Report cover image

Acrylic Acid Market by Type (Glacial Grade, Technical Grade), Form (Liquid, Powder), End Use Industry - Global Forecast 2025-2032

Publisher 360iResearch
Published Dec 01, 2025
Length 194 Pages
SKU # IRE20620808

Description

The Acrylic Acid Market was valued at USD 13.68 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 14.61 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 6.89%, reaching USD 23.33 billion by 2032.

A comprehensive introduction to acrylic acid’s strategic role in modern formulations and the operational pressures reshaping production and application pathways

Acrylic acid occupies a foundational role in numerous polymer and additive formulations that underpin modern manufacturing and consumer products. Its chemical reactivity enables the production of superabsorbents, adhesives, coatings, and specialty polymers that serve diverse industries from automotive to personal care. Over recent years, demand patterns have been shaped by evolving formulation preferences, regulatory scrutiny around monomer handling and emissions, and the impetus to improve sustainability across supply chains.

Transitioning from commodity chemical behaviors to higher-performance and specialty applications, market participants have increasingly focused on purity, handling characteristics, and compatibility with downstream polymerization processes. Producers and end users alike are refining production and logistics strategies to reduce exposure to feedstock volatility and to meet tightening environmental and safety standards. Consequently, investment in process optimization and alternative feedstock assessment has risen, reflecting the sector’s shift toward resilience and compliance.

Looking ahead, innovation is concentrated on improving monomer stability in transportable forms, reducing energy intensity in manufacture, and creating routes that minimize hazardous byproducts. These developments are accelerating collaborative efforts between chemical manufacturers and formulators to unlock new value in existing product lines while addressing emerging regulatory and sustainability imperatives.

How technological advances, supply chain realignment, and regulatory momentum are reshaping production practices and competitive dynamics across the acrylic acid value chain

The industrial landscape for acrylic acid has undergone transformative shifts driven by technological innovation, supply chain realignment, and heightened regulatory expectations. Breakthroughs in catalytic processes and process intensification have incrementally improved feedstock efficiency and reduced energy consumption, encouraging manufacturers to retrofit existing units and explore modular production concepts. Simultaneously, digitalization initiatives have enhanced predictive maintenance and process control, lowering downtime and improving product consistency for downstream polymer producers.

Supply chain reconfiguration has been prompted by geopolitical volatility and the need for shorter, more transparent logistics chains. As a result, stakeholders are diversifying feedstock sourcing and reevaluating the geographical footprint of production assets to mitigate single-source exposure. This realignment has been accompanied by an increased emphasis on localized capacity and strategic inventory positioning to ensure continuity for critical end-use industries such as automotive and packaging.

Regulatory and sustainability pressures have catalyzed a pivot toward greener chemistries and lifecycle thinking. Industry participants are integrating emissions monitoring, safer handling protocols, and waste minimization into their operating models. In parallel, end users are reformulating products to meet consumer preferences for lower environmental impact, which in turn influences specifications for acrylic acid grades and purity. Taken together, these trends are fostering a market environment that rewards agility, transparency, and collaborative innovation across the value chain.

Assessing the multifaceted ramifications of new tariff policies on procurement strategies, operational continuity, and regional sourcing preferences within the acrylic acid ecosystem

The introduction of tariffs covering imported chemicals has produced a measurable recalibration in sourcing strategies and trade flows, with pronounced effects on pricing dynamics, supplier selection, and inventory policy. Tariff imposition has compelled buyers to reassess total landed cost rather than relying solely on headline prices, prompting procurement teams to factor in duties, longer lead times, and potential secondary costs related to compliance and customs clearance. Consequently, some buyers have accelerated diversification of supplier pools while others have sought to deepen partnerships with regional producers to reduce trade friction.

From an operational standpoint, tariff-driven uncertainty has encouraged manufacturers and formulators to increase buffer inventories and to deploy dual-sourcing strategies to maintain continuity for critical applications. This response has had knock-on effects on working capital requirements and warehouse utilization. At the same time, regional producers with excess capacity have experienced relative advantages as previously lower-cost imports become less competitive once duties are applied.

