Acrylic Acid Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Derivative Type (Acrylic Esters (Ethyl Acrylate, Methyl Acrylate, Butyl Acrylate, 2-Ethyhexyl Acrylate), Acrylic Polymers (Super Absorbent Polymers, Acrylic Elastomers, Water Treatment Polymers), Ammonium Polyacrylate, Cyanopolyacrylate), By Application (Surface Coatings, Adhesives & Sealants, Diapers, Plastic Additives, Water Treatment, Thickeners, Dispersants, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Acrylic Acid Market was valued at USD 12.65 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 16.16 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.35%. The global acrylic acid market is undergoing a phase of substantial transformation, driven by shifts in end-user demand, advancements in downstream processing, and the increasing application of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). Acrylic acid, a key unsaturated carboxylic acid, serves as a precursor in the manufacturing of a wide range of polymers and copolymers, primarily used in adhesives, coatings, textiles, plastics, and super absorbent materials. As industrial and consumer product segments grow, the need for acrylic acid derivatives also rises. Rising consumption in the hygiene products sector, particularly baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene items, has significantly influenced the global acrylic acid landscape. The product's role in producing polyacrylic acid-based SAPs has fueled demand from the personal care segment. Concurrently, the paints and coatings industry are another major consumer, leveraging acrylic acid derivatives for water-based acrylic resins that align with low-VOC and sustainable formulation requirements.

In addition, increasing construction activity, urbanization, and the need for durable infrastructure coatings have boosted the demand for acrylic-based sealants, adhesives, and surface coatings. The automotive sector also benefits from acrylic acid-based applications, such as structural adhesives and specialty coatings. Environmental regulations, especially across North America and Europe, have compelled industry to shift toward bio-based alternatives and cleaner production techniques. Bio-acrylic acid, derived from renewable feedstocks like glycerol and lactic acid, is attracting attention due to its comparable performance and reduced carbon footprint.

Derivatives made from basic renewable materials would reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The cost of manufacturing acrylic acid would experience a price correction because of the proper balancing of supply and demand because renewable raw derivative types are less expensive than resources derived from fossil fuels. Additionally, bio-based acrylic acid reduces the adverse impacts of acrylic acid on the environment, removing the restriction on utilizing acrylic acid concentrations following regulatory organizations' requirements. This element gives businesses the means to utilize acrylic acid as needed. The market for acrylic acid in places like North America and Europe, where government regulations constrain market development, has a significant growth opportunity due to bio-based acrylic acid. In 2022, the birth rate is 17.668 for every 1,000 people worldwide which contribute to a lucrative demand for diaper. The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products has led to a shift towards bio-based acrylic acid. Several companies are investing in the development of bio-based acrylic acid using renewable raw materials such as sugar or glycerin. This development is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of the acrylic acid industry and provide a sustainable source of raw materials.

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global market due to high production capacity and robust demand in countries such as China and India. These countries are experiencing rapid industrial growth, leading to high-volume consumption across construction, packaging, textiles, and hygiene applications. Research and development initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of production technologies, including catalytic and fermentation-based processes, are likely to accelerate market competitiveness. Companies are actively investing in integration and backward expansion strategies to secure feedstock and reduce operational volatility.

Despite its promising growth trajectory, the market faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices, environmental concerns related to propylene-derived acrylic acid, and growing competition from alternative monomers. Nevertheless, the global acrylic acid market is poised for robust growth between 2020 and 2030, supported by evolving end-use industries and regulatory alignment toward sustainability.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand from Hygiene Products Sector

The global increase in awareness of personal hygiene and healthcare, particularly in developing regions, has been a key driver for the acrylic acid market. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), primarily made from acrylic acid, are integral to the production of hygiene products such as baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine sanitary napkins.

With growing urban populations and rising disposable incomes in countries like India, Brazil, Indonesia, and Nigeria, the demand for affordable and efficient hygiene products is on the rise. Manufacturers are also investing in product innovation, such as thinner and more absorbent diapers, which require higher-performance SAPs. Consequently, this is boosting acrylic acid consumption. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.4 million deaths each year are attributed to inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), with the vast majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries. These fatalities are largely preventable and stem from diseases such as diarrhoea and respiratory infections, which disproportionately affect young children. This public health crisis underscores the growing demand for hygiene and sanitation products, including superabsorbent polymers made from acrylic acid, which are key components in baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene items. The urgent need to improve WASH conditions worldwide is driving investments in hygiene solutions, thereby supporting the growth of the global acrylic acid market.

