Jan 10 2011
The US bromine market witnessed a marginal drop in demand during 2008 and 2009 impacted by global economic recession.
Lowered demand for the mineral in various end-use segments including flame retardants and drilling fluids among others resulted in reduced market revenues. However, the market exhibited signs of recovery in 2010 and is poised to grow further in the coming years driven by increased consumption in various end-use segments, especially the flame retardants sector.
The US represents the leading producer as well as consumer of Bromine in the world. In early 1970s, the US bromine production accounted for more than 2/3rd share of the overall world production. However, the country witnessed a steady decline in its share in the global production over the past few decades. Widespread production activity in other leading bromine producing countries including Israel, China and Jordan among others has resulted in a drop in the US share.
Flame Retardants constitutes the largest as well as fastest growing end-use segment, as stated by the new market research report on Bromine. Flame retardant is a plastic additive that decreases plastic’s flammable characteristics by eliminating combustion components such as oxygen, heat and fuel chemically from plastic. [Drilling Fluids] represents the second major end-use segment of bromine.
Methyl bromide, a widely used form of bromine, is a popular pesticide used by agriculturalists the world over. The compound is very effective and quickly reaches deep inside the object on which it is being sprayed. However, with the virtual ban of methyl bromide, there is a growing disconcert for a replacement fumigant that can be as effective as the former. While some are turning towards compost as a substitute, some are still engaged in research to find potential alternatives.
Major players profiled in the report include Albemarle Corporation, Arab Potash Company, Chemtura Corporation, Chemada Fine Chemicals Company Ltd., Hindustan Salts Limited, Israel Chemicals Limited, Dead Sea Bromine Company Ltd., Solaris ChemTech Ltd., Tata Chemicals Ltd., The Dow Chemical Company, Tosoh Corporation, among others.
The research report titled “Bromine: A US Market Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the US and select regional bromine markets, current market trends, competitive scenario, product overview, recent industry activity, and profiles of major/niche global as well as regional market participants. The report provides annual sales estimates and projections for bromine market for the years 2007 through 2015 for the US market. Key end-use segments analyzed include Flame Retardants, Drilling Fluids, Brominated Pesticides, Water Treatment Chemicals, and Others. Also, a six-year (2001-2006) historic analysis is provided for additional perspective.