Toluene Market Report 2025

The toluene market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $30.9 billion in 2024 to $32.19 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to petroleum industry growth, polyurethane production, expanding chemical manufacturing, printing and rubber industries, adhesive and sealant industry.

The toluene market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $38.21 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to renewable and sustainable alternatives, evolving regulations, shift in automotive industry, fluctuations in crude oil prices, health and environmental concerns. Major trends in the forecast period include technological innovations, growing demand in the chemical industry, focus on bio-based toluene production, fluctuating crude oil prices, and regional market dynamics.

The toluene market has experienced growth due to the rising demand for aromatics in the petrochemical industry. Aromatics, which are hydrocarbons derived from petroleum and primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen elements, include toluene, a commonly used aromatic in the chemical industry as a chemical feedstock, solvent, and fuel additive. To meet the increasing demand, companies are investing in expanding their production capacities. For example, as of July 2023, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that total world petroleum consumption was approximately 97.26 million b/d, underscoring the growing demand in the petrochemical industry and driving the toluene market.

The toluene market is expected to see growth driven by the increasing demand in the automotive industry. Toluene serves as a common solvent in automotive paints and coatings, found in paints, primers, and clear coats, aiding in the dissolution of paint resins and ensuring smooth application. In May 2023, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association reported a global production of around 85.4 million motor vehicles in 2022, signifying a 5.7% increase over the previous year. Additionally, the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers reported a total production of cars and commercial vehicles, which rose from 80,145,988 in 2021 to 85,016,728 in 2022. Hence, the increasing demand for toluene in the automotive industry is a driving force in the toluene market.

The use of toluene di-isocyanides as a raw material in the production of flexible foam applications is on the rise. Toluene di-isocyanides (TDI) is a chemical employed in polyurethane manufacturing, particularly in flexible foam applications such as furniture, bedding, and packaging. In the UK furniture manufacturing industry, toluene di-isocyanides is identified as a key ingredient in the production of flexible polyurethane foams, as highlighted by 'The Furnishing Report.' The increased adoption of toluene di-isocyanides is anticipated to contribute significantly to market growth.

Major companies in the toluene market are pursuing strategic partnerships to manufacture circular aromatic chemicals. Strategic partnerships involve companies leveraging each other's strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits and success. For example, in April 2024, BioBTX B.V., a Netherlands-based developer of renewable aromatics technology, formed a partnership with Agilyx ASA, a technology company based in Norway. This collaboration aims to scale up BioBTX technology at a commercial demonstration plant dedicated to producing renewable aromatic chemicals, specifically benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX). The partnership will combine Agilyx's pyrolysis technology, which is designed for difficult-to-recycle post-use plastics, with BioBTX's catalytic technology to convert pyrolysis vapors into aromatic chemicals, thereby creating a unique synergy for renewable BTX production.

Major companies operating in the toluene market include China National Petroleum Corp., Exxon Mobil Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell plc, TotalEnergies SE, BP Chemicals plc, Valero Energy Corp., Reliance Industries Ltd., BASF SE, INEOS Group Holdings S.A., CNOOC Ltd., SK Innovation Co. Ltd., Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), Covestro AG, Braskem SA, Mitsui Chemicals Inc., DuPont de Nemours Inc., S.K. Global Chemical Co. Ltd., Formosa Plastics Corp., Nova Chemicals Corp., Stepan Company, Koch Industries Inc., GS Caltex Inc., JX Nippon Oil and Energy Corp., Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the toluene market in 2024. Middle East was the second-largest region in the toluene market report. The regions covered in the toluene market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the toluene market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The toluene market consists of the sales of toluene used for glues, paints, paint thinners, printing ink, rubber, leather tanners, and silicone sealants. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

Toluene is a colorless and flammable liquid derived from coal tar or petroleum. It finds application in aviation fuel, high-octane fuels, dyestuffs, and explosives. Additionally, toluene serves as a solvent for gums and lacquers.

In the toluene market, the primary types include benzene, xylene, solvents, gasoline additives, TDI (toluene diisocyanate), trinitrotoluene, benzoic acid, and benzaldehyde. Benzoic acid, a white crystalline acid denoted as C6H5COOH, can be sourced naturally or synthesized. It is primarily utilized as a food preservative, an antifungal agent in pharmaceuticals, and in organic synthesis. The production processes involve the reformation process, pig’s process, coke/coal process, and styrene process. Toluene has diverse applications, including in drugs, dyes, blending, cosmetic nail products, and other areas such as TNT, pesticides, and fertilizers. End-users of toluene include hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and various other sectors.

The toluene market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides toluene market statistics, including toluene industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a toluene market share, detailed toluene market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the toluene industry. This toluene market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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