Prospects for New Markets to Absorb Production Surge

Methanol capacities in China and the Middle East are expected to double to 40 million tonnes per annum in the next 5 years.  In Iran, the increased supply from the 1.65m tonne/year Zagross facility has dampened market sentiment and put downward pressure on methanol values.  As more projects become operational, will supply eventually outstrip demand & change the market dynamics? 

On the other hand, natural gas availability will affect the production capability of methanol plants.  What are the developments in the gas supplying markets?  In China, the government forbid the construction of new methanol plants using natural gas as feedstock (Source: Platts Tokyo, 18th Oct 2007).  What are the alternative feedstock available and the impact on the industry?  Find out the developments in coal-abundant China where methanol capacities are added rapidly.  When will China emerge to be a net exporter?  With the reduction of export tax rebates from 17% to 5%, how will it impact exporter’s bottom-line?

The pace of growth in the downstream industries and applications will also have a direct impact on the demand-supply balance.  Will the two established applications – Formaldehyde and Acetic Acid – grow in tandem with increased production? 

In addition, interest in methanol as a fuel, either directly as a transportation fuel or as Di Methyl Ether (DME), or in fuel cells, has been piqued amid the high crude price regime and increasing environmental awareness.  DME is poised to become the fastest growing derivative amongst the “new fuels”, and in China, it has already been commercialized as a LPG substitute and has been included in Japan’s “Basic Energy Plan”.  Will it take off in other regions? 

MTBE market demand in Asia remains steady, while in Europe, producers are guided by biodiesel directives to include 5.75% of biofuels in their transportation fuels by 2010.  What is also the development in biomethanol?  In addition, many refineries are swinging between MTBE/ETBE productions.  How will this development tilt the demand-supply equation? 

Join CMT’s 3rd Methanol – Markets & Tech 2008 to get an updated perspective on markets dynamics.  The forum will also see a panel of technology/catalysts players share their latest innovations. 

Don’t hesitate!  Sign up with your team now and gain first hand information on the industry.  The conference also provides good networking ground to re-establish your contacts.

YOU WILL NETWORK WITH:
• Presidents • MDs • SVP • VPs • Commercial Directors/Advisors • General Managers • Operations/Technical Sales Executives • Purchasing/Procurement Executives from organizations including: • Oil and Gas • Coal • Biomass • Petrochemicals • Methanol • Derivatives/Downstream - Formaldehyde, Acetic Acid, DME, MTBE, Biodiesel, Automotives and Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) • Technology/Catalysts/Additives

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