Argon demand has been strong over the past year with key markets showing robust growth as the US economy comes out of recession. Production of argon is dependent on large volume oxygen production at air separation units (ASUs). Unfortunately, demand for oxygen has not been strong over the past few years due to sluggishness in large oxygenusing markets like steel.
As a result, strong demand for argon coupled with its limited production at associated oxygen plants, has caused argon supply across the US to be tight. To address this imbalance, industrial gas companies have been improving efficiency and maximizing capacity.
Argon Demand
The strengthening US economy is reinvigorating the metalworking, stainless steel, and electronics markets, all of which demand argon, an important strategic growth market for US industrial gases companies.
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