World LLDPE supply to exceed 31.4 mln tons in 2017

18-Feb-14

During 2009-2012, the global polyethylene linear low density (LLDPE) market witnessed sustained growth. As per Merchant Research & Consulting, in 2012, the world LLDPE supply registered a 6.6% YoY increase and touched the 25.9 mln ton mark. Asia-Pacific and North America held the largest shares of the overall supply volume. The US, China, Saudi Arabia, Canada and Brazil were the top five LLDPE manufacturing countries; in 2012, their combined share of the overall production stood at over 54% in 2012. The world LLDPE consumption dropped considerably during the global crisis in 2008. Nevertheless, it showed positive development in 2010. Between 2010 and 2012, the overall consumption volume increased from above 21.34 mln tons to more than 25.8 mln tons. The highest demand growth rates were registered in 2010 and 2011 – 10.7% and 13.6%, respectively. In 2012, Asia was ranked as the leading LLDPE consumer in the world, calling for approximately 44% of the overall consumption. The worldwide LLDPE production is likely to see stable growth in the upcoming years to exceed 31.4 mln tons in 2017. The major market growth stimulators include the rising demand for LLDPE worldwide alongside scheduled capacity additions.