Market demand for barytes has declined dramatically since mid-2008. But for producers of filler grades, it could be worse.
Global barytes output last year hit a high of 8.5m. tonnes over 50% of which was produced by China. But the situation has changed since the boom times for the most part of 2008. Barytes output is forecast to slump in 2009 to between 7.5 and 7.9m. tonnes as a demand drop from all markets is realised. China, unsurprisingly, will take most of the hit.
Demand from the oil and gas drilling market, in which around 85% of barytes is used, is down 50-60%. Despite barytes second biggest market, fillers, reporting significant demand falls, its wide range of applications – from paints and plastics to sound proofing and radiation shielding – is set to give the market solidity and security.
Asia: the world’s supply
China
China truly drives...