Global Industrial Gas Giants Increase Investment in Emerging Markets

It is reported that the famous British industrial gas consulting firm Strate Consulting expects that the global industrial gas market will grow at an annual rate of 7%-7.5% in the next five years. Some industrial gas giants are investing more and their investments are mainly concentrated in emerging markets.

In 2011, the industrial investment of the French Air Liquide increased by 21% year-on-year to 1.75 billion Euros, and 16 sets of production facilities were opened, of which 9 were located in developing economies. In 2012, Air Liquide plans to open 29 sets of industrial gas production facilities, of which 8 are located in China.

In 2012, Praxair plans to invest 2.1 billion to 2.4 billion U.S. dollars. New hydrogen installations will account for a large part of the investment, especially in North America. About 35% of the company's investment will be used in North America, about 35% - 40% for Asia, 15% -20% for South America, 5% -10% for Europe.

U.S. Air Products is also investing in new capacity. The company expects the investment in 2012 to be 1.9 billion to 2.2 billion US dollars, a substantial increase of 20% -40% over 2011. Like other industrial gas companies, Air Products is also betting on energy and emerging markets.