North American Hydrocarbon Solvents (HCS) Market—Outlook and Trends

North American Hydrocarbon Solvents (HCS) Market—Outlook and Trends

The North American market for hydrocarbon solvents (HCS) generated unit shipments of roughly 􂀀 million metric tons valued at $􂀀 billion in 2014, with special boiling points (SBPs) and dearomatized aliphatic chemistries generating more than % of the market revenue. The market’s compound average growth rate (CAGR) is forecasted to be 􂀀% during 2014–2019.

SBPs have the highest share of market volume with 􂀀%, followed by dearomatized aliphatics with 􂀀%.

SBPs overlap with aliphatics, as they are derived from aliphatics. Leading HCS suppliers do not differentiate SBPs in North America, and define them as aliphatics with narrower boiling ranges for specific applications that do not necessarily require an ASTM Stoddard solvent. Due to definitional overlaps with aliphatics and paraffins, SBP market size is estimated to be high, when Exxon, Shell, Calumet, and Citgo products with SBP features are included.

Aromatics, excluding toluene and xylene (T&X), hold 􂀀% share, while mineral spirits hold 􂀀%.

Aromatics and mineral spirits exhibit lower growth than n-paraffins, isoparaffins, dearomatized aliphatics, and SBPs.

Low vapor pressure (LVP)* SBPs and dearomatized aliphatics are expected to be the main HCS of the future.

About this report

This market insight covers the North American hydrocarbon solvents (HCS) market. The segments are analyzed by n-paraffins, isoparaffins, special boiling points, aromatics, dearomatized aliphatics, and mineral/white spirits. Aromatics do not include toluene and xylene (T&X). HCS demand, market growth, and trends are discussed for the following vertical markets: paints and coatings, oilfield and drilling, adhesives and sealants, industrial and institutional cleaning, process chemicals, functional fluids, printing inks, pharmaceuticals, and others. Value chain dynamics, purchase process, competitive structure, and key market drivers and restraints are discussed for 2014–2019. Also included are company profiles, market forecasts, and strategies.