Dimethyl Ether Global Market Report 2024

The dimethyl ether market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $5.83 billion in 2023 to $5.8 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to the increasing demand for aerosol propellants, the need for fuel alternatives in transportation, the demand for chemical feedstock, the expanding use in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) blending, and government initiatives and regulations.

The dimethyl ether market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $8.64 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to green energy initiatives, a rising demand for both electric and non-electric vehicles, expanding industrial applications, and an increase in the export of aromatic ethers. Major trends expected in the forecast period include the production of bio-based dimethyl ether (DME), technological advancements, innovative developments, a growing adoption in propellant applications, and the utilization of advanced catalytic technologies.

The anticipated growth of the dimethyl ether market is expected to be propelled by the increasing use of LPG blends. LPG blending involves the combination of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), comprising a mixture of propane and butane, with other substances or additives to achieve specific fuel characteristics, enhance performance, or meet regulatory requirements. Dimethyl ether (DME) is frequently blended with LPG to improve combustion characteristics and reduce emissions in certain applications. For instance, in December 2023, the Energy Market Authority (EMA), a regulator in Singapore, reported that natural gas accounted for 92% of the country's fuel mix in 2022, with an expected increase to 94.3% in the first half of 2023. This rise in LPG blends is expected to drive the growth of the dimethyl ether market.

The growing demand for frozen and processed food is also anticipated to contribute to the growth of the dimethyl ether market. Frozen food refers to items that have been quickly frozen and maintained in a frozen state until use, while processed food undergoes various mechanical or chemical processes to change or preserve it. Dimethyl ether is utilized in food processing to cool large amounts of water used in the process. For instance, the American Frozen Food Institute reported a 1% increase in frozen food sales in 2021 compared to 2020 and a 23% increase from 2019. Additionally, according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), exports of processed food products increased from $11.67 billion in the 2020-21 period to $13.26 billion in the 2021-22 period. Consequently, the growing demand for frozen and processed food is playing a significant role in driving the dimethyl ether market.

Regulatory compliance significantly impacts the growth of the dimethyl ether market. Regulatory compliance involves an organization's adherence to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to its business processes. For instance, according to Hielscher Ultrasonics, dimethyl ether has met even the most stringent emission regulations in the U.S.A, Europe, and Japan. Thus, strict regulations have a substantial impact on the growth of the dimethyl ether market.

Major companies operating in the dimethyl ether market are proactively developing clean fuels, such as ultra-low-carbon molecule products, to provide cleaner alternatives. Ultra-low carbon molecule solutions refer to substances or fuels with a minimal carbon footprint, often derived from renewable sources, aimed at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. For instance, in April 2022, Suburban Propane, a U.S.-based electric power distribution company, launched Propane + recycled carbon DME (rDME), a blend that enhances the lower emissions of pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur compounds compared to conventional diesel fuels. This contributes to cleaner air and lower carbon benefits, serving as a drop-in replacement for propane engines in various applications without requiring additional investments in equipment and infrastructure. The blend of propane and rDME can be stored and transported using existing LPG infrastructure, helping reduce the emissions profile and meet global climate commitments.

In February 2021, Advent Technologies Inc., a U.S.-based company specializing in the development, manufacturing, and assembly of complete fuel cell systems, merged its business with AMCI Acquisition Corp., forming Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc. This strategic move represents progress in advancing their platform technology for heavy-duty automotive and aviation applications. Notably, they are exploring innovations in alternative fuels, including dimethyl ether (DME). AMCI Acquisition Corp., a U.S.-based industrial business, focuses on natural resources such as dimethyl ether (DME) in fuel cells. This highlights the industry's commitment to addressing regulatory requirements and advancing sustainable fuel solutions.

Major players in the dimethyl ether market are Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Mitsubishi Corporation, Korea Gas Corporation, Air Liquide SA, Merck KGaA, E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co (DuPont), Akzo Nobel N.V., The Chemours Company, Nouryon Chemicals Holding BV, Methanex Corporation, Sigma-Aldrich, Toyo Engineering Corporation, Haldor Topsoe, Sichuan Lutianhua Co Ltd., Oxea GmbH, Grillo-Werke AG, Zagros Petrochemical Company, Koch Methanol, LLC, Ferrostal GmbH, Jiutai Energy Group, Oberon Fuels, Aerosolex, Vizag chemical, Guangdong JOVO Group Co., Jiangsu July Chemical Co Ltd., Fujian Lyondissolve Chemical Co., Ltd., and Shenhua Ningxia Coal Industry Group Co.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the dimethyl ether market in 2023. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in dimethyl ether (DME) report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the dimethyl ether (DME) market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Dimethyl ether (DME), or methoxymethane, is an organic compound represented by the chemical formula CH3OCH3. This colorless gas functions as a valuable precursor to various organic compounds and serves as an aerosol propellant. It is also employed in refrigerant blends alongside other gases such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, butane, and propene.

The primary types of dimethyl ether include anhydrous diethyl ether and stabilized diethyl ether. Anhydrous diethyl ether, commonly known as ethoxyethane or ethyl ether, is an organic compound used as a solvent with narcotic properties. It finds application in the production of cellulose acetate, a type of plastic derived from cellulose. These types of dimethyl ether are produced from raw materials such as natural gas, coal, biomass, and others. Their versatile applications encompass usage in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) blends, industrial processes, aerosol propellants, transportation fuels, and various other industrial applications.

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

The dimethyl ether (DME) market consists of sales of aerosol sprays, wood ether, and dimethyl oxide. 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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