manufacture (OEM).
The following pie chart shows world consumption of aniline:
Between 2003 and 2006, world capacity for aniline grew at an average annual
rate of 6.2%, trailing world consumption, which grew at an average annual rate
of 8.4% during that period. Rapid demand growth in all regions during 2003–2006,
particularly in Asia (11.3% per year) and Europe (7.8% per year) was balanced
by slower yet significant growth in the United States (3.6% per year). World
trade in aniline accounted for less than 10% of production in 2006 since most
aniline produced is converted to MDI, typically in adjacent plants.
|
