Measured in value, flat glass demand in China will expand 15 percent per year to ¥ 117.5 billion, driven by a shift in the mix toward higher value fabricated glass in many applications.

Demand in China to grow 8.6% yearly through 2011
Demand for flat glass in China is expected to climb 8.6 percent per year through 2011 to 2.2 billion square meters. Measured in value, flat glass demand will expand 15 percent per year to ¥ 117.5 billion, driven by a shift in the product mix toward higher value fabricated glass in many applications. The Chinese flat glass market will outpace growth in all other parts of the world, driven by healthy gains in building construction activity as industrialization efforts continue and income levels rise. Government efforts to further increase average per capita living space, sustain strength in foreign direct investment, quicken growth in motor vehicle production and stimulate product innovation in the electronic display industry will also support flat glass gains.

Central-East/-South to stay largest regional users
The Northwest and the Southwest are largely underdeveloped, but are being targeted by the central government’s “Go West” policy. This will result in significant growth in flat glass demand as economic output rises. The market for flat glass in the Central-North and Northeast will also benefit from government-funded construction activity. However, the Central-East and Central-South will remain the largest two regional flat glass markets together accounting for over 62 percent of demand in 2011.

Source: NEW Industry forecasts for 2011 & 2016 Flat Glass in China