Global.(Conoco Inc. on carbon fiber)(Brief Article)

Purchasing, January, 2001

The global carbon fiber market, now at 50 million lb/year, will expand to 250 million lb by middecade and 600 million lb by 2010, says James Taylor, president of Conoco's carbon business unit. Taylor thinks carmakers, builders and electronics manufacturers will use more of the light, rigid material as a replacement for steel and concrete.

Biggest current users of carbon fiber are aerospace (for composite materials) and makers of high-end sporting goods. Key factor: Carbon fiber sells for $6-$10/lb. Conoco says capacity expansions will push prices to $4-$5/lb by 2002 and even lower in future years.