Global PVC market analysis and forecast to 2020

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the third-most widely produced polymer, after polyethylene and polypropylene. It is one the most widely-used plastics and is produced by polymerisation of the monomer vinyl chloride. PVC has an amorphous structure with polar chlorine atoms and has fire retardant properties and oil/chemical resistance. It is widely used in construction, packaging, automotive and electrical industries due to properties such as; light weight, good mechanical strength, abrasion resistance and toughness. PVC can be bifurcated into two basic forms: rigid and flexible. The rigid form of PVC can be used in manufacturing of pipes, doors, windows, plastic bottles and so on. The flexible form of PVC can be used in plumbing, electrical cable insulation, imitation leather and so on.

On the basis of product type, the PVC market is classified as wire and cable, pipes and fittings, bottles and others. Based on the application, it is divided into two segments: rigid polyvinyl chloride and flexible polyvinyl chloride. The PVC market is also segmented on the basis of end-users: automotive, electrical, construction, packaging and others.

Asia Pacific is the largest market for PVC, accounting for more than 50%. The Asia Pacific region is expected to show a good growth rate over the forecast period due to the high growth potential of the building and construction industry. China represents the largest market for PVC in the Asia Pacific region.

Europe is the second largest market for PVC, followed by North America.

The market is expected to witness a double-digit growth rate in the coming years. Some of the major drivers include; high growth in the building and construction sector, high growth in the automobile industry and growing medical devices. Some of the major restraints for PVC market include; increasing competition from steel and concrete pipes and the prohibited use of PVC in the construction of green buildings.

Some of the major companies operating in the PVC market include; Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Solvay S.A., Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd., Formosa Plastics Group, Ineos Chlorvinyls Ltd, Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical Co. Ltd., Mexichem S.A.B., KEM one and Axiall Corporation.

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