nitric acid

China's demand for acetic acid has grown at a fast pace in the past decade. In the next five years, both production and demand will continue to grow. As a result of the reform, China’s high economic growth has spurred the rapidly rising consumption of acetic acid. Acetic acid, because it is a very important organic acid, is widely used in the chemical industry and other industries. The country’s acetic acid consumption has grown rapidly. It is forecast that the Chinese chemical industry, medical industry, light industry and synthetic fiber industry will continue to fuel demand for acetic acid and to lead the industry in growth. The total market demand for acetic acid is projected to reach 1120,000 metric tons by 2005, increasing 10-11.7％ per annum. In 1998, China’s total output of acetic acid reached 570,000 metric tons. Despite new facility construction and capacity expansion, China’s acetic acid demand will continue to outstrip supply. In 1998, China imported 135,400 metric tons, most of which were types of acids which could not be produced domestically. The country will remain a large importer of acetic acid throughout the new century.