Global PTA Consumption to exceed 50.5 mln tons by 2012

07-Nov-08

Global consumption of Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) is projected to exceed 50.5 mln tons by the end of the year 2012 as per a report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. PTA industry is facing surplus capacity due to massive capacity expansions taking place in China, driven by the huge capacity additions in Chinese polyester industry. Worldwide PTA capacity is projected to grow at 6% pa during the period 2008-2013. Worldwide Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) consumption totaled an estimated 37 mln tons in 2007. China is the largest market for PTA, accounting for an estimated 43% of the global consumption volume in 2008. Middle East is projected to post the fastest annual growth rate over the years 2001 through 2010, with consumption poised to grow at a CAGR of 33.14%. Polyester constitutes the largest end-use segment, with consumption estimated at about 61% of the global volume in 2008. European PTA producers posted better margins in 2007, as they were unaffected from Asian PTA margin issues because of freight limitations & high costs. Other supporting factors include short-term reduction in European PTA production capacity and limited imports of PTA from Mexico because of plant problems. PTA capacity in China is projected to grow at a rate of 13.5% during 2008-13, with an estimated 3.19 million tons capacity addition in 2007, 1.65 million tons in 2008, and 4.65 million tons in 2009. Despite these huge capacity additions, China would continue to import more than 5 million tons per year till 2013. A majority of these imports would come from other Asian nations. China's PTA producers would face tough time with margin issues and low operating rates. Leading players profiled in the report include BP Chemical Ltd., China American Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (CAPCO), DAK Americas, LLC, Ibn Rushd, Interquisa, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Petrotemex S.A. de C.V., and Reliance Industries Limited, among others.