Consumption of MDI predicted to reach 1.2 million tonnes this year

An export recovery that proved to be better than expected, combined with explosive growth in domestic demand for appliances and automotives caused Chinese MDI consumption in 2009 increase by double digit rates. MMDI consumption is reported to have increased by 10% to 300,000 t and PMDI by nearly 25% to 700,000 t.

Government stimulus policies are expected to maintain high levels of demand for new cars and appliances throughout 2010, creating a demand for as much as 1.2 million tonnes of MDI in total, - 20% growth over 2009.

MDI capacity in China totalled 1.14 million tonnes in 2009. with output of some 700,000tonnes. Output is expected to reach 935,000 tonnes in 2010 to meet demand.