Valve applications, applications, laws and regulations, political factors, economics and technology all affect valve sales, and all of these factors are changing at a faster rate in the past few years. Oil prices could drop 50% overnight. Valve sales are growing at double-digit rates in some countries, and less than one percent in others. Political decisions in several countries, such as Venezuela, Iran and Russia, have had a serious adverse impact on valve sales. Shale oil technology has brought the cost of a barrel below $50 and is transforming the global valve market. Valve companies have also responded to the changing market environment by not only developing new products to meet the new demand, but also responding to the market changes through acquisitions. 

Application field

　　Seabed mining technology is moving into deeper waters. This requires stronger temperature and pressure resistance. Coal gasification is sure to be one of the biggest applications for valves in the next decade. Supercritical coal-fired power stations require valves that can withstand extremely high temperatures and pressures. Small LNG liquefaction stations and LNG processing plants, coupled with a network of pipelines, will provide another opportunity for valve suppliers. Semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and food manufacturers need more hygienic valves that can avoid contaminated products, and they are more hygienic than ever before. From the perspective of market geographical characteristics, the trend of valve market transfer to Asia is still continuing. Here are the numbers for 2019:

(Valve sales unit: millions of dollars)

　　East Asia will account for more than a third of the global market. At one time the United States was buying more than 50 percent of the valves. Industrial growth in Asia will continue to support the strength of the valve market.

Laws and regulations

　　China has transformed itself from a country with lax environmental protection laws to a leader in many fields. For example, most factories now require the configuration of flue gas desulfurization towers. China has very strict nitrogen oxide emission standards, which is driving the demand for ammonia injection valves. As Russia, Chile and elsewhere tighten regulations on particulate emissions, there is money to be made for Bartel and other suppliers of compressed-air valves. The shift from electrostatic dust removal to bag dust removal provides a larger market for pulse injection valves.

Political factor

　　The Middle East, Russia, Venezuela, parts of Africa and a number of other countries are all suffering the negative effects of an unfavourable political situation. But overall, the world political environment is good.

Economy

　　The effects of fiscal austerity programmes have been felt, but Europe's economy is rebounding at the same pace as America's, with decent GDP growth over the past few years. China's growth rate has slowed, but it is still growing at 7% a year.

Technology

　　Smart valves and other innovations are helping valve companies boost earnings dramatically. Valve suppliers are adapting their products to meet the needs of new applications while also reducing life-cycle costs.

　　One of the ways that valve enterprises adjust according to market changes is acquisition. Here's a look at recent acquisitions:

未来几年中，中国阀门供应商将会在国际市场中划分出更大的份额。我们将看到市场增长会在亚洲、美国、欧洲以及其它地区出现。在很多行业中，阀门都是关键部件。所以当一个细分市场出现萎缩，其它市场往往会加速增长。阀门行业的发展步伐将会比各个细分市场更加稳健。