Chinese DCS market seeking new opportunities for growth
Local distributed control systems (DCS) suppliers in China have been growing faster than the market average as they are closing the technological gaps with international suppliers and as they have the advantage of fast response and understanding local preferences.
The 
IHS report, "The Chinese Market of Distributed Control Systems — 2015," indicated that the Chinese DCS market grew in 2014 after a mild recovery in 2013. The main factor for the strong performance was strong growth in the power and chemicals market.
In contrast to the world market, the oil and gas sector is relatively small in China while the power and chemical sectors are especially large. The lower oil price has had a limited impact on the Chinese oil and gas industry. China is heavily dependent on oil and gas imports; and it will not halt its efforts to reduce this dependence. However, anti-corruption campaigns and rising costs have slowed down oil companies, especially as regards investment from state-owned enterprises.
Many industries in China are facing problems of over-capacity, low efficiency, and high emission; this is especially true of those with strong ties to real estate and infrastructure construction, such as the cement and glass and metal processing sectors. Industries with strong ties to consumers are doing well, such as the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries, mostly because of as large and aging population with increasing personal income.
In China, hardware accounts for the most DCS revenues; but its revenues are forecast to grow the slowest. DCS services are growing strongly and will account for the most revenues in the long term. Compared with past years, there will be limited new industrial construction in China. Further, the existing DCS installed base is large and aging.
Local DCS suppliers in China have been growing faster than the market average as they are closing the technological gaps with international suppliers and as they have the advantage of fast response and understanding local preferences. Local DCS suppliers have been strong in the chemical, refining and petrochemicals, and power industries, as well as in small and medium sized markets. This trend is likely to continue and local suppliers are expected to considerable market share. However, many of the applications with the mostly stringent requirements because of their remaining technical advantages as well as end-users’ concern over risks.
– Lenard Huang is an analyst for industrial automation at IHS Technology. IHS Technology is a CFE Media content partner, edited by Joy Chang, digital project manager, CFE Media, jchang@cfemedia.com
Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.
