Global Acrylic Acid Industry Outlook: Key Insights & Future Growth 2025-2032

Market Outlook

The Acrylic Acid market was valued at USD 12,281 Million in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 15,713 Million by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2025 to 2032. In terms of consumption the acrylic acid market recorded a volume of 7923 tons in 2024 with this volume is projected to reach 11,726 ton by 2032 with a CAGR of 5.3%.

The global acrylic acid market is a rapidly growing segment of the chemicals industry, driven by its wide range of applications in adhesives, coatings, textiles, and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) used in hygiene products. Acrylic acid serves as a key raw material in the production of acrylate esters and polymers, which are extensively utilized in paints, sealants, and personal care products. The market is expanding due to increasing demand from sectors such as construction, automotive, and personal care, where acrylic-based products enhance durability and performance.

Several factors are propelling the market's growth. The rising consumption of SAPs in diapers and adult incontinence products, particularly among aging populations and infants in emerging economies, is a significant driver of demand. Additionally, the growing construction and infrastructure sectors boost the need for paints, coatings, and adhesives. The shift toward water-based acrylic formulations due to environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is further accelerating market expansion. Moreover, advancements in the production of bio-based acrylic acid are presenting sustainable alternatives that attract environmentally conscious industries.

However, the market faces challenges, including fluctuating raw material prices influenced primarily by the volatility of crude oil, as acrylic acid is derived from propylene. Environmental and health concerns related to its production and use have led to stringent regulations, pushing companies to seek greener solutions. Supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties also impact production and distribution. Intense competition among key players creates pricing pressures that can affect profitability. Despite these challenges, continuous innovation in bio-based alternatives and the expansion of end-use industries are expected to sustain the long-term growth of the acrylic acid market.

Key Insights

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the Acrylic Acid market at 49.69% in 2024. The Asia-Pacific region leads the global acrylic acid market due to rapid industrialization, high demand from various end-use industries, and a strong manufacturing base. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are at the forefront of acrylic acid production and consumption, driven by increasing applications in paints, adhesives, textiles, and superabsorbent polymers.

This region enjoys advantages such as cost-effective raw materials, low labor costs, and growing investments in infrastructure and hygiene products. Additionally, rising disposable incomes and urbanization are boosting the demand for acrylic acid-based products. Furthermore, major market players are expanding their production capacities in the Asia-Pacific region, further solidifying its dominance in the global acrylic acid market.

In terms of Derivative, the Methyl Acrylate is estimated to emerge as fastest growing segment with a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period. The Methyl Acrylate segment leads the global Acrylic Acid Market due to its extensive applications in adhesives, coatings, and textile finishes. Its excellent adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to weather make it a vital ingredient in paints, sealants, and construction materials. The growing demand for water-based coatings and environmentally friendly adhesives is further fueling its growth. Additionally, methyl acrylate plays a crucial role in the production of thermoplastics and elastomers, which are commonly used in the automotive and packaging industries. As industrialization and infrastructure development continue to rise, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, the demand for methyl acrylate is expected to increase, solidifying its dominant position in the market compared to other derivatives like butyl and ethyl acrylates.

Market Dynamics

Drivers:

Increased use in personal care products like diapers, adult incontinence products, and sanitary pads is driving demand for acrylic acid-based SAPs.

The rising demand for acrylic acid-based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) is largely driven by their increasing use in personal care products such as diapers, adult incontinence products, and sanitary pads. These superabsorbent polymers, primarily derived from acrylic acid, can absorb and retain large amounts of liquid relative to their mass, making them essential components in hygiene products.

The global increase in birth rates, especially in emerging economies, has heightened the demand for baby diapers. Meanwhile, an aging population in developed regions has led to a greater use of adult incontinence products. Additionally, growing awareness of menstrual hygiene, coupled with government initiatives promoting access to sanitary pads in developing countries, has further boosted the demand for SAPs.

Today’s consumers seek hygiene products that provide superior absorbency, comfort, and leakage protection—qualities achieved through the integration of acrylic acid-based SAPs. Furthermore, technological advancements have resulted in the development of thinner, more efficient hygiene products, increasing the reliance on high-performance SAPs. The expansion of e-commerce and retail channels has also contributed to market growth, making personal care products more accessible to a broader audience.

