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Industry Latitude and Longitude: Serious Overcapacity of Trimellitic Anhydride
In 2005, China's total production capacity for trimellitic anhydride reached 56,000 tons, positioning the country as one of the leading global producers of this chemical. By 2006, it was projected that the total production capacity would surpass 65,000 tons, while domestic consumption was estimated to be only around 19,200 tons at that time. With a plant operating rate of just 30%, China’s existing capacity was more than sufficient to meet local demand, indicating a significant overcapacity in the market.
According to available data, by 2004, China's annual output of trimellitic anhydride was approximately 18,000 tons, with a demand of about 14,500 tons. This demand increased to 17,500 tons in 2005 and is expected to reach 19,200 tons by 2006. The primary consumers remained trimellitic ester plasticizers and powder coatings, with smaller applications in areas such as aircraft Engine Oil additives and anionic surfactants. In terms of breakdown, plasticizers accounted for 49.24% of consumption, followed by polyester resins (38%), high-performance insulating materials (7.14%), high-temperature curing agents (4.73%), and other minor uses (0.89%).
Trimellitic anhydride is primarily used in China for the production of tri-octyl trimellitate (TOTM), a key plasticizer for PVC cables and wires. In 2004, the country's total plasticizer production capacity was about 38,000 tons, with an output of 18,000 tons and a usage of approximately 8,500 tons of trimellitic anhydride. As the PVC wire and cable industry continued to grow, TOTM demand rose, reaching around 19,000 tons in 2005 and expected to hit 21,000 tons by 2006, requiring about 9,500 tons of trimellitic anhydride annually.
Powder coatings also represent a major application area. Trimellitic anhydride is used to produce polyester resins, which are combined with epoxy resins in a 1:1 ratio to create high-quality powder coatings. With rapid development in the powder coating industry, especially in polyester/epoxy formulations, demand for trimellitic anhydride grew significantly. In 2004, the demand was about 4,100 tons, rising to 6,500 tons in 2005, and is expected to reach 7,000 tons by 2006.
In the field of insulation materials, trimellitic anhydride is used to produce polyimides, polyamide-imide, and polyester-imide paints, which serve as F and H-class insulation for motors. Consumption was around 1,500 tons in 2004, increasing to 1,600 tons in 2005, and is projected to reach 1,700 tons by 2006, driven by the need for high-temperature resistant coatings in the motor industry.
As a high-temperature curing agent, trimellitic anhydride is used in epoxy resin systems. Its fast curing properties and excellent performance make it a preferred choice. Demand stood at 500 tons in 2004, rising to 520 tons in 2005, and is expected to reach 550 tons by 2006.
Modified alkyd resins based on trimellitic anhydride are used in water-soluble paints, particularly for electrophoretic coatings in appliances like cars, refrigerators, and washing machines. Consumption in this area was about 250 tons in 2004, increasing to 270 tons in 2005, with a forecasted demand of 300 tons by 2006.
Other niche applications include its use as a film flocculant, an aircraft engine lubricant additive, and a sodium salt of anionic surfactant. These sectors consumed approximately 150 tons in 2004, rising to 170 tons in 2005, with expectations of a modest increase to 200 tons by 2006.
Overall, the total demand for trimellitic anhydride in China was estimated at 17,500 tons in 2005, rising to 19,200 tons in 2006. While trimellitic ester plasticizers and powder coatings remain the main consumers, the former's share is gradually declining, while the latter's share continues to grow.