European butadiene output could be weakened by region's sluggish car sales, as production will outpace demand by 162,953 tonnes in 2015, researcher says

Andrew Rogers

AKRON, Ohio , November 23, 2012 (European Plastics News (CBNB Abstracts)) – Europe's sluggish car sales is forecast to weaken the region's production of butadiene, which is the feedstock used for synthetic tyre rubber. According to GBI Research, production will overtake demand by 162,953 tonnes in 2015. In 2011, butadiene demand stood at 2,459,778 tonnes while production was 2,246,137 tonnes. In 2012, EU's passenger car sales is projected to fall 7% to 12.2 M vehicles, 21% below the 2007 record and the lowest demand recorded since 1995. But butadiene producers, targeting the export market, are planning production increases. Versalis plans to construct a 70,000 tonne/y plant at Dunkirk, France. Worldwide butadiene demand was pegged at 10,259,583 tonnes in 2011. GBI forecasts demand to rise to 14,543,120 tonnes by the end of 2020. Pacific Asia is projected to account for the highest demand for butadiene with 8,410,981 tonnes before the end of 2020. Original Source: Plastics News, http://plasticsnews.com/, Copyright Crain Communications Inc 2012.

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