Report

The global maleic anhydride market was valued at USD 3.39 Billion in 2024 . The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.90% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a value of USD 5.47 Billion by 2034 . Rising demand for biodegradable plastics has surged the demand for maleic anhydride, as the compound serves as a critical intermediate in the production of eco-friendly polymers such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT).

With increasing regulatory restrictions on single-use plastics and the global shift toward sustainable materials, manufacturers are accelerating investments in capacity expansion and advanced technologies to ensure steady supply for the biodegradable plastics value chain. The emphasis on greener alternatives is fuelling the global maleic anhydride market growth attributed to its heightened importance in the development of sustainable packaging and industrial applications.

One notable example is the initiative in Oman, where MAIRE's NEXTCHEM subsidiary CONSER was awarded a contract by Al Baleed Petrochemical to provide technology licensing, process design, and catalyst supply for a 50,000-ton/year maleic anhydride plant in the Salalah Free Zone in September 2024. This facility is part of a broader effort to establish Oman as a regional hub for biodegradable plastics, highlighting the compound's growing role in green chemistry.

Similarly, in China, Jiangsu Shenghong Petrochemical is developing one of the world's largest maleic anhydride plants with an annual capacity of 200,000 tons, aimed at PBAT production. The facility will employ Clariant's SynDane 3142 LA catalyst, which delivers higher efficiency and up to 24 million CNY in annual energy savings while enhancing product yield.

These large-scale projects underline how rising sustainability goals, coupled with technological innovations in catalysts and process design, are propelling growth in the global maleic anhydride market. The rising demand for biodegradable plastics is significantly contributing to the market as the compound gains recognization as a strategic enabler in achieving environmental targets and supporting long-term industrial transformation.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

June 2025

PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG) acquired a Maleic Anhydride plant in Gebeng, Kuantan, Malaysia, with a production capacity of 113 KT per year, previously managed by BASF PETRONAS Chemicals. The plant upgrade, set for completion in H2 2025, will expand PCG's product range to meet growing demand in Asia Pacific and explore opportunities in Europe and the Middle East, while enhancing downstream integration and addressing market volatility.

September 2024

Bartek Ingredients announced its plan to build the world's largest malic and fumaric acid facility in Stoney Creek, Ontario, on track to deliver products. The plant will double production capacity and cut per-unit greenhouse gas emissions by over 80%. Partnering with WSP, Bartek enhances capabilities for new products, strengthening its global leadership in acids for food and industrial applications.

March 2024

Bartek Ingredients announced the completion of the world's largest malic and fumaric acid facility by September 2024, doubling capacity and cutting per-unit greenhouse gas emissions by over 80%. Headquartered in Stoney Creek, Canada, the company leverages 50 years of experience and certifications like ISO 9001:2015 and BRC Food Safety to serve over 40 countries globally.

September 2023

BASF signed a long-term agreement with Qore LLC to secure bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO) under the QIRA brand, produced from renewable feedstocks at Cargill's biotechnology campus in Iowa. This partnership ensures BASF a stable and reliable supply of BDO and its derivatives, including PolyTHF and THF, enabling consistent production across applications in textiles, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.

Diversification of downstream applications

Diversification of downstream applications is a major driver of the global maleic anhydride market, as the compound is increasingly used across construction, automotive, packaging, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Its derivatives such as tetra hydro furan (THF), butanediol (BDO), fumaric acid, and unsaturated polyester resins enable applications in adhesives, engineering plastics, biodegradable fibers, and agrochemicals. For instance, in May 2023, McDermott's recent project management consultancy contract with Indian Oil Corporation Limited for India's first mega-scale maleic anhydride unit at Panipat highlights this trend, as the plant will also produce THF and BDO to cater to diverse end-use industries.

Sustainability and life cycle assessments driving maleic anhydride demand

Growing focus on sustainability and transparency through life cycle assessments (LCA) is boosting the global maleic anhydride market, as downstream industries increasingly demand eco-friendly materials with verified environmental credentials. By enabling manufacturers to assess energy use, emissions, and waste across the production chain, LCA tools help improve efficiency and meet regulatory as well as consumer expectations for greener solutions. For example, in 2023, Ecoinvent released updated LCA data for unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins, allowing fabricators to reliably calculate the eco-footprint of their products and strengthen sustainability reporting.

