Acrylic Acid Market Industry Overview and Projections

Key Insights

The global acrylic acid market is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven primarily by the increasing demand for acrylic acid derivatives in diverse applications, notably paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, and sanitary products. The rising construction activity globally, coupled with the growing demand for high-performance materials in various industries, fuels this market expansion. Furthermore, advancements in acrylic acid-based technology, leading to the development of sustainable and eco-friendly products, are further bolstering market growth. Key players like Arkema, BASF, and Mitsubishi Chemical are actively investing in research and development to enhance product offerings and expand their market presence. Regional variations exist, with Asia Pacific, particularly China and India, anticipated to exhibit significant growth due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. However, fluctuating raw material prices and environmental regulations pose potential challenges to market growth. The market is segmented by derivative (Methyl Acrylate, Butyl Acrylate, Ethyl Acrylate, 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate, Glacial Acrylic Acid, Superabsorbent Polymer) and application (Paints and Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants, Surfactants, Sanitary Products, Textiles, Other Applications), offering diverse avenues for investment and growth within specific niches. The competitive landscape is characterized by both established multinational corporations and regional players, leading to ongoing innovation and strategic partnerships.

The continued growth trajectory of the acrylic acid market is expected to be influenced by several factors. The increasing focus on sustainable and biodegradable materials within various industries will drive demand for eco-friendly acrylic acid-based products. Furthermore, technological advancements in production processes, leading to enhanced efficiency and reduced costs, will contribute to market expansion. However, potential economic downturns and geopolitical uncertainties could impact the market's growth trajectory. The successful players in this market will be those that effectively manage supply chain challenges, adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes, and continuously innovate to meet the growing and diversifying needs of their customers across diverse segments and geographical regions. The strategic focus on high-growth regions such as Asia Pacific and the development of specialized applications within the sanitary products and textiles sectors will be crucial for future market leadership.

Acrylic Acid Market Market Composition & Trends

The Acrylic Acid market is moderately concentrated, with key players like BASF SE, Arkema, and Dow commanding significant shares. BASF SE is projected to hold approximately 20% market share in 2025, followed by Arkema (15%) and Dow (12%). Market growth is fueled by continuous innovation driven by the demand for sustainable, high-performance materials. Regulatory pressures, especially in Europe and North America, are pushing for greener production methods, significantly impacting market dynamics. This is evidenced by a recent surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, totaling approximately $2.5 billion in the last two years, as major players seek to expand production and geographic reach.

• Innovation Catalysts: Advancements in polymerization techniques and the burgeoning bio-based acrylic acid segment are key drivers. Significant R&D investment is focused on improving product quality and minimizing environmental impact, leading to a 10% increase in bio-based acrylic acid adoption in 2023.
• Regulatory Landscapes: Stringent regulations like the EU's REACH mandate sustainable manufacturing practices. This has increased demand for eco-friendly acrylic acid derivatives and necessitates ongoing compliance efforts, impacting production costs.
• Substitute Products: Methacrylic acid and vinyl acetate present competitive challenges. However, acrylic acid's versatility across diverse applications ensures its continued market dominance.
• End-User Profiles: The paints and coatings industry accounts for a substantial 35% of demand, followed by adhesives and sealants at 25%. The sanitary products sector, fueled by the expanding superabsorbent polymer (SAP) market, demonstrates robust growth.
• M&A Activities: Recent M&A activity, totaling approximately $2.5 billion over the past two years, highlights the strategic importance of expanding production capacity and geographic reach within the acrylic acid market.

Acrylic Acid Market Industry Evolution

The Acrylic Acid market exhibits substantial growth, projected at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by increased demand from emerging economies and technological improvements boosting production efficiency. The transition to bio-based acrylic acid is a significant trend, with companies like BASF SE and Arkema leading the charge toward sustainable solutions. Advancements in polymerization processes yield higher-quality acrylic acid derivatives. The development of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) has revolutionized the sanitary products industry, particularly in diapers and adult incontinence products. Further bolstering market growth is the expansion of production facilities, such as BASF SE's new complex in Zhanjiang, China, increasing the supply of butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. This expansion, coupled with the paints and coatings segment's projected 6% CAGR, underscores the market's dynamic evolution.

Leading Regions, Countries, or Segments in Acrylic Acid Market

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the Acrylic Acid Market, driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries like China and India. In 2025, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for 45% of the global market share, with China alone holding 30%. The region's dominance is fueled by significant investments in the chemical industry and supportive government policies.

• Key Drivers:
• Investment Trends: Major investments in production capacities, such as NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO. LTD's new facility in Indonesia, are boosting regional growth.
• Regulatory Support: Governments in Asia-Pacific are promoting sustainable practices, encouraging the adoption of bio-based acrylic acid.
• Demand from End-Use Industries: The region's booming construction and automotive sectors are driving demand for paints, coatings, and adhesives.

In terms of segments, the By Derivative category sees Butyl Acrylate as the leading segment, primarily due to its extensive use in adhesives and coatings. Butyl Acrylate is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period, driven by its excellent performance characteristics.

• By Application, Paints and Coatings is the dominant segment, with a projected market share of 35% in 2025. The segment's growth is propelled by the need for durable and high-quality finishes in various industries, including automotive and construction.

