U.S. Pigments Demand to Reach $3.6 Billion in 2007
U.S. demand for pigments is forecast to rise 5% annually, reaching $3.6 billion in 2007, according to a new study. Value gains will be driven by a shift in the product mix toward more-expensive organic and specialty types offering acceptable environmental profiles or providing unique optical effects for heightened consumer appeal.
Demand for inorganic pigments will remain relatively weak due to the continuing phase-out of heavy-metal types, according to The Freedonia Group (Cleveland) report, Pigments: Organic, Inorganic & Specialty. However, opportunities will arise for certain inorganic products, such as industrial-grade ultramarine, complex inorganic and bismuth vandate types.