Abstract
The U.S. and Chinese markets for synthetic latex polymers in the nonwoven and textile markets reached 337,000 dry tons (or 744 million dry pounds) in 1996. Overall, the demand for latex polymers in these two market segments will grow to 377,000 dry tons (or 831 million dry pounds) in 2001. Latex usage in nonwovens in these two regions will reach an estimated 202,000 dry tons (or 445 million dry pounds) in 2001, representing average annual growth of 2.2% a year. Likewise, demand in the textile market will grow to 175,000 dry tons (or 386 million dry pounds) in 2001. It is critical to understand that the demand for latex polymer in both markets in the United States will follow that of a more mature market, growing at approximately 2% a year. Demand in China, however, will grow by an estimated 6% a year, but from a very small base.
Future demand for latex polymers in the nonwovens market will be driven by such factors as:
• Consumer discretionary income and preference
• The continued development of specialty niche applications
• Capacity changes in nonwoven products