Strong growth in chemicals expected

Propylene is expected to be the strongest commodity chemical between 1996 and 2005, with demand in the U.S. projected to grow at 160 % of average annualised GDP rates, according to Chem Systems of Tarrytown, New York. Polyethylene is projected to show almost the same demand growth, 150 % of GDP, while ethylene demand is expected to expand at 125 % of GDP. Four other large-volume commodity chemicals are expected to lag the overall economic pace: Styrene, polyvinyl chloride, and benzene are expected to grow at 80 %, and butadiene is forecast to grow 60 % of GDP through 2005.