Report: U.S. demand for specialty PU foams to grow through 2007

CLEVELAND (Oct. 29)—U.S. demand for specialty polyurethane foams will increase 5.8 percent annually through 2007 to reach $440 million, or about 66,225 metric tons, according to a new report from Freedonia Group Inc. Annual price increases, though, will be limited to no more than 2 percent because of moderate raw material price increases, mature uses and the need to remain competitive in many applications, the Cleveland-based market research organization said. Demand for all types of specialty foams is projected to expand more rapidly, at about 6 percent annually, to reach $1.3 billion in 2007, or 231,336 tons, Freedonia said, thanks to double-digit growth in the use of ceramic and metal foams. Electrical/electronic and industrial markets will continue to account for more than half of total demand because of widespread structural, filtering, sealing and insulating requirements, according to Freedonia's 206-page "Specialty Foams" report.