China leads Asian coating biocides growth.

According to the consulting firm Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney, coating biocide consumption in Asia totaled approximately 30 million pounds, as supplied, worth $174 million in 2008. Growth, led by China and India, is placed at nine percent per year through 2013. In-can preservatives and dry film fungicide consumption was approximately 23 million pounds worth $97 million and is growing nine percent per year. More than 90% of these biocides are consumed in WB architectural paints. Growth in architectural paints will be down significantly in 2009 due to the slumping economies in the region.

Marine fungicide consumption in Asia, excluding cuprous oxide, was just over seven million pounds worth $77 million in 2008 and an eight percent annual rate of growth is forecast. Shipbuilding and repair activity is forecast to remain strong over the next couple of years, but the recent drop-off in global ship orders will cause marine biocide growth to slow in the latter part of the report's five year forecast. The long term outlook is dependant on the recovery of world trade, the firm said.

China is the largest consumer of biocides in Asia taking 35% of the dollars. Japan and South Korea are next and have mature growth forecasts. India captures approximately ten percent of the biocide dollars and is the fastest growing consumer in the region.

The above information is contained in Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney's just completed study, Asian Coating Biocides, 2008-2013. For more information call 973-472-0300 or e-mail [e-mail].