Acetic Acid Market Report 2025

The acetic acid market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $16.16 billion in 2024 to $17.09 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to chemical industry growth, textile and fiber production, surface coating applications, widespread use in pharmaceuticals, paper and pulp processing, rise in water treatment needs.

The acetic acid market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $22.18 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to bio-based acetic acid production, rising demand for ethyl acetate, growth in packaging industry, focus on green chemistry, demand for acetic anhydride, increasing use in automotive coatings. Major trends in the forecast period include investments in research and development, consolidation and mergers & acquisitions, advancements in food preservation technologies, global economic trends and trade dynamics, collaborations and partnerships.

The rising expansion of the textile sector is poised to drive the upward trajectory of the acetic acid market in the foreseeable future. The textile industry, encompassing research, design, manufacturing, and distribution of textiles, fabrics, and clothing, extensively employs acetic acid in the production of rayon, a majority of latex, artificial materials, and fabric dyeing. For instance, as per a 2022 report by Royale International, a Hong Kong-based logistics solutions provider, the global textile market size in 2021 stood at $993.6 billion, projected to grow to $1.03 trillion in 2022. Hence, the burgeoning expansion within the textile sector acts as a catalyst for propelling the growth of the acetic acid market.

The escalating chemical production sector is anticipated to be a driving force behind the burgeoning acetic acid market. Chemical production, encompassing the manufacturing of chemicals for diverse applications spanning agriculture, pharmaceuticals, construction, and manufacturing, heavily relies on acetic acid as a versatile chemical reagent. This compound holds significant importance across chemical production and various industrial applications, utilized both synthetically and through bacterial fermentation. Acetic acid serves as a crucial raw material and solvent in the production of numerous chemical products. For example, according to a report by BASF SE, a German chemicals company, global chemical production (excluding pharmaceuticals) is projected to grow by 2% in 2023, with China, the largest chemical market globally, anticipating a growth of 5.9% in chemical production. Hence, the escalating chemical production sector is a pivotal driver fueling the expansion of the acetic acid market.

Major companies operating in the acetic acid market are focused on producing sustainable solutions, such as new green ethanol-based acetic acid, to drive their revenues in the market. Green ethanol-based acetic acid is a type of acetic acid that is produced from bio-based ethanol, adhering to the principles of green chemistry. For instance, in April 2022, Jubilant Ingrevia Limited, an India-based chemical company, announced the commissioning of its new green ethanol-based food-grade acetic acid plant at its manufacturing facility in India to cater to the increasing demand in the food preservative segment across the globe. The natural bio-based feedstock used to make green ethanol will be used in the product's manufacturing process. When it comes to food preservation needs, it will offer a more healthful choice than acetic acid made from petroleum.

Prominent enterprises in the acetic acid sector are strategically investing in the production of bio-based acetic acid, aiming to curtail carbon emissions and gain a competitive advantage within the market. This investment involves directing resources, capital, and substantial research and development endeavors toward the manufacturing of acetic acid derived from renewable sources like agricultural waste, forestry residues, and cellulosic materials. For instance, in May 2023, Sekab, a Swedish green chemical enterprise, unveiled an expanded production line dedicated to bio-based acetic acid, envisioning a reduction in carbon emissions by up to 50%. Their primary product, Acetic Acid Pure, stands as a significant milestone in sustainability efforts. This product boasts a 100% physical bio-based composition, allowing businesses to notably decrease their carbon dioxide emissions. Sekab's Acetic Acid Pure has undergone extensive certification in adherence to ISCC+ requirements, ensuring exclusive sustainability and traceability. Notably, the production facility responsible for this zero unexpected downtime product is renowned for its expertise in bio-based chemical production. Sekab's recent investments in enhanced production capabilities are poised to facilitate larger and faster deliveries.

In March 2023, KBR, Inc., a U.S.-based engineering firm that offers technology and engineering solutions across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and government services, acquired Acetic Acid Technology for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to bolster KBR, Inc.'s strategic capabilities, broaden its market presence, and incorporate new technologies or services. Acetic Acid Technology is a chemical manufacturing company based in the U.S.

Major companies operating in the acetic acid market are Eastman Chemical Company, LyondellBasell Industries NV, Daicel Corporation, Shanghai Huayi Group Corporation Limited, Celanese Corporation, BP PLC, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), HELM AG, Airedale Chemical Company Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Wacker Chemie AG, DuPont de Nemours Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Showa Denko K.K., Kingboard Chemical Holdings Ltd., Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC), Jubilant Life Sciences Limited, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), PetroChina Company Limited, Jiangsu Danhua Group Co. Ltd., Chang Chun Group, Chongqing Chuandong Chemical (Group) Co. Ltd., China National Chemical Corporation, Yankuang Cathay Coal Chemicals Co. Ltd., Sinochem Group, Sichuan Vinylon Works, Shandong Yankuang Group Co. Ltd., Sasol Limited, Saudi International Petrochemical Company, Solvay SA, Kuraray Co. Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the acetic acid market analysis in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the acetic acid market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the acetic acid market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Acetic acid is an organic substance characterized by a strong odor and sour flavor. It is a carboxylic acid that consists of a carboxyl functional group connected to a methyl group, with the chemical formula CH3COOH. Typically, it is a by-product of fermentation processes.

The main types of sales channels for acetic acid include direct company sales, direct import, distributors and traders, and retailers. Direct company sales involve direct communication between a vendor and a customer, occurring outside of a retail setting. Acetic acid is also commonly sold through direct import by customers. The primary applications of acetic acid include its use in vinyl acetate monomer, acetic anhydride, acetate esters, purified terephthalic acid, ethanol, and other chemical processes. Major end-users of acetic acid span various industries, including food and beverages, paints and coatings, plastics and polymers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and others.

The acetic acid market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides acetic acid market statistics, including acetic acid industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an acetic acid market share, detailed acetic acid market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the acetic acid industry. This acetic acid 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 acetic acid market consists of sales of acetic acid that is used to produce metal acetates, cellulose acetate and volatile organic esters. 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.

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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