Bayer forecasts tight TDI, MDI supplies

LEVERKUSEN, Germany (March 10)—Bayer Polymers A.G. expects supplies of toluene diisocyanate and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate will be tight during 2003, according to a company spokesman. TDI will remain tight at least until the third quarter because of production problems at several plants during the end of 2002 and beginning of 2003, the spokesman said. Producers also are struggling to keep pace with growing demand for MDI, which Bayer said is increasing at twice the gross domestic production rate, he said. The MDI supply situation is considered to be tight for the next year, he said, adding "some imbalances might be detected already by mid-2003 even if all facilities are running smoothly and at full rate."