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Aniline, mostly for methylenebis(4-phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) production, accounts
for nearly all world nitrobenzene consumption; minor applications include
use as a chemical intermediate for pharmaceuticals, solvents and dyes and use
as a direct solvent. Since most MDI producers are captive in nitrobenzene/aniline,
typically in integrated units, nearly all MDI expansions result in increased
production and consumption of nitrobenzene/aniline. 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 nitrobenzene:
World consumption of nitrobenzene
grew at an average annual rate of 8.0%
during 2003–2006, the result
of a recovering global economy since
2001 and increased MDI capacity. Strong
Asian demand for all applications of
MDI boosted world demand during 2003–2006.
World consumption is forecast to grow
at an average annual rate of 7.1% during
2006–2011. Continuing rapid demand
growth in some regions, particularly
in Asia and Central and Eastern Europe,
mainly as a result of continued expansion
of integrated nitrobenzene/aniline/MDI
units, will balance out moderate growth
in markets such as the United States. |
