According to the January edition of Townsend’s Monthly Global EVA Market Intelligence report, US and China have seen positive growth in EVA consumption for 2011.  But, since the peak in July there has been a drop in EVA resin purchasing in other regions of the world, specifically Other Asia Pacific and Central South America.   There was a marked decline in buying interest among customers in the Other Asia Pacific region as customers reviewed their inventories and projections for year end. China is over capacity on encapsulation sheet grades and Townsend market experts are predicting a depletion of stock.  For the most part, prices have declined for all types of EVA in the last half of 2011.   Western Europe has seen a recent decline in the photovoltaics segment but with orders in other markets making up the difference, the demand for EVA has been normal.

Earlier this month PlasticMarketData reported on planned capacity announcements in Asia, including an announcement for a 2013 expansion at Tosoh’s EVA production line at the Nanyo, Yamaguchi Japan plant.  According to a recent statement by Tosoh “they currently have no announced plan for this expansion and the project is currently on hold."  We stand corrected, and apologize for the oversight.

For the latest on global EVA demand, capacity and pricing contact Frances Davidson at +1-281-873-8733 Extension 120 or email fdavidson@townsendsolutions.com.