Gains in global fluorochemical demand will be fueled by increasing production of refrigeration
and cooling equipment worldwide, as well as by an acceleration in primary aluminum output.
World demand to rise 3.9%
annually through 2016
Global demand for fluorine-containing
chemicals is forecast to rise 3.9 percent
per year to 3.5 million metric tons in
2016, valued at $19.7 billion. Gains will
be fueled by increasing production of
refrigeration and cooling equipment
worldwide, as well as by an acceleration
in primary aluminum output. However,
fluorochemical suppliers face a number
of challenges.
The first is obtaining
access to key raw materials such as
fluorspar, as exports from China -- by far
the world’s leading producer -- have
increasingly come under restrictions.
Another challenge is dealing with the
ever-shifting regulatory environment for
fluorocarbons, which are subject to
multiple global and national regulations
that vary considerably by region and
change over time. Finally, competition
with alternative products is intensifying in
a number of sectors -- particularly in the
blowing agent and commercial refrigeration
industries -- placing pressure on
fluorochemical suppliers serving these
markets.
Fluoropolymers to be
fastest growing products
Among other fluorochemical products,
fluoropolymers will see the most rapid
gains in demand, driven by expanding
opportunities for high-performance
materials in the motor vehicle, chemical
processing, electronics, and coatings
markets. Fluoropolymers have a very
low penetration rate in many parts of the
world, offering ample room for market
growth. Demand for inorganic and
specialty fluorochemicals will rise at a
pace close to the overall average
through 2016, benefiting from strong
growth in global aluminum production.
Additionally, rising production of semiconductors,
advanced batteries, and
other electronic components will fuel
demand for specialty gases and other
high-value fluorochemicals.
Shifts taking place among
fluorocarbon products
In the fluorocarbon segment, demand
will rise at a rate slightly below the
overall fluorochemical average through
2016. However, significant shifts are
taking place among individual products.
Due to Montreal Protocol requirements,
developed world countries are in the final
stages of phasing out ozone-depleting
HCFCs, while restrictions for developing
countries will begin to take effect in
2015.
As a result, HCFC demand will
decline going forward. Demand for HFCs
grew considerably from 2001 to 2011,
and they will continue their strong
advances as replacements for HCFCs in
the developing world. However, concerns
over the global warming potential
(GWP) of HFCs will begin to limit
demand, particularly in Western Europe,
presenting opportunities for low-GWP
HFO fluorocarbons to penetrate the
market.
Study Scope
This study analyzes the 2.9 million metric ton world fluorochemical industry. It presents historical demand data for the years 2001, 2006 and 2011, and forecasts for 2016 and 2021 by product (e.g., HCFCs, HFCs, inorganics and specialties, fluoropolymers), market (e.g., aluminum production, refrigerants, blowing agents, components, water treatment), world region and for 15 countries.
The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market shares and profiles 10 industry players, including DuPont, Daikin Industries and Solvay.
