Methacrylic Acid Price Overview
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the price of Methacrylic acid in US reached 2.99 USD/Kg. In December 2023, the price in China was 2.32 USD/Kg. Meanwhile, in India, the price for q4 2023 stood at 2.69 USD/Kg.
Global Methacrylic acid import (Kilo tons)
| Region | 2018 | 2023 |
| North America | 39.95 | 53.20 |
| Europe | 42.85 | 57.03 |
| Asia pacific | 48.54 | 64.19 |
| Middle east | 9.78 | 9.25 |
Global Methacrylic acid export (Kilo tons)
| Region | 2018 | 2023 |
| North America | 39.45 | 52.59 |
| Europe | 30.40 | 41.75 |
| Asia pacific | 73.75 | 86.16 |
| Middle east | 5.77 | 7.20 |
Methacrylic acid price trend analysis, and news
Credence Research’s newly published report, “Methacrylic Acid Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, News, Demand, Historical, and Forecast Data,” provides a comprehensive analysis of Methacrylic Acid Pricing, focusing on global and regional trends and the key factors driving these price movements. The report includes an in-depth review of the spot price of Methacrylic acid at major ports, with a detailed breakdown of prices including ex-works, fob, and cif. It also offers a region-wise analysis of Methacrylic acid price trends across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
The report delves into the elements influencing Methacrylic acid price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it incorporates the latest news, offering stakeholders up-to-date information on demand shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. This comprehensive overview aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting, providing valuable insights for stakeholders in the Methacrylic acid industry.
Methacrylic acid industry analysis
The global Methacrylic acid volume reached 538.56 kilotons in 2023. By 2032, Credence Research expects the volume to reach 728.41 kilo tons, at a projected CAGR of 3.32% during 2023–2032.
- Methacrylic acid (MAA) is a clear, colorless organic compound that is a valuable building block in the production of numerous polymers and copolymers. It holds a significant position in the market due to its versatility and reactivity as an unsaturated carboxylic acid.
- MAA is predominantly used in the production of superabsorbent polymers, which are key components in hygiene products such as diapers and adult incontinence products. It is also integral in manufacturing coatings, adhesives, sealants, and textiles due to its ability to improve adhesion and weather resistance.
- The growth of the methacrylic acid market is primarily driven by the expanding sectors of the construction and automotive industries, where MAA-based products are extensively used. The demand for high-performance plastics and coatings in these sectors supports the steady consumption of MAA.
- Innovations in polymer technology that leverage the unique properties of MAA, such as resistance to heat and oxidation, are catalyzing new applications in the electronics and energy sectors, further propelling growth.
- There is a growing trend toward the development of bio-based methacrylic acid, driven by environmental concerns and regulations. This shift is expected to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and decrease carbon footprints, aligning with global sustainability goals.
- The methacrylic acid market is witnessing a trend towards the production of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which are used extensively in automotive, electronics, and lighting applications due to their excellent transparency and impact resistance.
- Asia-Pacific dominates the MAA market owing to its rapid industrial growth, particularly in China and India. The region’s robust expansion in manufacturing capabilities and rising domestic demand are key factors driving market dynamics.
- Regulatory frameworks focusing on the safety and environmental impact of chemical manufacturing are becoming stricter. Compliance with these regulations is pushing manufacturers to innovate cleaner production technologies and processes for MAA.
Methacrylic acid news
The report comprehensively covers the latest developments, updates, and trends affecting the global methacrylic acid industry, offering stakeholders timely and pertinent information. This section includes a broad spectrum of news items, such as the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in methacrylic acid production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that influence methacrylic acid price trends.
Recent developments in the methacrylic acid industry:
- Dow: In August 2021, Dow announced an investment to enhance its production capabilities by establishing a new 50-kiloton nameplate capacity for methyl acrylate at its facilities along the US Gulf Coast. This expansion was projected to be operational in the first half of 2022.
- Evonik: In March 2019, Evonik completed the sale of its Methacrylates business to Advent International for €3 billion. Looking ahead to 2024, Evonik declared its intention to optimize the production capacity of its methacrylic resin business by modifying the methyl methacrylate (MMA) plant’s operations. The planned adjustments, set to commence in July 2025, include reductions in production and sales volumes for MMA and certain other downstream products.
- Formosa Plastics USA: In February 2021, Formosa Plastics USA issued a force majeure for several intermediate chemicals, including methyl methacrylate, at its manufacturing sites in Texas, Louisiana, and Kentucky. Further scrutiny of Formosa came in October 2021, when a comprehensive report was released, documenting the Formosa Plastics Group’s history of environmental, health, safety, and labor violations spanning six decades. The report highlighted numerous incidents of accidents and ongoing pollution issues across various countries.
- Kuraray: In July 2024, Kuraray revealed plans to recalibrate the production capacity at its methacrylic resin business’s MMA plant. These changes, effective July 2025, will involve scaling down the production and sales volumes for MMA and several other downstream products.
Product description
Methacrylic acid (MAA) is a colorless, viscous organic compound that belongs to the carboxylic acid family. It is characterized by a pungent odor and is miscible with water, alcohols, ethers, and chloroform. Methacrylic acid is an essential raw material in the chemical industry, primarily used as a building block for the synthesis of various polymer-based products.
One of the primary applications of Methacrylic acid is in the production of superabsorbent polymers that are used in personal hygiene products such as diapers and adult incontinence pads, where it enhances absorbency. MAA is also pivotal in manufacturing methyl methacrylate (MMA), which is further polymerized to form polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a clear plastic akin to glass that is used in a range of applications, from automotive parts to aquariums and signage. Additionally, methacrylic acid is utilized in coatings and adhesives due to its ability to improve adhesion and durability of the products. It is also involved in the production of textile finishes and as a co-monomer in acrylic and vinyl paints, enhancing their performance by providing resistance against weather and heat.
