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Soda Ash Demand Falls 9.5% in 2009

January 4, 2010 - Chemical Market Associates reports that after growing an average of almost 5% per year since 2004, global demand for soda ash fell by about 9.5% in 2009. This represented a loss in volume of about 4.6 million tonnes compared with 2008. Demand in 2009 is estimated to be close to the 2005 volume, and it will likely take a few years for demand to come back to pre-recession levels.

Click here for more information: www.cmaiglobal.com.

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U.S. Decorative Tile Demand Forecast to Grow at 4.4% Per Year

December 15, 2009 - The Freedonia Group of Cleveland, OH forecasts that U.S. demand for decorative tile will increase 4.4% per year to 3.3 billion square feet in 2013. Flooring applications accounted for 81% of total tile demand in 2008, and will continue to spur demand for decorative tile, as consumer preferences shift away from carpets and rugs. Demand for porcelain and natural stone will grow the fastest. Ceramic tile, however, will continue to account for the vast majority of tile demand in both value and area terms.

Click here for more information: www.freedoniagroup.com.