By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 9 -- World demand for methanol in 2004 is forecast to be relatively flat with 2003 demand figures while 2005 demand is expected to increase significantly, said Houston-based petrochemical consultant Chemical Market Associates Inc. (CMAI).
CMAI recently completed the 2005 World Methanol Analysis, an annual study providing information on supply, demand, production, history, and forecasts for methanol capacity, trade, and pricing.
"Industry supply and demand remains in somewhat of a stalemate," the report said.
World methanol demand was 32.09 million tonnes in 2003, it is forecast at 32.01 million tonnes in 2004, and 33.23 million tonnes in 2005, the report said.
More than 18 million tonnes of net new capacity is expected during the 5-year forecast period. A significant number of new producing facilities are planned in South America, the Middle East, and Australia.
