Asia remains primary driver of global olefins demand

摘要

Despite uncertain economic reports, many Asian economies, China included, still boast GDP growth rates among the highest in the world. Economic growth invari- ably translates to demand growth for petro- chemicals and polymers, making Asia the en- gine of global demand for olefns. IHS Chemical forecasts global incremental demand growth for ethylene and propylene combined will exceed 10 million m.t. over the next fve years, with Asia accounting for 60%. New crackers based on shale-related ethane in North America or low-cost feedstocks in the Mideast grab the headlines, but Asia is set to add more olefns capacity than these two regions combined through 2020.