PU growth of 2% is dwarfed by that in Eastern Europe and the Middle East

Consumption of PU chemicals and products in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) is estimated to grow by nearly 4% per year. According to IAL Consultants, this will take total PU production in the region to 5.5 million tonnes in 2009.

Although western Europe accounts for 70% of EMEA’s PU production, the strongest growth is in eastern Europe and the Middle East – with forecast growth rates over the next five years of 6.4% and 8.9%, respectively. West European PU market growth is expected to slow down to 2.2% per annum as a result of a lower construction industry activity and the continued shift of manufacturing to eastern Europe.

“Investment in the production of refrigerators, building materials and vehicles is planned for several East European countries,” says Angela Austin, associate director at IAL.