Global High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market: Strategic Analysis and Forecast (2026–2036)
Market Outlook
The global High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market, valued at approximately USD [Insert Value] billion in 2025, is projected to reach an estimated valuation of USD [Insert Value] billion by 2036. This market trajectory represents a steady CAGR of [XX]% during the forecast period. HDPE remains one of the most versatile thermoplastic polymers globally, driven by its superior strength-to-density ratio, chemical resistance, and high recyclability, making it a cornerstone material for the modern circular economy.
1. Segment Analysis
The HDPE market is multifaceted, with demand segmented by manufacturing process and end-use functionality to cater to diverse industrial requirements.
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By Manufacturing Process (Product Type):
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Blow Molding: The largest segment, utilized for producing bottles, industrial drums, and fuel tanks.
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Pipe & Conduit: High-growth segment driven by infrastructure projects and gas/water distribution networks.
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Film & Sheet: Used extensively in heavy-duty liners, geomembranes, and industrial packaging.
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Injection Molding: For crates, pallets, housewares, and automotive components.
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Rotomolding: Specialized for large storage tanks and complex hollow structures.
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By Application:
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Rigid Packaging: Food containers, beverage bottles, and personal care packaging.
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Construction: Pressure pipes, telecommunication conduits, and insulation.
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Agriculture: Irrigation pipes, pesticide containers, and agricultural films.
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Automotive: Lightweight fuel systems and under-the-hood components.
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Consumer Goods: Toys, kitchenware, and durable household items.
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2. Regional Analysis
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Asia-Pacific: The dominant regional market, fueled by rapid industrialization in China and India. The region serves as the global manufacturing hub for consumer goods and packaging, with massive investments in domestic infrastructure.
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North America: Growth is supported by the abundant availability of low-cost ethane feedstock (Shale Gas), leading to significant capacity expansions. The region focuses on high-performance resins for the automotive and medical sectors.
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Europe: A mature market with a primary focus on the "Circular Economy." Demand is shifting heavily toward Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) HDPE resins due to strict EU mandates on plastic waste.
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Middle East & Africa: A key production hub leveraging vast hydrocarbon reserves. The region is increasingly moving toward downstream value-added resin production rather than just exporting raw materials.
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South America: Steady demand driven by the agricultural sector (irrigation) and urbanization in Brazil and Argentina.
3. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
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Bargaining Power of Suppliers (Moderate): Feedstock (ethylene) is a commodity influenced by crude oil and natural gas prices. Large integrated players mitigate this risk through self-sufficiency.
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Bargaining Power of Buyers (High): Buyers in the packaging and construction sectors are price-sensitive and have a wide array of global suppliers to choose from.
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Threat of New Entrants (Low): High capital intensity for petrochemical complexes and stringent environmental permits act as significant barriers.
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Threat of Substitutes (Moderate): Competition from biodegradable plastics and paper-based packaging is rising, though HDPE’s durability remains unmatched for industrial use.
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Competitive Rivalry (High): Global giants compete on price, grade innovation (e.g., Metallocene-based HDPE), and sustainability credentials.
4. SWOT Analysis
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Strengths:
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Exceptional moisture barrier and chemical resistance.
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Highly recyclable compared to other polymers.
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Cost-effective production at scale.
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Weaknesses:
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Susceptibility to environmental stress cracking in certain grades.
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High carbon footprint associated with traditional fossil-fuel-based production.
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Opportunities:
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Expansion of Bio-based HDPE derived from renewable feedstocks (e.g., sugarcane).
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Increased demand for HDPE in 3D printing (FDM filaments).
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Threats:
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Global "Single-Use Plastic" bans impacting the thin-film segment.
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Fluctuating energy costs impacting operational margins.
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5. Trend Analysis
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Shift Toward PCR Content: Brands are increasingly incorporating 25%–50% recycled content into HDPE packaging to meet ESG targets.
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Lightweighting: Advanced catalysts (Metallocene) allow for thinner walls in containers without sacrificing structural integrity, reducing material usage.
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Monomaterial Packaging: To improve recyclability, companies are designing pouches and tubes made entirely of HDPE rather than complex multi-layer laminates.
6. Drivers and Challenges
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Market Drivers:
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Infrastructure Boom: Global replacement of aging metal water pipes with durable HDPE piping.
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E-commerce Growth: Massive demand for protective packaging and industrial containers for shipping.
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Healthcare Demand: Rising use of high-purity HDPE in pharmaceutical bottles and medical device components.
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Market Challenges:
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Environmental Regulations: Mandatory EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) schemes forcing companies to manage the end-of-life of their products.
