World demand for refined butadiene will increase to 7.1 million metric tons in 1994, averaging 2%/year growth since 1989.
Meanwhile, interregional trade in refined butadiene in 1994 will decline to 564,000 tons from 643,000 tons in 1989, says Chemical Market Associates Inc. (CMAI), Houston.
CMAI forecasts markets for refined butadiene, based on estimated feedstock supply and demand for derivatives.
CMAI predicts regional expansions of butadiene productive capacity through 1994 will outpace demand except in Europe.
In western Europe, butadiene production during 1989-94 will increase by 1.2%/year. In eastern Europe, production will decline 2.1%/year.
Growing world production of acrylonitrile butadiene and styrene (ABS) resins, forecast by CMAI to increase at an average 6.9%/year from 1989 through 1994, will lead increasing butadiene demand.
CMAI says ABS production will be about 3.5 million tons in 1994, up from 2.5 million tons in 1988.
By 1994, world ABS capacity will surpass 4.4 million tons, exceeding 1988 capacity by about 1.25 million tons.
The Asia/Pacific region will pace additions to ABS capacity.
World production of styrene butadiene rubber will increase by an average 1%/year to 4.4 million tons in 1994 from 4.1 million tons in 1989, CMAI predicts.
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