The tariffs have also shaped investment decisions, nudging multinational firms to evaluate onshore or nearshore production options that can shield end-users from trade-related cost swings. These strategic shifts are most apparent in supply agreements for high-purity grades used in sensitive applications, where latency and product integrity are paramount. In sum, tariff measures have served as an accelerant for supply chain localization and a catalyst for more granular cost analysis across procurement and operations.

Segment-specific analysis revealing how grade distinctions, end-use requirements, and physical form choices dictate manufacturing priorities and application suitability across industries

A nuanced understanding of segmentation reveals distinct dynamics across product types, end-use industries, and physical forms that influence value chain priorities and product specification decisions. Based on Type, the market differentiates between Glacial Grade and Technical Grade, with each grade commanding specific handling protocols, purity expectations, and downstream compatibility requirements. This bifurcation influences production scheduling, quality assurance practices, and the degree of post-synthesis purification required prior to shipment.

Based on End Use Industry, end markets such as Automotive, Construction, Packaging, Personal Care, and Textile create differentiated demand profiles. The Automotive sector drives formulations for adhesives, body panels, and coatings where mechanical durability and chemical resistance are essential. Construction applications span flooring, insulation, and sealants, demanding long-term weathering performance and thermal resilience. Packaging needs diverge into flexible and rigid formats, where barrier properties and processability under different manufacturing conditions matter. Personal Care applications utilize acrylic-acid-derived components as emulsifiers and thickeners that must meet stringent safety and skin-compatibility standards. Textile applications focus on fiber finishes and treatments that balance hand feel with wash durability.

Based on Form, acrylic acid is supplied as Liquid or Powder, each presenting distinct logistics and application considerations. Liquid forms include aqueous solution and concentrate, offering differing viscosities and water content that impact transport regulations, storage, and downstream mixing protocols. Powder forms comprise fine powder and granules, which affect dust control measures, dissolution behavior, and dosing accuracy in dry-processing environments. Together, these segmentation axes determine product development priorities, commercial positioning, and the operational investments that manufacturers must make to address diverse customer requirements.

Regional dynamics and policy landscapes that shape sourcing, compliance, and investment decisions across the Americas, Europe Middle East & Africa, and Asia-Pacific markets

Regional nuances drive distinct commercial and operational strategies across the Americas, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia-Pacific, with each region presenting unique demand drivers, regulatory landscapes, and supply chain characteristics. In the Americas, demand trends are influenced by established industrial clusters and evolving sustainability requirements, prompting producers to focus on process efficiency and feedstock optimization while maintaining robust logistics networks to serve key manufacturing hubs.

In Europe, Middle East & Africa, regulatory stringency and chemical safety frameworks are primary considerations, forcing suppliers to align formulations and transportation practices with rigorous compliance regimes. This region also sees heightened interest in circularity initiatives and energy-efficient manufacturing, which in turn affects supplier investments and collaborative research efforts. The Middle East’s feedstock base and infrastructure strengths provide competitive advantages for certain downstream supply agreements, while African markets show selective growth tied to localized industrialization projects.

Asia-Pacific represents a diverse set of markets with varying maturity levels, where rapid industrialization, expanding packaging demand, and a growing personal care sector sustain broad-based consumption. Local producers in this region have scaled capacity to meet proximate demand, and regional integration efforts continue to influence trade flows. Across these geographies, stakeholders are adapting strategies to balance cost competitiveness with compliance, reliability, and sustainability imperatives, thereby shaping where investment and innovation are prioritized.

Insights into how industry leaders are leveraging operational upgrades, collaborative development, and strategic alliances to build resilience and competitive advantage

Key company behaviors in the acrylic acid space reflect a focus on operational resilience, product diversification, and collaborative innovation. Leading producers are investing in process upgrades and digital control systems to enhance yield consistency and reduce unplanned downtime, thereby meeting tighter quality specifications required by specialty applications. At the same time, partnerships between chemical manufacturers and formulators are increasing to co-develop application-specific grades, enabling faster time-to-market for tailored solutions.