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Feedstock Volatility: Geopolitical tensions impacting the global supply of ethylene.
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7. Value Chain Analysis
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Feedstock Sourcing: Extraction of Ethane/Naphtha from oil and gas.
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Cracking: Steam cracking process to produce Ethylene monomer.
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Polymerization: Using Slurry, Gas Phase, or Solution processes to produce HDPE resins.
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Compounding: Adding UV stabilizers, colorants, and reinforcements.
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Conversion: Transformation into final products via blow molding, extrusion, or injection molding.
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End-User: Consumption by construction, packaging, and automotive industries.
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Recycling: Collection and mechanical recycling back into the value chain.
8. Key Players Covered
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Dow Chemical Company
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ExxonMobil Corporation
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SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation)
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LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
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Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
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Formosa Plastics Corporation
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INEOS Group
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Borealis AG
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Reliance Industries Limited
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TotalEnergies S.A.
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Braskem S.A.
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NOVA Chemicals Corporation
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SCG Chemicals
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Mitsui Chemicals Inc.
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PetroChina Company Limited
9. Quick Recommendations for Stakeholders
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For Manufacturers: Invest in multimodal resin technology to offer higher crack resistance and better processability for the pipe and conduit market.
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For Investors: Prioritize companies with a strong foothold in Mechanical and Chemical Recycling, as the demand for recycled HDPE will outpace virgin resin growth.
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For Buyers: Secure long-term contracts with suppliers having diverse feedstock access (both gas and oil-based) to mitigate regional price shocks.
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For R&D Teams: Focus on Bio-HDPE and mono-material solutions to address the growing regulatory pressure on traditional plastics.
1. Market Overview of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins
1.1 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Overview
1.1.1 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Scope
1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook
1.2 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Regions:
1.3 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Historic Market Size by Regions
1.4 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Forecasted Market Size by Regions
1.5 Covid-19 Impact on Key Regions, Keyword Market Size YoY Growth
1.5.1 North America
1.5.2 East Asia
1.5.3 Europe
1.5.4 South Asia
1.5.5 Southeast Asia
1.5.6 Middle East
1.5.7 Africa
1.5.8 Oceania
1.5.9 South America
1.5.10 Rest of the World
1.6 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Impact Will Have a Severe Impact on Global Growth
1.6.1 Covid-19 Impact: Global GDP Growth, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Projections
1.6.2 Covid-19 Impact: Commodity Prices Indices
1.6.3 Covid-19 Impact: Global Major Government Policy
2. Covid-19 Impact High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Sales Market by Type
2.1 Global High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Historic Market Size by Type
2.2 Global High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Forecasted Market Size by Type
2.3 Adhesive Type HDPE Resin
2.4 Coating Type HDPE Resin
3. Covid-19 Impact High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Sales Market by Application
3.1 Global High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Historic Market Size by Application
3.2 Global High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Forecasted Market Size by Application
3.3 Personal Care
3.4 Industrial Containers and Bottles
3.5 Household
3.6 Others
4. Covid-19 Impact Market Competition by Manufacturers
4.1 Global High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity Market Share by Manufacturers
4.2 Global High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers
4.3 Global High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Average Price by Manufacturers
5. Company Profiles and Key Figures in High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Business
5.1 Dow Chemical Company
5.1.1 Dow Chemical Company Company Profile
5.1.2 Dow Chemical Company High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Specification
5.1.3 Dow Chemical Company High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.2 ExxonMobil
5.2.1 ExxonMobil Company Profile
5.2.2 ExxonMobil High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Specification
5.2.3 ExxonMobil High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.3 Formosa Plastics
5.3.1 Formosa Plastics Company Profile
5.3.2 Formosa Plastics High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Specification
5.3.3 Formosa Plastics High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.4 LyondellBasell
5.4.1 LyondellBasell Company Profile
5.4.2 LyondellBasell High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Specification
5.4.3 LyondellBasell High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.5 USI Corporation
5.5.1 USI Corporation Company Profile
5.5.2 USI Corporation High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Specification
5.5.3 USI Corporation High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.6 Chevron Phillips Chemical
5.6.1 Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Profile
5.6.2 Chevron Phillips Chemical High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Specification
5.6.3 Chevron Phillips Chemical High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.7 DuPont
5.7.1 DuPont Company Profile
5.7.2 DuPont High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Specification
5.7.3 DuPont High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.8 INEOS
5.8.1 INEOS Company Profile
5.8.2 INEOS High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Specification
