Transparent barrier films are used for different packaging applications in the food, healthcare, consumer goods, and other industries. These films are usually made of plastic as it is lightweight, non-corrosive, and relatively cheaper than other materials, and can be molded into different shapes. The materials generally used in the manufacture of transparent barrier films are polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and polyester. Their inert nature and ability to preserve products for a long period make them a popular choice in the food industry. Transparent barrier materials in packaging laminations help prevent the permeation of water, oil, oxygen, aroma, flavor, and light for the better preservation of food products.

The demand for plastic pallets will grow at a CAGR of 7.12% during the forecast period. Plastic pallets are easy to clean, as a result of which they are extensively used in food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries, where contamination must be minimized. Plastic pallets are designed to last for years and are resistant to damage during normal and heavy use. In addition, their recyclable properties attract consumers who implement environmental friendly operations. APAC is the fastest growing market for plastic pallets, with countries like China and Japan showing 9% growth rate. The demand for plastic pallets is primarily from the pharmaceutical, grocery and frozen retail industries to avoid pest and mold infestations that arise from wooden pallets. Plastic pallets are more durable than wooden pallets. The average plastic pallets life ranges from 50 to 500 trips depending upon the size and type, whereas wooden pallets last for only 10 to 50 trips. Wooden pallets get damaged easily, which results in constant maintenance and repair. This has led the automotive industry to switch from wooden pallets to plastic pallets as swift movements and heavy load capacity lead to damage. The demand for plastic pallets from the end users have increased from 25% in 2014 to 39% in 2016, with cleanliness and safety being the primary criteria for purchase. The purchase of plastic pallets increased by more than 10% compared to that of wooden pallets.

The crucial factors that are driving worldwide demand for passenger vehicle replacement tires include falling rubber and gasoline prices. The price of gasoline has decreased by 60% in the US. These trends are boosting market demand for gasoline-powered vehicles.The boost in automotive sales across the world is led by fast-growing automobile markets such as India and China. These nations registered growth rates of 7.64% and 5.91%, respectively, in 2015. The aging vehicle population in mature markets such as Japan, the US, and Western Europe also balances this trend.Stable commodity prices are ensuring that the cost of tires remains consistent,which is a key factor that is impelling the growth of the global passenger vehicle replacement tire market.Technavio notes that younger drivers are not brand-centric like the preceding generation. This trend encourages new and small manufacturers to enter the onceconcentratedreplacement tire market.

The use of alloy wheels reduces the unsprung weight and helps in better handling of vehicles. Alloy wheels are light and provide easy acceleration to the cars, leading to better mileage and fuel economy. In the automotive industry wheels made of steel is, therefore, gradually getting replaced by alloy wheels. Alloy wheels are wheels made of alloys of aluminum and magnesium. The increasing use of alloy wheels in the automotive industry is due to several benefits of alloy wheels over the conventional steel wheels.

我们预计 2016 年天然橡胶消费量将达到 1258 万吨，全球金融危机后 2010年至 2016 年这 6 年间，天然橡胶需求增速放缓到年复合增长率 2.5%。2016 年，7 国的总开割面积是 8663 平方公里，2010 年至 2016 年间开割面积的年复合增长率是 3%，高于同期的天然橡胶需求增速。

2 月 27 日至 3 月 3 日，上证综指下跌 1.08%，化工行业上涨 0.15%，强于大市。子行业涨跌互现，其中氯碱、其他化学原料涨幅较大，复合肥、纯碱等跌幅较大。