Published May 2024
Nitrobenzene is the primary raw material for the production of aniline, which in turn is used in the production of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). MDI is used primarily in the manufacture of polyurethane (PU) foams, which are produced mostly in either flexible or rigid form. Rigid foams are used as insulation material in construction, refrigeration/freezer appliances and in other industrial applications. Flexible PU foams are used primarily for cushioning material in furniture, transportation and bedding applications.
Consumption for aniline accounts for 100% of global nitrobenzene consumption; therefore, supply and demand in the nitrobenzene market is closely tied to the demand for aniline for MDI manufacture. As a result, the consumption of MDI, as well as aniline and ultimately nitrobenzene, closely follows the patterns of the leading world economies and depends heavily on construction/remodeling activity (residential and nonresidential), automobile production and original equipment manufacture (OEM).
The following charts present world consumption of nitrobenzene and aniline:
Since most MDI producers are captive in aniline and its precursor nitrobenzene, typically in integrated units, nearly all MDI expansions result in increased production and consumption of nitrobenzene/aniline. MDI has been the driving force behind world growth in aniline demand over the last several decades. Future demand for aniline will continue to depend largely on MDI requirements.
For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.
S&P Global’s Chemical Economics Handbook – Nitrobenzene and Aniline is the comprehensive and trusted guide for anyone seeking information on this industry. This latest report details global and regional information, including
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