The dominance of these regions and segments can be attributed to a combination of factors, including strong industrial growth, supportive government policies, and the versatility of acrylic acid derivatives in meeting diverse application needs. As the market continues to evolve, Asia-Pacific's role as a leader in the Acrylic Acid Market is expected to strengthen, supported by ongoing investments and technological advancements.

Acrylic Acid Market Product Innovations

Recent product innovations in the Acrylic Acid Market include the development of bio-based acrylic acid, which offers a sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical-based products. Companies like BASF SE and Arkema are at the forefront of this shift, leveraging advanced polymerization techniques to produce high-performance acrylic acid derivatives. The introduction of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) has revolutionized the sanitary products industry, providing enhanced absorbency and comfort. These innovations not only meet the growing demand for eco-friendly materials but also improve product performance across various applications.

Propelling Factors for Acrylic Acid Market Growth

Several key factors propel Acrylic Acid market growth:

• Technological Advancements: Innovations in polymerization and the rise of bio-based acrylic acid enhance production efficiency and sustainability.
• Economic Growth in Emerging Markets: Rapid industrialization, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, significantly boosts demand across diverse applications.
• Regulatory Support for Sustainability: Government policies promoting sustainable practices encourage the adoption of eco-friendly acrylic acid, fostering market growth.
• Expanding Applications: The versatility of acrylic acid continues to drive expansion into new applications across various industries.

Obstacles in the Acrylic Acid Market Market

Despite its growth, the Acrylic Acid Market faces several challenges:

• Regulatory Challenges: Stringent environmental regulations increase production costs and complicate compliance.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Fluctuations in raw material prices and geopolitical tensions can disrupt supply chains, affecting market stability.
• Competitive Pressures: The presence of substitute products like methacrylic acid and vinyl acetate intensifies competition, impacting market share and profitability.

Future Opportunities in Acrylic Acid Market

The Acrylic Acid Market presents several future opportunities:

• New Markets: Expansion into emerging markets with growing industrial sectors offers significant growth potential.
• Technological Innovations: Advances in bio-based materials and sustainable production processes will open new avenues for market expansion.
• Consumer Trends: Increasing demand for eco-friendly and high-performance products will drive the adoption of acrylic acid derivatives.

Major Players in the Acrylic Acid Market Ecosystem

• Arkema
• Merck KGaA
• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
• Wanhua
• BASF SE
• Satellite Chemical Co Ltd
• Sasol
• LG Chem
• Dow
• NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO LTD
• Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid Co Ltd
• Formosa Plastics Corporation
• China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC)

Key Developments in Acrylic Acid Market Industry

• January 2024: Arkema obtained ISCC+ certification for its acrylic acid and ester production facility in Taixing, Jiangsu Province, China, marking a significant step towards decarbonizing its acrylic production chain.
• May 2023: NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO. LTD's subsidiary, PT. NIPPON SHOKUBAI, inaugurated a new acrylic acid facility in Cilegon, Banten, Indonesia, with an annual production capacity of 100,000 metric tonnes, enhancing the company's global production capabilities.
• March 2023: BASF SE broke ground on an acrylic acid complex at the Zhanjiang Verbund site in China, which includes plants for glacial acrylic acid, butyl acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, with a combined annual production capacity of approximately 500,000 metric tons.
• February 2023: NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO. LTD acquired ISCC PLUS certification for 19 products, including acrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers, produced at its Himeji and Kawasaki Plants, promoting the use of biomass in disposable diapers and detergents.

Strategic Acrylic Acid Market Market Forecast

The Acrylic Acid Market is poised for robust growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand for sustainable materials. The market's future potential lies in the expansion of bio-based acrylic acid and the development of new applications in emerging markets. As companies continue to invest in R&D and production capacity, the market is expected to grow at a steady pace, offering significant opportunities for stakeholders across the value chain.

Acrylic Acid Market Segmentation

• 1. Derivative
  • 1.1. Methyl Acrylate
  • 1.2. Butyl Acrylate
  • 1.3. Ethyl Acrylate
  • 1.4. 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate
  • 1.5. Glacial Acrylic Acid
  • 1.6. Superabsorbent Polymer
• 2. Application
  • 2.1. Paints and Coatings
  • 2.2. Adhesives and Sealants
  • 2.3. Surfactants
  • 2.4. Sanitary Products
  • 2.5. Textiles
  • 2.6. Other Applications

Acrylic Acid Market Segmentation By Geography

• 1. Asia Pacific
  • 1.1. China
  • 1.2. India
  • 1.3. Japan
  • 1.4. South Korea
  • 1.5. Malaysia
  • 1.6. Thailand
  • 1.7. Indonesia
  • 1.8. Vietnam
  • 1.9. Rest of Asia Pacific
• 2. North America
  • 2.1. United States
  • 2.2. Canada
  • 2.3. Mexico
• 3. Europe
  • 3.1. Germany
  • 3.2. United Kingdom
  • 3.3. France
  • 3.4. Italy
  • 3.5. Spain
  • 3.6. NORDIC Countries
  • 3.7. Turkey
  • 3.8. Russia
  • 3.9. Rest of Europe
• 4. South America
  • 4.1. Brazil
  • 4.2. Argentina
  • 4.3. Colombia
  • 4.4. Rest of South America
• 5. Middle East and Africa
  • 5.1. Saudi Arabia
  • 5.2. Qatar
  • 5.3. United Arab Emirates
  • 5.4. Nigeria
  • 5.5. Egypt
  • 5.6. South Africa
  • 5.7. Rest of the Middle East and Africa