The recession of 2008-2009 negatively impacted the market for sodium cyanide by slowing down its growth. In 2010, the market continued growing. In 2010, the global sodium cyanide output almost reached 730,000 tonnes, an increase by 47,000 tonnes from 2009. In 2013, it amounted to 880,000 tonnes, with the growth spurred by introduction of new capacities in such countries as the USA, South Korea and Russia.
Asia-Pacific leads the sodium cyanide industry in terms of production. North America and Europe are other prominent producers. In 2013, Asia-Pacific produced approximately 600,000 tonnes of sodium cyanide, while North America and Europe – 153,000 tonnes and 110,000 tonnes, respectively.
Country-wise, China, the USA, South Korea, Australia, Germany and Russia represent top sodium cyanide producers. In 2013, China produced over 290,000 tonnes of sodium cyanide, while the USA and South Korea – 153,000 tonnes and 119,000 tonnes, respectively.
Major sodium cyanide manufacturers in the world, 2013
Asia-Pacific owns the largest sodium cyanide capacity, estimated at more than 860,000 tonnes per year in 2013. Significant sodium cyanide capacities are also located in North America and Europe. China, the USA and Australia are top three countries holding largest sodium cyanide capacities. In 2013, the sodium cyanide capacity stood at 474,000 tonnes per year in China.
In 2010, the global sodium cyanide consumption amounted to 735,000 tonnes, up by 57,000 tonnes from 2009. In 2013, it was over 875,000 tonnes.
Asia-Pacific is the most prominent sodium cyanide consumer, with Europe and Latin America lagging behind. Asia-Pacific accounted for 51.1% of the global demand in 2013.
Global sodium cyanide consumption broken down by region, 2013 (tonnes)
The global sodium cyanide production is forecast to grow annually by around 4 percent. In 2017, the global output is expected to be over 1 million tonnes.
The consumption is set to grow, as well. The highest consumption growth is likely to be registered in Asia-Pacific, North America and Africa.
More information on the sodium cyanide market can be found in the research study “Sodium Cyanide: 2014 World Market Outlook and Forecast up to 2018”.