5.8.3 INEOS High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.9 NOVA Chemical
5.9.1 NOVA Chemical Company Profile
5.9.2 NOVA Chemical High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Specification
5.9.3 NOVA Chemical High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.10 Gaoxin Chemical
5.10.1 Gaoxin Chemical Company Profile
5.10.2 Gaoxin Chemical High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Specification
5.10.3 Gaoxin Chemical High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.11 GEO Chemical
5.11.1 GEO Chemical Company Profile
5.11.2 GEO Chemical High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Specification
5.11.3 GEO Chemical High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
5.12 SCG Chemicals
5.12.1 SCG Chemicals Company Profile
5.12.2 SCG Chemicals High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Product Specification
5.12.3 SCG Chemicals High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin
6. North America
6.1 North America High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size
6.2 North America High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Key Players in North America
6.3 North America High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Type
6.4 North America High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Application
7. East Asia
7.1 East Asia High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size
7.2 East Asia High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Key Players in North America
7.3 East Asia High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Type
7.4 East Asia High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Application
8. Europe
8.1 Europe High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size
8.2 Europe High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Key Players in North America
8.3 Europe High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Type
8.4 Europe High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Application
9. South Asia
9.1 South Asia High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size
9.2 South Asia High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Key Players in North America
9.3 South Asia High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Type
9.4 South Asia High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Application
10. Southeast Asia
10.1 Southeast Asia High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size
10.2 Southeast Asia High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Key Players in North America
10.3 Southeast Asia High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Type
10.4 Southeast Asia High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Application
11. Middle East
11.1 Middle East High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size
11.2 Middle East High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Key Players in North America
11.3 Middle East High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Type
11.4 Middle East High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Application
12. Africa
12.1 Africa High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size
12.2 Africa High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Key Players in North America
12.3 Africa High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Type
12.4 Africa High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Application
13. Oceania
13.1 Oceania High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size
13.2 Oceania High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Key Players in North America
13.3 Oceania High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Type
13.4 Oceania High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Application
14. South America
14.1 South America High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size
14.2 South America High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Key Players in North America
14.3 South America High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Type
14.4 South America High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Application
15. Rest of the World
15.1 Rest of the World High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size
15.2 Rest of the World High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Key Players in North America
15.3 Rest of the World High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Type
15.4 Rest of the World High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Size by Application
16 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins Market Dynamics
16.1 Covid-19 Impact Market Top Trends
16.2 Covid-19 Impact Market Drivers
16.3 Covid-19 Impact Market Challenges
16.4 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
18 Regulatory Information
17 Analyst's Viewpoints/Conclusions
18 Appendix
18.1 Research Methodology
18.1.1 Methodology/Research Approach
18.1.2 Data Source
18.2 Disclaimer
1. Segment Analysis
The HDPE market is multifaceted, with demand segmented by manufacturing process and end-use functionality to cater to diverse industrial requirements.
-
By Manufacturing Process (Product Type):
-
Blow Molding: The largest segment, utilized for producing bottles, industrial drums, and fuel tanks.
-
Pipe & Conduit: High-growth segment driven by infrastructure projects and gas/water distribution networks.
-
Film & Sheet: Used extensively in heavy-duty liners, geomembranes, and industrial packaging.
-
Injection Molding: For crates, pallets, housewares, and automotive components.
-
Rotomolding: Specialized for large storage tanks and complex hollow structures.
-
-
By Application:
-
Rigid Packaging: Food containers, beverage bottles, and personal care packaging.
-
Construction: Pressure pipes, telecommunication conduits, and insulation.
-
Agriculture: Irrigation pipes, pesticide containers, and agricultural films.
-
Automotive: Lightweight fuel systems and under-the-hood components.
-
Consumer Goods: Toys, kitchenware, and durable household items.
-
2. Regional Analysis
-
Asia-Pacific: The dominant regional market, fueled by rapid industrialization in China and India. The region serves as the global manufacturing hub for consumer goods and packaging, with massive investments in domestic infrastructure.
-
North America: Growth is supported by the abundant availability of low-cost ethane feedstock (Shale Gas), leading to significant capacity expansions. The region focuses on high-performance resins for the automotive and medical sectors.
-
Europe: A mature market with a primary focus on the "Circular Economy." Demand is shifting heavily toward Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) HDPE resins due to strict EU mandates on plastic waste.
-
Middle East & Africa: A key production hub leveraging vast hydrocarbon reserves. The region is increasingly moving toward downstream value-added resin production rather than just exporting raw materials.
-
South America: Steady demand driven by the agricultural sector (irrigation) and urbanization in Brazil and Argentina.
