Asian Adhesives & Sealants
According to the consulting firm Kus­umgar, Nerlfi & Growney, formulated adhesive and sealant consumption in Asia was 7.5 billion pounds in 2008 and worth $8.5 billion. Growth in the region was strong in the first half of the year, but fell off in the fourth quarter. December was a challenging month, with most countries experiencing volume declines from the prior year. Regional growth for 2009 is projected at 2-3% with China and India leading the way. Long term growth through 2013 is forecast to average 6%/yr. All of the countries in the region have announced stimulus programs. Interest rates have also been lowered to spur the economies. China and India have weathered the downturn the best. Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have experienced sharp downturns.
Formulated adhesive consumption in Asia was 6.6 billion pounds in 2008 valued at just over $7 billion. Sealant consumption was 870 MM lb worth $1.44 billion. Adhesives and sealants are each forecast to advance 6%/yr through 2013. Pressure sensitive adhesives are the largest end use representing about one-third of the adhesive and sealant volume in 2008 and just over one-fifth of the value. Construction adhesives and sealants are second with 13% of the pounds and 17% of the dollars. Construction and automotive adhesives and sealants, along with electronic adhesives, are the end uses that have been most hurt by the global economic slowdown. Packaging, disposables and consumer are end uses that have held-up better.
The above information is contained in Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney’s just completed study, Asian Adhesives & Sealants, 2008-2013. For more information contact the company by calling 973-439-0030 or by e-mail at nerlfikng@cs.com.