Abstract
Global production and consumption of MDI in 2007 was approximately 3.7 million metric tons. Global capacity utilization was 90% in 2007; this was a considerable decline from 2006 due to a larger increase in capacity than consumption. Global MDI consumption is estimated to have increased by 2.1% in 2007, and is expected to increase by 6.6% per year from 2007 to 2012, declining to 3.7% per year from 2012 to 2017. Due to considerable MDI capacity increments, average global utilization rates are expected to decline to the low-80s range by 2009, gradually increasing afterward.
Polyurethane resins make up approximately 80% of total MDI consumption.