|
World consumption of MMA was nearly 2.5 million metric tons in 2005. In spite
of strong global demand and increased production, global capacity utilization
increased only slightly in 2005, largely the result of the commissioning of
nearly 600 thousand metric tons of additional capacity during 2002–2005.
Between 2002 and 2005, world capacity for MMA grew at an average annual rate
of 6.9%, outpacing world consumption, which grew at an average annual rate
of 5.0% during the same period.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of methyl methacrylate:
Construction/remodeling activity, automotive applications and original equipment
manufacture account for approximately 85% of world MMA consumption. Demand
for these markets is greatly influenced by general economic conditions. As
a result, demand for MMA largely follows the patterns of the leading world
economies. The markets for MMA are primarily captive; many large producers
consume 50–60% of their production captively, mainly for polymethylmethacrylate
resins (PMMA) or surface coating emulsions.
World consumption of MMA grew at an average annual rate of 5.0% during 2002–2005,
partly the result of a recovering global economy. Strong Asian demand in all
applications boosted overall demand. World consumption is forecast to grow
at an average annual rate of about 5% during 2005–2010. Continuing rapid
demand growth in most regions, particularly in Asia, mainly for PMMA electronic
applications (flat screen televisions and liquid crystal displays), will balance
moderate growth in some markets, such as the United States and Western Europe.
|
