By 2018 production of polyurethane products is forecast to be 4.78 million tonnes, equivalent to an average growth of 3.7 % p.a. over the next five years.
Total production of polyurethane products in the Americas is reported to have been 3.98 million tonnes in 2013 compared with 3.84 million tonnes in 2012. By 2018 production of polyurethane products is forecast to be 4.78 million tonnes, equivalent to an average growth of 3.7 % p.a. over the next five years, according to IAL Consultants recently published market study "PU Chemicals and Products in the Americas 2014 – First Edition”.
The polyurethane industry remains larger by far in North America, which is dominated by the USA, but expected growth rates are strongest in the developing South American market, at 4.7% p.a. over the forecast period. Flexible Foam and Rigid Foam dominate the production of polyurethane products in the Americas, with shares of 36% and 30% respectively. The CASE and Binders segments are comparatively much smaller.