Strategic differentiation also comes from portfolio breadth and service offerings. Some companies emphasize integrated supply solutions that bundle logistics, technical support, and formulation expertise to reduce friction for large industrial buyers. Others prioritize nimble niche manufacturing capabilities to serve high-value or technically demanding segments such as advanced coatings and personal care intermediates. Regardless of approach, transparency in sustainability performance and traceability of feedstocks has become a competitive credential that influences procurement decisions.

Mergers, joint ventures, and strategic alliances are reshaping competitive dynamics, as firms seek complementary capabilities to accelerate entry into adjacent application spaces or to secure access to critical feedstocks. These collaborative moves are often accompanied by targeted capital allocations aimed at capacity debottlenecking, emissions reduction, and the development of lower-impact production routes. Collectively, these actions underscore a market where operational excellence and customer-centric innovation define leadership.

Actionable strategic recommendations for manufacturers and buyers to build flexibility, sustainability, and customer-centric capabilities across the acrylic acid supply chain

Industry leaders should adopt an integrated strategy that aligns production flexibility, sustainability commitments, and customer-facing service to secure long-term competitiveness. First, it is essential to prioritize investments in process control and modular capacity that allow rapid shifts between grades and forms to accommodate changing customer requirements and to mitigate supply disruptions. These investments will reduce cycle times and improve the ability to meet stringent quality specifications demanded by specialty end uses.

Second, embedding sustainability into both product development and operations will unlock commercial value. Firms should accelerate efforts to lower energy intensity and to validate lifecycle impacts of acrylic acid grades, while also exploring alternative feedstocks and waste reduction opportunities. Demonstrable progress on environmental metrics will increasingly influence procurement decisions among large corporates seeking to meet their own sustainability commitments.

Third, fostering closer integration with major end-use customers through technical partnerships and application support will deepen value capture. Offering bundled solutions that include formulation advice, regulatory guidance, and logistics optimization can strengthen customer relationships and reduce churn. Finally, scenario-based supply chain planning that incorporates tariff volatility, feedstock interruptions, and regional demand shifts will enable companies to proactively allocate inventory and production capacity, thereby preserving margin and ensuring continuity for critical applications.

An explanation of the rigorous multi-source research design combining stakeholder interviews, technical review, and scenario analysis to produce defensible insights

This research relies on a multi-pronged methodology that synthesizes primary stakeholder engagement with rigorous secondary sources to ensure comprehensive coverage of technology, regulatory, and commercial dimensions. Primary inputs included structured interviews with process engineers, procurement leaders, and formulation specialists, alongside site-level dialogues focused on operational constraints and quality control practices. These conversations provided context on real-world handling, storage, and application challenges that influence product specifications and logistics decisions.

Secondary investigations encompassed technical literature, regulatory filings, and supply chain analyses to triangulate trends in process innovation, emissions management, and trade policy impacts. Data synthesis prioritized verifiable, industry-accepted sources and cross-checked claims against multiple independent references to ensure accuracy. Where applicable, lifecycle and sustainability assessments were reviewed against prevailing standards to evaluate environmental implications objectively.

Analytical techniques included qualitative trend mapping, scenario analysis for tariff and supply risk, and segmentation crosswalks to align product forms and grades with end-use performance requirements. Throughout, transparency in assumptions and a conservative interpretive stance were maintained to ensure the findings are robust and actionable for commercial and technical decision-makers.

A conclusive synthesis of how operational resilience, targeted innovation, and sustainability priorities are redefining competitive advantage in the acrylic acid domain

Acrylic acid remains a critical intermediate with evolving strategic importance as industries demand higher performance, greater safety, and improved environmental outcomes from base chemicals. The convergence of process innovation, supply chain reconfiguration, and regulatory pressure is accelerating the transition toward more resilient and sustainable production and sourcing models. Companies that adapt by investing in flexible manufacturing, collaborating closely with end users, and integrating sustainability metrics into their commercial propositions will be best positioned to capture emerging opportunities.

In this context, understanding segmentation and regional nuances is essential for prioritizing investments and tailoring product offerings. Operational excellence, coupled with transparent sustainability tracking and proactive tariff-aware procurement strategies, will serve as differentiators. Ultimately, the market is shifting from a focus on commodity supply to one where technical service, reliability, and lifecycle performance define long-term partnerships and commercial success.

