Chemicals and Materials Industry Shifts to Asia; India's Inadequate Infrastructure Curbs Growth.

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c50219) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report: Country Industry Forecast - Social Infrastructure & Labor Analysis for the Indian Chemicals, Materials and Foods Industry to their offering.

The dominance of the industrial triad - The United States, Japan, and Germany -in the chemicals and materials industry seems to be waning, with a slow down in domestic demand and global economy. Currently, the chemicals and materials industry is undergoing a geographical shift to Asia and Latin America, where the cost of production is low and demand is growing. The Middle East region is also gaining in popularity with the availability of abundant and inexpensive raw materials. Chemicals and materials companies in India are dispersed across the country and are characterized by multi-product processes. It comprises both small-scale and large-scale units.

The global food and beverages expenditure increased dramatically after the economic slowdown in 2000 and 2001, and was primarily buoyed by the North American as well as western and eastern European countries. The growth in Asia was moderate due to the sluggish economic conditions; while in Latin America, it was negative. India is the second largest producer of food and beverages in the world, after China. The transition from an era of food scarcity to surplus is testimony to the tremendous progress made by India. The rise in population, income levels, standard of living, and health awareness have resulted in higher production of food and beverages.

The infrastructure and labor factors also play a critical role in the development of this industry. General social and labor policies greatly impact this demand-driven industry and industry-specific policies, wherever effectively enforced, provide added impetus.

With some of the world's fastest growing economies such as China and India belonging to this region, Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit accelerated growth in demand for the chemicals and materials as well as food and beverages industries. In India, the infrastructure investment as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP) touched a 33-year low at 3.3 percent in 2003; however, it increased to 3.5 percent in 2005.

The dependence on raw materials is the most critical constraint faced by the domestic industry, which is beyond the control of the government and chemicals materials companies. The industry requires a significant amount of natural gas and crude oil as raw materials for the production of organic chemicals, petrochemicals, and fertilizers. Lack of infrastructure is another factor, which adversely affects the adequate supply of raw materials to the production sites, especially the food and beverage industry. This scarcity affects grading, packing, and pre-cooling, while the lack of chilling infrastructure for milk and modern abattoirs for the meat-processing sector further compounds the issue.

Frost & Sullivan's Chemicals, Materials, and Foods Country Industry Forecast service provides vital inputs for evaluating the attractiveness of a country and its CMF industry. Besides enabling decision makers to assess the impact of non-market forces, it also helps in identifying new market opportunities. This service provides a strong base for preparing contingency plans. In addition, investors can assess industry-specific risk factors as well as conduct a more in-depth micro research.

Benefits of this Service

Identify New Market Opportunities

The future trends in the social and infrastructural environment of India have been analyzed along with their impact on the CMF industry. This analysis provides immense information for industry participants on market opportunities in specific segments of the industry in India.

Understand Future Industry Trends

The study gives an insight into the Indian CMF industry, discusses its dependence on the prevailing social and labor scenario, as well as forecasts the future economic environment in the country. This will enable industry participants to gauge the direction of the market and devise appropriate strategies to improve market share.

Understand Policy and Regulatory Environment

A detailed analysis of the social infrastructural and labor framework of the Indian CMF industry is provided in the research service to help industry participants by providing insights into the current and future labor parameters and infrastructural issues as they exist and the future direction of the same. This is particularly beneficial in the case of the CMF industry, as these infrastructure and labor indicators form an important criterion for industry performance.

Devise Country Entry Strategies

The study provides valuable information and analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the social, labor, and infrastructural developments of India, which are relevant to the CMF industry. This is particularly useful in devising country-specific strategies for industry participants.

Evaluate Industry Segment Potential

This study offers detailed coverage of labor and demographic developments issues and their future direction that will affect the industry. It provides both country and industry trends and forecasts for major variables. The study is an excellent guide for companies planning to enter new geographic markets. This will help corporate planners in developing accurate business plans and enhance credibility to planning company resources.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c50219