Gypsum and Anhydrite: Global Industry Markets and Outlook, 2009

Demand for gypsum is closely linked to general economic activity due to its use in construction in plasterboard, plasters and cement. Overall, world consumption of gypsum dropped 4% between 2006 and 2008, a total reduction of 8Mt, as a result of the global financial crisis and associated recession. Plasterboard and cement production are expected to take at least 2-3 years to regain the 2006 peak levels, but full economic recovery will see growth rates of between 4 and 7%py for cement and plasterboard respectively. Global consumption of gypsum could reach over 300Mt by 2015, from 216Mt in 2008.

Although natural gypsum still dominates the market, use of synthetic gypsum has grown rapidly during the past decade in particular. Three factors are responsible for this major shift in the market; stricter environmental regulations at coal-fired stations resulting in increased output of FGD gypsum, the high cost of environmental measures and resistance to accumulation of waste motivating power companies to sell usable waste products, and the low cost of FGD gypsum compared to natural gypsum. In the future, increased use of FGD and other suitable waste gypsum materials is assured for manufacture of plasterboard, plaster, cement and other materials.

• Independent, in-depth research and analysis
• Essential market intelligence for successful business planning
• Detailed survey of production and processing in over 60 countries
• Up-to-date profiles of the activities of over 70 producing and processing companies and potential projects, including BHP Billiton, Lafarge, Knauf, and Saint-Gobain
• Forecasts for end-use consumption and world supply and demand