Sectors

The petrochemicals sector is the largest non-oil sector in KSA. Saudi Arabia is the world’s 11th largest petrochemicals supplier, accounting for 7-8% of total supply. While the nation’s current strengths lie in the production of basic petrochemical building blocks such as ethylene and methanol, there are plans to diversify its petrochemical portfolio into more complex, distinctive products such as specialty chemicals and engineering thermoplastics. At the same time, Saudi Arabia is investing in raising its world petrochemical market share profile to 13-14% by 2010.The petrochemicals market enjoys very encouraging regional and global demand trends. With global growth driven by industrial activity in emerging markets, the petrochemicals sector has enjoyed strong utilization rates and firm pricing trends. Local end markets such as automobiles, construction, plastics and appliances are showing strong growth as the economy continues its rapid expansion.