This study on the market for hydrofluoric acid and fluorochemicals is the worldwide first to provide all relevant data, ranging from the production of fluorite to hydrofluoric acid and the demand for fluorochemicals in various applications. Thus Ceresana offers a holistic and transparent overview over current and future developments of the entire value creation chain in this important sector of the chemical industry. In 2021, almost US$5 billion will be generated with the trade of fluorochemicals. Asia-Pacific is projected to account for more than half of global market value.Main raw material in the production of fluorine and other fluorochemicals is the mineral fluorite (CaF2), which is also known as calcium fluoride or fluorspar. More than half of the fluorite mined worldwide comes from China. Other large-scale producers of smelting and acid grade fluorite are Mexico and Mongolia. Acidsparcontains more than 97% calcium fluoride, metspar between 85% and 95%.
The acidspar grade fluorite mined in Mexico is mainly exported to the USA for processing, fluorite mined in Mongolia is largely processed in Japan. Whereas the USA can produce small amounts of fluorine as by-product in the production of phosphates, Japan does not possess fluorine bearing rock. Chinese output is predominantly used to satisfy domestic demand and only a small amount is exported.
Demand for hydrofluoric acid and fluorochemicals is particularly high in Asia-Pacific. This region's share of global consumption will rise to considerably more than 50% until 2021. China, the largest economic power in this region, will account for the largest share. Japan satisfies demand by a high import quota. The same is the case in the USA that also import large amounts of hydrofluoric acid in addition to fluorite.
We expect India to increase demand by more than 5% until 2021. Thus, this country outperforms even the economic power China. However, absolute demand in India continues to be at a much lower level than in China.
