Adipic Acid/ Adiponitrile.

ADIPIC ACID PRICES U.S. 67-70 cts/lb Europe DM2,250-DM2,275/m.t. Asia $1,225-$1,275/m.t.

OUTLOOK

Adipic Acid

Global demand for nylon resins has grown 8%-10%/year during the past decade, pressuring suppliers of adipic acid, especially in the U.S. Adipic acid consumption in the U.S. increased last year by 5%, to 946,000 m.t. The U.S. is a net importer of adipic: Production trailed consumption by about 80,000 m.t. last year.

Nylon demand growth was flat in 1998, due to diminished fiber consumption in Asia. During the next 10 years, the global nylon market will expand by an average of 2.5%/year, chiefly as a result of rising demand for …