Modest growth forecast

World production and capacity of sodium sulphate is much higher than is usually published. Most assessments underestimate output in China and Spain, and often do not include Taiwan, Thailand and several other countries. Total capacity is probably between 9.4Mtpy and 10Mtpy, with production around 6.5Mtpy. Sodium sulphate consumption is heavily influenced by the detergent market, which accounts for over 45% of world demand. While the market for detergents in industrialised countries is mature, consumption is increasing in the industrialising countries of the Middle East and Latin America as they shift away from soap bars towards powder detergents. Detergent demand in Latin America will be the driving force behind the 10%pa growth forecast for the region's sodium sulphate consumption.
In 1995 growth in total world sodium sulphate demand was forecast at up to 8%pa, but reduced to around 3%pa by 1996. The recent economic difficulties in Asia and Russia have meant that forecasts have again had to be reviewed downwards.

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