Houston, TX, September 6, 2006--Chemical Market Associates, Inc. (CMAI) recently completed the 2007 World Nylon Fibers and Feedstocks Analysis, an annual global study that covers the future outlook and historical perspective for nylon intermediates, nylon textile, industrial, carpet fibers and engineering thermoplastics markets (ETP) from 2001 to 2011.
This analysis covers major issues and trends that CMAI believes will have a significant impact on global nylon markets during this time. Additionally, clients will find CMAI's new online supply/demand database a necessary tool for their strategic business decisions.
In-depth insight regarding the following key market influences is included: capacity, supply, demand, trade, prices, production costs and profitability. The following conclusions are found in the analysis for the key markets covered:
CMAI forecasts that growth will be approximately 1.8 percent per year over the forecast period, and stronger in nylon 6 versus nylon 6,6. The downstream demand for fibers and resin will be concentrated in Asia, where nylon 6 is preferred.
Growth will be approximately 2.3 percent per year during the forecast period and will be strongest in the automotive sector as nylon's uniquely high physical properties continue to provide value relative to metal and other polymers. However, growth over the forecast period is not as strong as historical rates due to advancements in competing materials and high nylon feedstock cost.
Demand growth will be very low, 0.3 percent per year through 2010. Polyester technology will continue to allow polyester to be substituted for nylon. The overall textile filament demand growth will come from the developing countries where polyester is preferred and overcapacity in China will reduce the demand and profitability for other Asian producers.
The demand in this market will grow by 3.3 percent over the forecast period. Demand growth that had been stimulated by the mining industry (where nylon reinforcement is used in heavy equipment tires and conveyor belts) is declining from its recent historic peak.
Nylon carpet BCF fiber production and demand will grow at an annual rate of approximately 0.7 percent through 2011, while nylon staple for carpet will decline 1.4 percent per year. There is, however, a growing likelihood that PET, 3GT, and PTT polyester BCF will take a substantial percentage of future nylon BCF growth.
Further insights into the Caprolactam, Adipic Acid and Cyclohexane markets for the 10 year window 2001-2011 are also included in the 2007 World Nylon Fibers and Feedstocks Analysis. Additionally, CMAI's Capacity and Supply/Demand databases create a full spectrum of knowledge pertinent to these markets.
CMAI is a petrochemical, plastics and fibers consulting firm that services a wide range of companies all over the world. Since 1979, CMAI's goal has been to provide accurate, timely consulting services for the worldwide industries that it covers. CMAI maintains offices in Houston, New York, London, Dubai, Dusseldorf, Singapore and Shanghai. Clients to CMAI services include chemical and oil companies, engineering & construction companies, banking and financial institutions, retailers/grocers, plastic converters, government agencies and trading companies.
CMAI's 2007 World Nylon Fibers and Feedstocks Analysis is available in CD- ROM format. For more information, visit CMAI's website: cmaiglobal.com.
