emerged as the leading global manufacturer, trader, as well as consumer of
dyestuffs. Gradually maturing production
technology and presence of strong downstream customer base within the country
have been propelling demand for pigments
in the country over the recent years.
India is expected to be the second
largest market in terms of demand for organic pigments and dyes. Indian dyestuff
industry witnessed significant growth in
the past decade due to government concessions in the form of tax and excise concessions to small-sized establishments. In
addition, the industry witnessed export
opportunities, subsequent to the shutting-down of several facilities in the US and
Europe, following the enforcement of
strict pollution control regulations. Europe trails behind Asia-Pacific, while the
US constitutes the next largest market.
Segment-wise, Inorganic Pigments rep-
resents the largest segment in volume and
value terms. Organic Pigments represents
the fastest growing segment in volume
terms. Given the ability to meet exact end-
user needs, high performance pigments,
such as quinacridones, represent a highly
potential market. Specialty pigments also
represent a promising market due to their
eco-friendly characteristics, besides their
high performance. Nevertheless, tradi-
tional and classical products would con-
tinue to occupy leading positions in the
organic pigments market; and low priced
products would gain in volume terms for
applications, such as printing inks, which
require lower colorant standards. Growth
in the organic pigments market, however,
would be limited by their higher price as
compared to inorganic products, and lim-
ited capability to provide opacity. China
has emerged as a leader in the production
of dyes. Dyes are widely used in China,
South Korea, India, and Taiwan.
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