Share2011 worldwide industrial gas market: recovery on hold
Growth of the worldwide industrial gas industry in 2010 continued into 2011, but at a decreased rate.
Growth of the worldwide industrial gas industry in 2010 continued into 2011, but at a decreased rate. CryoGas estimates worldwide sales of industrial gases at USD 70.8 billion for 2011, representing growth of about 9.8% over 2010. The US market is estimated as representing 26% of the 2011 worldwide market value.
Air Liquide continues to be the world-leading industrial gas player with estimated 2010 global industrial gas sales of USD 17.9 billion. Linde Group, with USD 15.5 billion, is second. Praxair (USD 10.6 billion), Air Products (USD 9.7 billion) remain the 3rd and 4th largest players, followed by Taiyo Nippon Sanso, Airgas and Messer.
The energy (including refinery hydrogen, oil and gas services, clean coal technology and LNG equipment) and electronics markets contribute to about 20% of the industrial gas business revenue and are expected to grow 10-14% per year over the next few years. Emerging markets (Asian region) and healthcare remain strong platforms for growth. Even with these growth areas, however, the optimistic consensus is that the ongoing recovery will be tepid with global real GDP growth stagnating at 2.5%.