Europe's composite fibre sales set to rise

05 October 1998 17:52  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (CNI)--Revenues for fibre-based composite materials in Europe are forecast to increase around 18% to $4.82bn over the period 1997-2004, despite Asian-inspired pressure on prices, according to a report* from international marketing consultants Frost and Sullivan.

The report pinpoints environmental pressures to reduce styrene emissions as one of the key issues affecting the fibre-based composites market. Such pressures are resulting in a move towards relatively low cost closed-mould systems, which are suitable for the manufacture of large components.

Mergers and acquisitions are another significant driver, with the companies involved able to increase their customer base and hence retain market share. Many companies are consolidating their position in expanding markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, eastern Europe and Latin America, by merging with existing companies in the area.

The average price for fibre-based composites is decreasing, according to the report, mainly because of decreases in the price for glass-fibre composites and partly because of decreases in carbon fibre and aramid fibre prices. Competition from the Far East and Southeast Asia is putting pressure on prices in Europe, it said.

*The European Market for Fibre-Based Composites (Report 3540), price $3950, available from Frost & Sullivan: tel +44 171 915 7824, fax +44 171 730 3343.

By: Anna Williams
+44 208 652 3214

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