Better living standards and rising levels of car ownership are behind the increase

Better living standards and rising levels of car ownership are behind the increase

Polyurethane consumption is growing at nearly 4% a year in south-east Asia. According to IAL Consultants, output of PU products in the region was 343,000 tonnes last year. This is expected to increase by 3.7% each year, to reach 410,000 tonnes in 2008. However, growth may be even faster, as new plants are coming onstream in both China and South Korea.

The main reasons for this increasing PU demand are better living standards and rising levels of car ownership. Thailand – the region’s leading PU producer – is an important manufacturing base for Japanese automotive companies. Thailand accounts for 24% of PU output, Australia 22% and Singapore 21%. Another key growth area is the construction sector: IAL reports a particular increase in PU floor coatings.