World Analysis – Toluene & Mixed Xylenes

Duration: Long-term outlook to 2050

Toluene is an aromatic compound produced mainly from catalytic reforming of naphtha and from steam cracking of paraffinic hydrocarbons. Toluene is also generated as a byproduct of styrene production and coke production. Toluene is utilized as a high-octane, low vapor pressure gasoline blend stock and as a solvent in various applications such as paints, coatings, sealants, elastomers, inks, dyes, cleaning agents, and adhesives. Toluene is also used to produce benzene and mixed xylenes in various transalkylation and disproportionation processes. Toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) and benzoic acid represent intermediate chemicals produced from toluene. TDI is used to produce polyurethane polymers which are used broadly for various applications including foam for mattresses, furniture and car seats; refrigerator insulation; elastomers for shoe soles and gel pads; and protective varnishes, coatings, and adhesives. Benzoic acid is an intermediate used to produce plasticizers, food preservatives, artificial flavors, insect repellent, phenol, and topical antiseptics.

Mixed xylenes are C8H10 aromatics comprised mostly of paraxylene, orthoxylene, metaxylene, and ethylbenzene. Mixed xylenes are produced commercially from catalytic reforming of naphtha, disproportionation and transalkylation of Toluene, and steam cracking of paraffinic hydrocarbons. Mixed xylenes are processed to isolation each of the primary xylene isomers for further use. The paraxylene isomer has by far the largest demand and is utilized primarily to produce polyester fiber and plastic bottles. Orthoxylene is isolated primarily to produce phthalic anhydride, a plasticizer in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride products. Metaxylene is isolated and used to produce isophthalic acid, which, in turn, is used to manufacture polyethylene terephthalate (PET) soft-drink bottles. Mixed xylenes, much like toluene, are also used in solvent applications for paints, coatings, sealants, elastomers, inks, dyes, cleaning agents, and adhesives.

Duration: Long-term outlook to 2050

The World Analysis – ABS Resins provides a comprehensive analysis and key insights into critical market developments as they shape the future outlook for the global ABS Resins market.

The following reports, data files, analytical tools and visualization modules are available online and can be downloaded from our website:

• Direct Access to the Subject Matter Experts
• In-depth exploration of present market strategic insights, recognition of critical challenges, and presentation of our experts’ forecasts and analysis
• Explanatory Notes detailing data sources, methodologies, unit and conversion factors, and World Analysis deliverables.
• Energy and Economy assumptions
• Price, cost, and margin base assumptions forecast and sensitivities analysis, including price assessment methodology and price definitions across all regions.
• Excel data files with standard supply/demand graphics and price forecasts extended to 2050, trade grids with country and regional trade flows Data appendix (Excel) with supply/demand, capacity and trade tables.
• An online dashboard visualization of capacity, supply/demand, trade grids, and price, cost and margin forecasts
• Supply/demand and capacity database access via data browser
• Data Appendix (Excel) with supply/demand and capacity tables
• Capacity by company/shareholder, capacity integration, top producer/consumer and surplus/deficit capacity ranking, and ownership/subsidiary information

In addition to the main product, Methanol, capacity and textual analysis are provided for the following products:

• Acetic Acid
• Biodiesel
• Chloromethanes
• Dimethyl ether
• Formaldehyde
• Gasoline Blending
• Methanol-to-olefins / Methanol-to-Propylene
• Methyl methacrylate
• Methyl tert-butyl ether
• Methylamine
• Methanol as a marine bunker fuel

This World Analysis contains detailed information on capacities, production, demand, and trade for all significant producing and consuming countries and regions. Although data gathering is essential for understanding history and potential future trends, we believe that the interpretation and analysis of the data is the most valuable information to our clients.

Duration: Long-term outlook to 2050