World Silicones

The Freedonia Group has published the new market study World Silicones, according to which world demand for silicones is forecast to rise 6.2 % annually to USD 16.7 billion in 2015. Advances will represent an acceleration from the pace of the 2005 – 2010 period, in which most developed markets in North America and Western Europe experienced sluggish increases or even declines. The Asia/Pacific region is expected to remain the largest and fastest-growing outlet for silicones through 2015.

Gains will continue to be driven by the large silicone market in China; although slowing from the nearly 20 % annual growth seen during the 2005 – 2010 period, the country will post strong double-digit annual gains going forward. Above-average growth is forecast for Central and South America, Eastern Europe and the Africa/Mideast region. These and other trends are presented in the new study.