Why Asia uses almost half the world's flame retardants
Why Asia uses almost half the world's flame retardants What this tab covers Who makes it and how much: world capacity and output, utilisation, the top producing countries and companies globally and in India, concentration, new capacity coming, and each region's position.
Measure
Figure
Detail
Source
World capacity
not published
World output
about 2.3 Mt a year
Ceresana (2024)
Capacity utilisation
not published
Albemarle's Specialties segment grew volumes 2% in Q4 2025; JBC flooding in January 2026 cut production temporarily.
Albemarle FY2025 results
Concentration
Asia-Pacific 46% of demand; bromine supply concentrated in Israel, Jordan, the US and China
No producer shares published in sources reviewed.
Ceresana (2024); bromine tile
New capacity
not published
No major named FR plant projects retrieved.
Top producing countries
Asia-Pacific (demand) 46% · about 1.06 Mt
China: largest producer and consumer of brominated, phosphorus and CP flame retardants (indicative)
Israel: ICL Dead Sea bromine, about 200 kt bromine (2025)
Jordan: Jordan Bromine Company (Albemarle-Arab Potash), about 110 kt bromine (2025)
United States: Albemarle and Lanxess in Arkansas
Germany: Huber Martinswerk and Nabaltec (ATH), Clariant (phosphinates)
Ceresana (2024); indicative; USGS MCS 2026 via bromine tile
Largest producers: global
Company
Country
Volume
Year
Source
Albemarle (Specialties) Adjusted EBITDA $275.7 million (20%); 2026 outlook $1.2-1.4 billion sales, $170-230 million EBITDA.
Hindalco Industries (specialty alumina and hydrate) FR-grade volumes not verified.
India
not published
n/a
Archean Chemical Industries India makes about 7,000 t bromine from Gujarat bitterns (USGS 2026, bromine tile); FR production not verified.
India
not published
n/a
Solaris ChemTech Not verified.
India
not published
n/a
India has bromine (about 7,000 t a year from Gujarat) and alumina hydrate but little flame retardant synthesis at scale; most brominated, phosphorus and specialty FRs are imported from China, Israel and Europe. Cable and construction demand are growing.
Position by region
Region
Position
US
Albemarle and Lanxess Arkansas bromine; state-level restrictions on FRs in furniture and children's products.
EU
Strictest rules; ECHA's 2023 strategy targets aromatic brominated FRs for restriction; brominated share only 4-5%.
India
Import-reliant; E-Waste Rules restrict PBB and PBDE.
China
Largest market and producer; brominated 28% share in Asia.