Market survey

Global Production:
Global IPA production capacity was 2,153 thousand metric tons (4,747 million pounds) in 2003, although global capacity use was roughly 80%. Approximately, 74% of the global IPA capacity is concentrated in the United States, Western Europe and Japan. Dow produced approximately 12% of the IPA in 2003 at its site in Texas City, Texas, where it has 411 thousand metric tons (906 million pounds) capacity. The biggest international companies that produce isopropyl alcohol are as follows: Leading Global Manufacturers Dow, Texas City, Tex. Equistar, Channelview, Tex. ExxonMobil, Baton Rouge, La. Shell, Deer Park, Tex. Total CAPACITY [Million pounds] 550
65 660 60 1875

The global market for isopropanol remains oversupplied, with flat demand growth in Europe and the US but stronger growth in Asia. Hence global demand is expected to grow at only 2-2.5%/year.