Global Aniline Seeks Support from Downstream MDI, Pricing likely to Level-up Q3 Onwards
About Product:
Aniline (C6H5NH2) is yellow to
brownish oily liquid possessing a musty fishy odor. Aniline consists of an
amino group attached to a phenyl group and is the prototypical aromatic amine.
Aniline is used as a precursor while producing a wide variety of products such
as polyurethane foam, agrochemicals, synthetic dyes, antioxidants, rubber
additives, varnishes and explosives. The key raw materials used for the
industrial production of Aniline are Benzene, Hydrogen and concentrated Nitric
Acid. The most common route for Aniline production is through nitrobenzene
which is produced via nitration of Benzene in a continuous or batch process.
This is followed by the catalytic vapor phase hydrogenation of Nitrobenzene.
About 75% of the global Aniline produced is utilized for the production of
methylene diphenyl diisocycanate (MDI), a chemical compound used as a raw
material in a wide variety of sectors such as construction and automotive and
for consumer products such as household appliances, clothing and footwear.
Aniline Pricing Overview : https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/aniline-27
Asia
The Asia Pacific Aniline demand
surpassed its Q2 quarter levels as strong demand for MDI served as the key
contributing factor for improved margins. The Chinese Aniline plant operating
levels have been high, driven by increased buying sentiments right from
mid-June onwards, which however, is yet to regain strength up to the
pre-pandemic levels. Strong recovery in PU foams sector which is used in the
furniture and appliances is predicted with many Southeast Asian producers
ramping up production feeling the festive push. Indian Aniline demand from the
pharmaceutical industry remained high throughout the quarter with several
market players receiving shipment orders from the US.
Europe
The Aniline market remained
pressured in the third quarter as the second wave of COVID-19 wreaked havoc in
the Europe Union. The demand for Aniline from the downstream automotive and
construction sectors remained muted as the economy continued to grapple with
the economic downturn. The pricing curve maintained grounds as there were
several reports of downstream MDI plant turnarounds in the region, further
pressing the demand side. Production outages at several automotive factories
further crimped the Aniline consumption. The quarter ended with the news of
Borsod Chem starting production at its new 200 KTPA aniline plant in Hungary
during Q3 FY21.
North America
Regional Aniline demand witnessed
a sharp rebound with strong uptick in PU demand from the automotive and
construction sector which remained in doldrums during the second quarter as the
nation continued strictest coronavirus-related restrictions on economic
activity. The end-use markets reported supply tightness due to logistic
disruptions and plant closures in several US provinces caused by the Hurricane
Laura. Aniline consumption by the manufacturers of methylene diphenyl
diisocycanate (MDI) showed sharp recovery with better sales figures reported
from sectors such as consumer durables and home appliances.
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