CEH Report

Table of Contents

Abstract

Over half of all glycol ether consumption (including E-series and P-series) is for use as a solvent in various formulations, such as paints, inks and cleaning fluids. Nonsolvent uses for glycol ethers include hydraulic and brake fluids, anti-icing agents and chemical intermediates.

The following pie chart shows world consumption of E-series glycol ethers:

The United States is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of E-series glycol ethers in the world. In 2009, the United States accounted for about 25% of the world consumption of E-series glycol ethers; Western Europe and China accounted for 22% and 21%, respectively.

Growth in E-series glycol ether consumption will be greatest in China, with an average annual growth rate of 11% during 2009–2014, followed by Canada, the Middle East and Mexico with growth rates of 4.9%, 4.7% and 4.6% during this period, respectively. Overall, E-series glycol ether consumption will grow at an average rate of 5% per year through 2014.

The following pie chart shows world consumption of P-series glycol ethers:

Western Europe is the largest producer and consumer of P-series glycol ethers in the world. In 2009, Western Europe accounted for about 41% of the world consumption of P-series glycol ethers, followed by the United States and China, which accounted for 20% and 18%, respectively.

Overall growth in P-series glycol ether consumption will be greatest in China, followed by the Asia Pacific region, Mexico, the Middle East and Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe. On a global basis, P-series glycol ether consumption will be the faster-growing segment, averaging about 6.7% per year through 2014.