Global birth rates, although stabilizing in developed economies, continue to be high in emerging countries. Additionally, aging populations in Europe and Japan are contributing to greater usage of incontinence products, further strengthening the demand for SAPs and thus acrylic acid. Government-led healthcare programs and hygiene awareness campaigns have bolstered the distribution and adoption of hygiene products in rural and underdeveloped areas, creating new markets for acrylic acid-derived polymers. The segment is also witnessing investments in bio-based SAPs, which although in nascent stages promise to contribute to sustainable growth in the future.

Expansion of Paints, Coatings, and Adhesives Industry

The construction and automotive sectors are experiencing sustained growth across developing and developed nations, creating a ripple effect on the demand for paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants (PCAS). Acrylic acid-based formulations are vital components in these applications, particularly in waterborne coatings that align with stringent VOC regulations. Government infrastructure development plans, especially in emerging markets like India, Indonesia, and several African nations, are significantly driving the need for construction-grade adhesives and protective coatings. These coatings improve durability, weather resistance, and aesthetic finish while complying with safety and environmental standards. The Asian paint and coatings market is estimated to have a total volume of approximately 28.3 billion liters, valued at around USD 89.4 billion. China continues to dominate the regional landscape, maintaining its position as the largest paint and coatings market globally, despite a deceleration in growth compared to previous years. Following China, South Asia primarily led by India, along with Japan and South Korea, represent the next largest markets in the region. This robust demand for paints and coatings, particularly in Asia, supports the consumption of acrylic acid and its derivatives, such as acrylate esters, which are widely used in the formulation of water-based paints, adhesives, and sealants. The sustained growth in construction, automotive, and industrial activities across these countries further reinforces the market potential for acrylic acid in the coatings segment.

Acrylic adhesives are used extensively in automotive assembly and aftermarket applications. Lightweight vehicles require adhesives with strong bonding properties and temperature resistance, a niche where acrylic formulations excel. As electric vehicle production ramps up, the demand for lightweight materials and associated bonding technologies is also increasing. The furniture and packaging sectors are witnessing a surge in demand for water-based adhesives derived from acrylic acid copolymers. E-commerce expansion and shifting consumer preferences toward sustainable packaging have led to increased consumption of acrylic-based adhesive solutions.

The paints and coatings industry are further buoyed by trends such as smart coatings, antimicrobial formulations, and self-healing surfaces, all of which involve polymer science driven by acrylic acid derivatives. This diversification is set to accelerate market expansion during the forecast period.

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Key Market Challenges

Volatility in Raw Material Prices

Acrylic acid production is heavily reliant on propylene, a petrochemical derivative that is subject to price fluctuations based on crude oil dynamics. Global geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and supply-demand imbalances have a direct impact on propylene availability and pricing.

Such volatility creates uncertainty for acrylic acid manufacturers, affecting production costs and profit margins. Companies operating on thin margins may struggle to absorb cost hikes, especially in price-sensitive end-use sectors like hygiene and construction. Furthermore, limited availability of propylene during supply disruptions can lead to reduced production capacity and delays in meeting customer demands.

Environmental and Regulatory Concerns

Traditional acrylic acid synthesis involves environmentally harmful processes and emissions, drawing scrutiny from regulators and environmental watchdogs. In developed regions, regulatory bodies such as the U.S. EPA and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have imposed stricter guidelines on VOC emissions and hazardous chemical usage.

This has led to increased compliance costs and the need for investment in sustainable production technologies. Manufacturers are under pressure to innovate and shift towards greener alternatives, such as bio-based acrylic acid, which involves high R&D and capital investment. Regulatory hurdles, coupled with the high cost of transitioning, could hinder smaller market players.

Key Market Trends

Shift Toward Bio-Based Acrylic Acid

The push toward sustainability has prompted numerous R&D initiatives focused on the commercial production of bio-acrylic acid. Derived from renewable feedstocks such as glycerol, glucose, or lactic acid, bio-acrylic acid offers a reduced carbon footprint and aligns with regulatory sustainability goals.

Several companies and academic institutions are exploring fermentation and catalytic conversion methods to make the bio-based route economically feasible. Although still in the pilot or early commercialization phase, this trend is expected to reshape the supply chain, especially in regions with strong bio-economy policies.

To secure feedstock and reduce exposure to market volatility, many acrylic acid producers are integrating backward into propylene production or forming long-term agreements with refinery operators. This strategy improves cost control and supply reliability, offering competitive advantages.

Several companies are also expanding their downstream product portfolios by investing in superabsorbent polymer facilities and specialty acrylic derivatives. This vertical integration ensures better control over quality, innovation, and pricing structures, further strengthening market positions.

