CEH Report

Table of Contents

Abstract

Global capacity utilization in the production of formic acid decreased to 79% in 2009 from 83% in 2006, largely as a result of lower demand in many world regions coupled with additional capacity commissioned during 2006–2009. Between 2006 and 2009, world capacity for formic acid grew at an average annual rate of 2.5%, outpacing world consumption, which declined marginally during the same period. Most capacity growth occurred in China. The largest importing regions for formic acid during 2009 were Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and North America; China was the single largest exporter, followed by Western Europe and the Republic of Korea.

The following pie chart shows world consumption of formic acid:

Silage preservation/animal feed additives surpassed leather and tanning as the largest world application for formic acid during 2006–2009. Improving living standards globally have led to increased consumption of meat; as a result, demand for formic acid in silage preservation and animal feeds has increased. Europe is the largest market for this application since the European Union banned antibiotic growth promoters in early 2006. However, use of formic acid in silage preservation and animal feeds is also increasing in most other regions. Leather and tanning applications account for large markets in Central and South America, the Middle East, India, the Republic of Korea and Europe (Italy, Spain and France). In India and Southeast Asia, the textile and rubber markets are also large consumers of formic acid.