Published July 2023
Ethylene dichloride (EDC) is used primarily for the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), which is used mainly in the polymerization manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is commonly used in pipes, fittings, profiles, tubes, windows, doors, sidings, wire, cable, film, sheet and flooring. The vinyls industries include construction and infrastructure, agriculture, electrical products and healthcare. EDC is also used as an intermediate in the manufacture of chlorinated solvents and ethyleneamines, and as a solvent in the textile, metal cleaning and adhesive industries.
Northeast Asia is the largest EDC producing and consuming region worldwide, led predominantly by mainland China. North America is now the second-largest producer and consumer, but the United States remains the single-largest producer and consumer of EDC in the world. The United States is also the largest EDC exporter, as a result of advantaged production economics and healthy demand for caustic soda. Given Northeast Asia’s higher energy and feedstock costs, the region remains the largest importer of EDC.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of ethylene dichloride in 2022:
In 2022, over 98% of global EDC consumption was used for VCM production. Western Europe, mainland China and the United States have the most significant EDC consumption into non-VCM uses, primarily for chlorinated solvents, ethyleneamines and vinylidene chloride.
For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.
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