Regional coverage
Europe
In Q4 2024, Methacrylic acid (MAA) prices in Europe have been significantly influenced by regulatory changes aimed at environmental sustainability, which have led to increased production costs. The region’s stringent environmental policies have necessitated upgrades in production technology, contributing to higher operational costs. Europe saw a notable rise in imports from 42.85 kilo tons in 2018 to 57.03 kilo tons in 2023, indicating robust demand. However, the growth in exports from 30.40 kilo tons to 41.75 kilo tons over the same period reflects a steady supply capability, somewhat cushioning the price volatility. Nevertheless, supply constraints due to geopolitical tensions and trade policy adjustments continue to exert upward pressure on MAA prices.
North America
In North America, MAA prices are primarily driven by the expanding manufacturing sectors, particularly automotive and electronics, where MAA-based products are extensively used. The import data shows an increase from 39.95 kilo tons in 2018 to 53.20 kilo tons in 2023, aligning with rising domestic demand. Similarly, exports have grown from 39.45 kilo tons to 52.59 kilo tons, suggesting a balanced trade flow. However, logistical challenges and fluctuating raw material costs continue to be significant cost factors. Additionally, localized supply disruptions, particularly from hurricane-prone areas, have posed challenges to consistent MAA supply, impacting prices.
Asia Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region has experienced the most considerable fluctuations in MAA prices due to dynamic economic growth across key economies like China and India. The import and export volumes—increasing to 64.19 kilo tons and 86.16 kilo tons in 2023, respectively—highlight the region’s central role in the global MAA market. Supply constraints are primarily influenced by intermittent raw material shortages and the varying pace of economic recovery post-pandemic across the region. Furthermore, additional cost factors include energy prices and labor costs, which have varied significantly across different countries, affecting overall price levels.
Middle East
The Middle East shows a unique trend where imports slightly decreased from 9.78 kilo tons in 2018 to 9.25 kilo tons in 2023, reflecting a potential increase in self-sufficiency or a shift in industrial focus. Conversely, exports have seen growth from 5.77 kilo tons to 7.20 kilo tons, suggesting an enhancement in production capabilities. Price drivers in this region include geopolitical risks and supply chain logistics, which are primarily impacted by political instability and infrastructural constraints. Additional cost factors revolve around energy costs, which are comparatively lower in this region but can fluctuate based on global oil market trends.
Sustainability analysis, including environmental impact, eco-friendly alternatives, and regulations
MAA production, primarily reliant on petrochemical processes, has significant environmental impacts. These processes emit volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gases. To mitigate these effects, the industry is subject to stringent environmental regulations. For instance, in Europe, regulatory frameworks have mandated the reduction of emissions and improvement of energy efficiency in chemical production facilities.
In response to environmental concerns and regulatory pressures, the industry is exploring more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. One promising approach is the development of bio-based MAA, which utilizes renewable resources such as sugars and biomass as feedstocks. This not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also decreases carbon footprints. Additionally, advancements in catalyst technologies have enabled more efficient synthesis routes that lower energy consumption and reduce waste production.
The shift towards these greener alternatives is supported by regulatory incentives and the growing market demand for more sustainable materials. Companies are adopting best practices like waste minimization, recycling, and closed-loop systems to enhance overall sustainability in MAA production. These initiatives align the industry with broader environmental goals and ensure compliance with global sustainability standards.
Report details
| Key attributes | Details |
| Product name | Methacrylic acid |
| Report features | Exploration of historical trends and market outlook industry demand industry supply gap analysis challenges Methacrylic acid price analysis and segment-wise assessment. |
| Currency/units | Us$ (data can also be provided in local currency) or metric tons |
| Region/countries covered | The current coverage includes analysis at the global and regional levels only. Based on your requirements, we can also customize the report and provide specific information for the following countries:Asia Pacific: China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.
Europe: Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Turkey, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Greece. North America: the United States and Canada Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru Middle East and Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Iran, South Africa, Nigeria, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco note: the list of countries presented is not exhaustive. Information on additional countries can be provided if required by the client. |
| Information covered for key suppliers | Company overview business description product portfolio recent trends and developments |
| Customization scope | The report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer |
| Report price and purchase option | Plan A: monthly updates; annual subscription scope historical data for the current month forecast for next month total deliverables per year: 12 (one per month) includes: one pdf and one Excel datasheet per month post-purchase analyst support throughout the yearPlan B: quarterly updates; annual subscription scope historical data for the current quarter forecast for the next quarter Total deliverables per year: 4 (one per quarter) includes: one pdf and one Excel datasheet per quarter post-purchase analyst support throughout the year Plan C: biannually updated updates; annual subscription |
| Post-sale analyst support | 360-degree analyst support after report delivery |
| Delivery format | Pdf and excel through email (we can also provide the editable version of the report in ppt/word format on special request) |
Key benefits for stakeholders:
- Credence research’s report provides an in-depth analysis of Methacrylic acid pricing, including global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and detailed ex works, fob, and cif price breakdowns.
- The study explores factors influencing the Methacrylic acid price trend, such as raw material costs, supply-demand changes, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, to offer valuable insights for informed decision-making.
- The competitive landscape review offers stakeholders essential insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, providing a comprehensive, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
- Credence research offers various subscription options—monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates—enabling clients to stay updated with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and extensive market insights. The Methacrylic acid price charts ensure our clients remain industry leaders.