However, environmental concerns regarding the disposal of SAP-based products have prompted research into biodegradable alternatives, presenting both challenges and opportunities for market players. Despite these issues, the acrylic acid market continues to thrive alongside the growing personal care industry, solidifying SAPs as a crucial segment within the global hygiene product sector.

Acrylic acid production depends on propylene, a crude oil derivative, making it susceptible to price fluctuations in the oil and gas sector.

Acrylic acid production relies heavily on propylene, a key raw material sourced from crude oil. Since propylene is obtained through petroleum refining and steam cracking of hydrocarbons, its availability and pricing are directly impacted by fluctuations in global crude oil prices. Volatility in the oil and gas sector, driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and changing energy policies, can result in unpredictable cost variations for acrylic acid manufacturers.

When crude oil prices rise, propylene becomes more expensive, increasing production costs and squeezing profit margins for acrylic acid producers. Conversely, although price drops may provide temporary cost advantages, they can also signal broader economic slowdowns that affect demand. This dependency creates challenges for market stability, making it essential for manufacturers to explore alternative feedstocks, such as bio-based propylene, to mitigate risks.

However, transitioning to sustainable alternatives involves significant research and development investments as well as regulatory hurdles, which complicate the supply chain dynamics of acrylic acid production.

Segmental Analysis

Based on Derivative, Acrylic Acid market is segmented into Methyl Acrylate, Butyl Acrylate, Ethyl Acrylate, 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate.

The Methyl Acrylate segment is one of the fastest growing segment in  global acrylic acid market due to its widespread applications in adhesives, coatings, textiles, and superabsorbent polymers. As a key derivative of acrylic acid, methyl acrylate offers excellent adhesion, flexibility, and water resistance, making it highly valuable in industries like construction, automotive, and packaging.

One of the main factors driving its market leadership is its extensive use in water-based coatings, especially as environmental regulations increasingly favor low-VOC (volatile organic compound) products over solvent-based alternatives. The rising demand for superabsorbent polymers, particularly in hygiene products such as diapers and adult incontinence items, also enhances its consumption.

The construction industry significantly contributes to the dominance of this segment, as methyl acrylate is used in sealants, adhesives, and paints that benefit from the compound's durability and weather resistance. Additionally, the packaging sector relies on methyl acrylate for pressure-sensitive adhesives used in labels and tapes, which have seen increased demand due to the growth of e-commerce and logistics.

Furthermore, ongoing advancements in polymer technology and sustainable production methods have improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of methyl acrylate production, solidifying its market position. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, plays a crucial role in the segment's expansion due to booming manufacturing and construction activities. With growing industrialization, urbanization, and support for environmentally friendly materials, the dominance of the methyl acrylate segment in the global acrylic acid market is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.

Regional Landscape

In the context of regional analysis, the Acrylic Acid market includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa.

The market size of the Asia Pacific was valued at USD 5,658 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 8,077 Million by 2030, with a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region leads the global acrylic acid market, driven by robust demand from various end-use industries, including adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, superabsorbent polymers, and textiles. Key contributors to this growth are countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, which benefit from a strong manufacturing base, expanding infrastructure projects, and growing consumer markets.

China, in particular, is a dominant player, boasting extensive acrylic acid production capacities and significant investments in downstream applications such as hygiene products and water treatment chemicals. The rapid urbanization and increasing middle-class population in the Asia Pacific have further accelerated the demand for acrylic-based products, especially in the construction and personal care sectors.

The region is home to major acrylic acid manufacturers, including BASF, Nippon Shokubai, LG Chem, and Formosa Plastics. These companies are continuously expanding their production capacities to meet rising demand. Favorable government policies that support industrial growth, along with relatively lower raw material and labor costs, enhance the competitiveness of acrylic acid manufacturers in this region. Furthermore, the growing automotive and electronics industries contribute to an increased use of acrylic acid derivatives in coatings, adhesives, and specialty chemicals.

There is also a rising focus on sustainability and the production of bio-based acrylic acid in the Asia Pacific. Several companies are exploring renewable feedstock options to minimize environmental impacts. Overall, with strong industrial demand, favorable economic conditions, and ongoing capacity expansions, the Asia Pacific region is expected to maintain its leading position in the global acrylic acid market for the foreseeable future.

Competitive Landscape

Some of the major companies operating within the Acrylic Acid market are: Arkema, BASF SE, Dow, Formosa Plastics Corporation, LG Chem, Merck KGaA, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO. LTD, Sasol and Others.   

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