Note: PDF & Excel + Online Access - 1 Year

Table of Contents

194 Pages
1. Preface
1.1. Objectives of the Study
1.2. Market Segmentation & Coverage
1.3. Years Considered for the Study
1.4. Currency
1.5. Language
1.6. Stakeholders
2. Research Methodology
3. Executive Summary
4. Market Overview
5. Market Insights
5.1. Increasing adoption of bio-based acrylic acid through renewable feedstocks and green chemistry methodologies
5.2. Development of advanced oxidation catalysts to improve acrylic acid yield and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
5.3. Growing demand for superabsorbent polymers based on acrylic acid in hygiene and disposable products
5.4. Impact of volatile propylene feedstock prices on acrylic acid production economics and profit margins
5.5. Expansion of acrylic acid derivatives for water treatment and their role in industrial wastewater management
5.6. Trend towards on-purpose acrylic acid plants to diversify from traditional propylene oxidation routes
5.7. Regulatory pressures to lower VOC emissions driving investment in emission control technologies for acrylic acid plants
5.8. Surge in Asia Pacific manufacturing capacities influencing global acrylic acid supply dynamics and trade flows
6. Cumulative Impact of United States Tariffs 2025
7. Cumulative Impact of Artificial Intelligence 2025
8. Acrylic Acid Market, by Type
8.1. Glacial Grade
8.2. Technical Grade
9. Acrylic Acid Market, by Form
9.1. Liquid
9.1.1. Aqueous Solution
9.1.2. Concentrate
9.2. Powder
9.2.1. Fine Powder
9.2.2. Granules
10. Acrylic Acid Market, by End Use Industry
10.1. Automotive
10.1.1. Adhesives
10.1.2. Body Panels
10.1.3. Coatings
10.2. Construction
10.2.1. Flooring
10.2.2. Insulation
10.2.3. Sealants
10.3. Packaging
10.3.1. Flexible Packaging
10.3.2. Rigid Packaging
10.4. Personal Care
10.4.1. Emulsifiers
10.4.2. Thickeners
10.5. Textile
11. Acrylic Acid Market, by Region
11.1. Americas
11.1.1. North America
11.1.2. Latin America
11.2. Europe, Middle East & Africa
11.2.1. Europe
11.2.2. Middle East
11.2.3. Africa
11.3. Asia-Pacific
12. Acrylic Acid Market, by Group
12.1. ASEAN
12.2. GCC
12.3. European Union
12.4. BRICS
12.5. G7
12.6. NATO
13. Acrylic Acid Market, by Country
13.1. United States
13.2. Canada
13.3. Mexico
13.4. Brazil
13.5. United Kingdom
13.6. Germany
13.7. France
13.8. Russia
13.9. Italy
13.10. Spain
13.11. China
13.12. India
13.13. Japan
13.14. Australia
13.15. South Korea
14. Competitive Landscape
14.1. Market Share Analysis, 2024
14.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix, 2024
14.3. Competitive Analysis
14.3.1. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
14.3.2. Arkema S.A.
14.3.3. BASF SE
14.3.4. Cargill, Incorporated
14.3.5. CD Bioparticles
14.3.6. China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation
14.3.7. Evonik Industries AG
14.3.8. Formosa Plastics Corporation
14.3.9. GS Caltex Corporation
14.3.10. Industrial Microbes, Inc.
14.3.11. JINTEX CORPORATION LTD.
14.3.12. KSE, Inc.
14.3.13. Låkril Technologies
14.3.14. LG Chem Ltd.
14.3.15. MBBT Chemical company
14.3.16. Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
14.3.17. Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
14.3.18. Novozymes A/S
14.3.19. P&G
14.3.20. PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited
14.3.21. SIBUR Holding PJSC
14.3.22. The Dow Chemical Company
14.3.23. The Lubrizol Corporation
14.3.24. Vizag Chemical International
14.3.25. xerox
How Do Licenses Work?
Request A Sample
Head shot

Questions or Comments?

Our team has the ability to search within reports to verify it suits your needs. We can also help maximize your budget by finding sections of reports you can purchase.