The volume of isopropanol traded globally was down 6% through August 2014, based on available data. This compared with a 6% increase at the end of 2013.

Key trends underpinning lower global trade volume through August 2014 included reduced isopropanol trade within the Asia-Pacific region and a decline in imports into the region from both North America and Western Europe; slightly lower imports into Latin America from North America; and, lower intraregional trade within Western Europe.

Partly offsetting the negative factors YTD were higher exports from South Africa to Western Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

The 6% increase in global isopropanol trade in 2013, to over 1.1 million tons, reflected stronger demand in Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe and Latin America.