Segmental Insights

Derivative Type Insights

Based on Derivative Type, Acrylic Esters have emerged as the fastest-growing segment in the Global Acrylic Acid Market in 2024. This growth is primarily driven by the extensive use of acrylic esters such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, in a wide range of end-use applications. These include water-based paints, adhesives, sealants, textiles, and coatings, which are experiencing rising demand across industries such as construction, automotive, and packaging. Additionally, the shift toward low-VOC and environmentally friendly formulations is further accelerating the adoption of acrylic esters in paints and coatings, especially in regions with stringent environmental regulations.

Application Insights

Based on Application, Surface Coatings have emerged as the fastest-growing segment in the Global Acrylic Acid Market during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the rising demand for high-performance coatings in industries such as construction, automotive, electronics, and packaging. Acrylic acid and its derivatives are widely used in the formulation of water-based surface coatings due to their excellent adhesion, durability, weather resistance, and fast-drying properties. The global push for low-VOC, eco-friendly coatings particularly in developed markets is further driving the shift from solvent-based to water-based acrylic coatings. Additionally, increasing urbanization, infrastructure development, and renovation activities in emerging economies such as India, China, and Southeast Asia are contributing significantly to the rising consumption of acrylic-based surface coatings.

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Regional Insights

Based on Region, Asia-Pacific remains the largest market in the global acrylic acid market. China and India are the major contributors, driven by high demand from hygiene, construction, and packaging sectors. Government initiatives in infrastructure and increasing awareness of hygiene are significant growth enablers. North America is characterized by the presence of established players and a strong focus on sustainability. Regulatory emphasis on green chemicals has spurred investments in bio-acrylic acid projects and low-VOC products.

Europe continues to adopt advanced coatings and adhesive solutions in automotive and construction sectors. Stringent environmental regulations encourage adoption of water-based and bio-based acrylic derivatives. South America and the Middle East & Africa are witnessing moderate growth, primarily driven by urbanization and rising consumer spending on personal hygiene and home improvement products.

Recent Development

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• In August 2023, LG Chem completed the expansion of its acrylic acid plant in South Korea to cater to the increasing demand for SAPs in Asia-Pacific markets.
• In October 2024, Nippon Shokubai and Sumitomo Chemical launched a joint research initiative for low-carbon acrylic acid production using catalytic conversion of biomass feedstocks
• In March 2023, BASF announced plans to expand production capacity for acrylic acid and butyl acrylate at its Verbund site in Kuantan, Malaysia, to meet growing regional demand.
• In July 2024, Arkema introduced a new bio-based acrylic acid prototype, developed from renewable sugars, targeting hygiene and packaging applications under its sustainable development roadmap
• In 2021, Mitsubishi Chemical announced a plan to expand the production capacity of its acrylic acid plant in Japan by 20%. The expansion is expected to be completed in 2023 and will increase the company's production capacity for acrylic acid and its derivatives.
• In 2020, Dow announced a plan to expand the production capacity of its acrylic acid plant in Texas, USA, by 15%.
• In August 2021, BASF and SINOPEC announced plans to expand their Verbund site, managed by BASF-YPC Co. Ltd., a 50% share-owned joint venture of both BASF and SINOPEC in Nanjing, China. The capacity of several downstream chemical plants is being increased, and a new tert-Butyl acrylate factory is being built to meet the rising Chinese market.
• In 2020, BASF acquired the polyamide business of Solvay, which included the production of acrylonitrile, a key raw material for acrylic acid.
• In 2021, Mitsui Chemicals launched its new range of acrylic acid polymers called Tafmer BI.
• In 2021, Evonik launched its new range of specialty monomers called VISIOMER Terra. These monomers are based on bio-based acrylic acid and are designed for use in the production of high-performance polymers such as PMMA and PEMA.

Key Market Players

• BASF SE
• Arkema SA
• The Lubrizol Corporation
• LG Chem Ltd
• NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD
• Evonik Industries AG
• Dow Chemical Company
• SunVic Chemical Holdings Limited
• Hexion Inc
• Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid Co. Ltd

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Acrylic Acid Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Derivative Type Market, Derivative Type:
• Acrylic Esters
• Acrylic Polymers
• Ammonium Polyacrylate
• Cyanopolyacrylate
• Acrylic Acid Market, By Application:
• Surface Coatings
• Adhesives & Sealants
• Diapers
• Plastic Additives
• Water Treatment Thickeners
• Dispersants
• Others
• Acrylic Acid Market, By Region:
• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Acrylic Acid Market.

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Company Information

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