Industrial Minerals / Iodine: Global industry markets and outlook, 10th edition 2010

The market for iodine is split between human health and industrial applications.  Strong growth in iodine consumption in the mid-2000s came as a result of increased output of optical polarising film (OPF) for liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, heat stabilisers and catalysts.  Despite its use in several recession-proof markets, such as pharmaceuticals and radiology, iodine was not immune to the global economic downturn and consumption fell by over 10% in 2009.  North America and Europe used to account for the greater part of iodine consumption, but their share of the market has fallen by a quarter over the last decade.  The concentration of OPF production in Asia, coupled with high rates of economic growth, means the Asia region now accounts for almost 40% of total iodine consumption.

Iodine production is dominated by Chile and Japan, with smaller amounts produced in the USA and in the CIS; almost 80% of crude output is traded internationally.  An increasing amount of secondary iodine, derived largely from x-ray contrast media processing and, increasingly, OPF waste streams, has added to global iodine supply.  Following investments in capacity additions in the early-2000s, relatively little primary capacity was brought on-stream in the mid-2000s.  Utilisation rates at iodine plants increased and, combined with higher input costs, falling stock levels and rapidly rising demand growth, prices for iodine increased almost two-fold.  New capacity was brought on-stream in 2008, but prices continued to increase, reaching over US$30/kg in 2009, despite a fall in demand.

Demand for iodine is forecast to rise by 3.5%py to 2014.  The key sectors driving growth are OPF for LCD screens, x-ray contrast media for radiology and biocides for human health.  Capacity additions are planned over coming years and new projects could add to available supply.  This new report gives you a full analysis of the key trends, issues and developments in the iodine market, a clear insight into all areas of the industry and an authoritative analysis of its future prospects.

Get accurate answers from independent experts

• How is corporate control of iodine split between producers?
  
• Why have LCD screens become a key application for iodine?
  
• Which companies undertake secondary iodine production?
  
• What is the main driver of increased biocide use?
  
• When will the iodine market recover from the downturn?
  
• Have prices for iodine peaked?