Chlorine is a highly reactive element and a powerful oxidizer; on the Pauling scale, it has the highest electron affinity and third-highest electronegativity, behind only oxygen and fluorine. Chlorine is produced by passing an electric current through a brine solution. In this process, called electrolysis, besides chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen are also produced. The chlorine market is segmented by application, end-user industry, and geography. By application, the market is segmented into EDC/PVC, isocyanates and oxygenates, chloromethanes, solvents and epichlorohydrin, inorganic chemicals, and other applications. By end-user industry, the market is segmented into water treatment, pharmaceutical, chemicals, paper and pulp, plastic, pesticides, and other end-user industries. The global market for chlorine is growing moderately, with Asia-Pacific leading consumption, followed by Europe and North America. China is the world’s largest consumer for chlorine products. The major markets for chlorine in include countries like China, India, South-East Asian and South American countries, and the U.S.