CEH Report

Table of Contents

Abstract

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.