World demand for dyes and organic pigments is forecast to increase over 5.2% per year to $14.2 billion in 2004, with volume demand reaching 1.5 million metric tons over the same period. Overall gains in the organic colorants market will be driven primarily by the smaller but more vibrant organic pigments segment, while demand for dyes remains relatively weak due to heavy reliance on the slower growing textile industry. With higher priced organic pigments forecast to post the market’s strongest gains, the average price of organic colorants is expected to increase 1% per year to about $9.40/kg in 2004. Dye demand is heavily concentrated in Asia, particularly China, India, South Korea and Taiwan, while demand for organic pigments remains centered in the developed areas of North America, Western Europe, and Japan.

These and other trends are presented in World Dyes and Organic Pigments, a study from the Freedonia Group Inc., Cleveland.

The solid gains forecast for organic pigments are based primarily upon continuing expansion in their bedrock markets: printing ink and coatings, which together account for about 80% of demand. Pigment demand will benefit from rising global production levels and trends toward products that feature higher pigment loadings. Both the ink and paint sectors are in the midst of fundamental shifts with regard to the raw materials used in their manufacture, a move away from solventborne products and heavy-metal-based inorganic pigments. These trends are promoting pigment suppliers to invest heavily in product reformulation efforts, with the strongest gains forecast for high-performance pigments that can be used in waterborne ink and coatings, powder coatings, and radiation-curable inks and coatings. Demand for organic pigments will benefit from their favorable environmental profiles, tint strength and good performance. World demand for organic pigments is forecast to increase 6.4% per year to $5.5 billion in 2004.

This study is available from The Freedonia Group Inc., 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44143-2326. For more information, call Corinne Gangloff at 440/684.9600; fax 440/646.0484; or e-mail pr@freedoniagroup.com.