Abstract
Global demand to increase 4.5% per year through 2012
Worldwide demand for plastic pipe is forecast to increase 4.5 percent annually
to 8.1 billion meters in 2012. In weight terms, consumption is projected to
expand 4.6 percent per year to 18.1 million metric tons, reflecting a slightly
higher use of plastic pipe in large diameter applications, which exhibit a
higher weight per meter ratio. The gains in length represent a deceleration
from the growth recorded from 2002 to 2007, based on slowing growth in
construction activity in many key markets.
Developed countries will continue to account for the majority of total plastic
pipe demand. These regions (Western Europe and North America, as well as
Japan) are comparatively mature markets where growth in building activity
tends to be well below the global average. Greater growth opportunities will
continue to be concentrated in developing markets, such as China, India and
other emerging nations in the Asia/ Pacific region; Eastern Europe; Latin
America; and the Africa/Mideast region.
PVC to remain dominant pipe material
Plastic pipe products will continue to expand their share of the overall world
pipe market. There are many reasons for this, including light weight and low
cost advantages, good corrosion resistance, long life and increasing
acceptance in markets previously dominated by concrete and metal pipe.
PVC pipe, which accounted for twothirds of plastic pipe demand in 2007, will
remain the primary plastic pipe in use, due to its widespread use in numerous
construction applications. However, HDPE, reinforced fiberglass and other
types of plastic pipe will offer greater opportunities for growth.
Study coverage
World Plastic Pipe, a new Freedonia industry study analyzes the 14.5
million metric ton world market for plastic pipe products. It presents
historical demand data for 1997, 2002 and 2007 plus forecasts for 2012 and
2017 by resin in six regions and 24 countries. In addition, the study
considers market environment factors, assesses company market shares and
profiles more than 30 global industry competitors.
Freedonia's methods involve:
- Establishing consistent economic and market forecasts
- Using input/output ratios, flow charts and other economic methods to quantify data
- Employing in-house analysts who meet stringent quality standards
- Interviewing key industry participants, experts and end users
- Researching a proprietary database that includes trade publications, government reports and corporate literature
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