In 2013, the global isopropanol (IPA) production was slightly over 2.23 million tonnes, an increase by 45,000 from 2012. At present, APAC holds the largest share of approximately 43 percent, with North America and Europe also being prominent regional producers. In 2013, APAC produced around 960,000 tonnes of IPA, while North America and Europe produced 814,000 tonnes and 417,000 tonnes, respectively.
Country-wise, the USA is an unrivalled leader in terms of IPA production. In 2013, the country produced over 730,000 tonnes of IPA. China, Germany, Japan and South Korea are also in the top five in terms of production volume.
World isopropanol (IPA) production by country, 2013 (tonnes)
The USA is the industry leader in terms of IPA capacity, as well. In 2013, the country’s annual capacity stood at 840,000 tonnes. China also has a significant IPA capacity (650,000 tonnes per year, as of 2013).
The recession of 2008-2008 led to the drop in demand. However, the situation improved in 2010, and the demand for IPA started to grow. In 2011, the IPA consumption amounted to 2.1 million tonnes, and it was over 2.23 million tonnes in 2013.
APAC is the world’s largest IPA consumer. In 2013, more than 890,000 tonnes of IPA were consumed in the region. North America and Europe are also prominent IPA consumers.
Global isopropanol (IPA) consumption broken down by region, 2013 (tonnes)
Historically, production of acetone used to be a key application of IPA, but currently solvent application accounts for over 65 percent of the total demand.
The global IPA production is expected to continue growing in the years to come. In 2017, for instance, it is forecast to be just under 2.5 million tonnes.
The IPA consumption is likely to grow by 2.5 percent on an annual basis in the years ahead. It is expected to be more than 2.4 million tonnes in 2017. Europe and North America will show moderate growth, while the IPA consumption is set to grow swiftly in APAC.
More information on the IPA market can be found in topical research study “Isopropanol (IPA): 2014 World Market Outlook and Forecast up to 2018”.