Shift toward biomass-balanced chemical intermediates

The ongoing shift toward sustainable and renewable feedstocks for chemical intermediates is propelling the global maleic anhydride market growth. Companies are actively replacing fossil-based raw materials with certified biomass-balanced alternatives to reduce carbon footprints and support eco-friendly production. For instance, in May 2024, BASF expanded its biomass balance portfolio to include BDO, tetrahydrofuran (THF), PolyTHF, and DMAPA, produced at sites in Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. These ISCC PLUS and REDcert2-certified products enable customers to achieve sustainability goals by lowering the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint while maintaining the same technical performance as conventional chemicals.

Rising green hydrogen demand driving advanced material adoption

The rapid expansion of the green hydrogen sector contributing to the global fluoropolymer market growth. As hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell applications require high-performance, durable materials, companies are innovating to meet these stringent requirements. For example, in November 2024, Syensqo launched Aquivion N+ 125D, a fluoropolymer produced using proprietary non-fluorinated surfactant technology, specifically designed for hydrogen-related applications. This product aligns with Syensqo's One Planet sustainability roadmap and highlights how the growth of the green hydrogen economy is boosting demand for specialized, high-performance materials that support energy transition goals.

Growing demand for sustainable personal care ingredients

The global maleic anhydride market growth is highly driven by consumer preference for natural, mild, and biodegradable ingredients. This shift has prompted manufacturers to develop innovative solutions that enhance product functionality while reducing environmental impact. For instance, in May 2024, Nouryon launched its biodegradable Structure M3 co-surfactant at the in-cosmetics Global event in Paris, designed to improve the performance and appeal of personal care formulations. Such innovations highlight the industry's focus on meeting sustainability expectations and fostering growth in eco-friendly personal care applications.

Maleic Anhydride Industry Segmentation

The EMR's report titled "Global Maleic Anhydride Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034" offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product Type

- Unsaturated Polyester Resin
- BDO (Butanediol)
- Lubricant Additives
- Maleic Anhydride Copolymers
- Malic Acid
- Furmaric Acid
- Alkyl Succinic Anhydrides
- Surfactants and Plasticisers
- Others

Key Insight: Unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) accounts for the largest segment of the market fueled by rising demand for lightweight composites in construction, automotive, and marine industries. BDO (Butanediol) gaining significant traction due to its role in producing engineering plastics, elastic fibers, and solvents. Lubricant additives see steady uptake from the automotive and industrial sectors, while maleic anhydride copolymers benefit from growing packaging needs. Malic and fumaric acids gain traction in food and beverage applications, while alkyl succinic anhydrides, surfactants, and plasticisers grow with demand for coatings and personal care.

Market Breakup by End Use Industry

- Construction
- Automobile
- Food and Beverage
- Oil Products
- Electronics
- Personal Care
- Pharmaceuticals
- Agriculture

Key Insight: Construction represents the biggest portion of the global maleic anhydride market share, supported by adhesives, sealants, and coatings used in expanding infrastructure projects. The automobile industry is the fastest growing, driven by the shift to lightweight materials and composites for fuel efficiency. Food and beverage demand is rising using malic and fumaric acids as acidulants. Oil products create opportunities in lubricant additives, while electronics benefit from resin-based applications. Personal care and pharmaceuticals are supported by growing consumer and healthcare spending, while agriculture uses maleic anhydride derivatives in agrochemicals and growth regulators.

Market Breakup by Region

- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa

Key Insight: Asia Pacific leads the maleic anhydride market driven by strong automotive, construction, and chemical demand in China, India, and Southeast Asia. North America benefits from advanced automotive production and innovation in sustainable materials, while Europe sees stable growth due to strict emission regulations and industrial applications. Latin America is the fastest-growing region, supported by agricultural demand and infrastructure development. Meanwhile, the Middle East and Africa are seeing rising adoption in oil products, construction, and industrial chemicals, though their overall share remains smaller than other regions

Global Maleic Anhydride Market Share

By product type, unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) propel the market growth

Unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) is gaining traction primarily driven by the rising focus on sustainability and lightweight, eco-friendly composites. End-users in construction, automotive, and marine industries are increasingly adopting materials that reduce carbon footprint, improve fuel efficiency, and support recyclability. Maleic anhydride serves as a critical precursor in producing these sustainable composites, reinforcing its demand as manufacturers expand production to meet evolving environmental and performance standards globally.

On the other hand, sustainability-focused material innovation is significantly driving the demand for BDO (Butanediol) in the maleic anhydride industry, as industries prioritize reducing carbon footprints and dependence on fossil-based resources. Bio-circular BDO derived from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil is gaining momentum, offering identical performance to conventional BDO while significantly lowering environmental impact. For example, in October 2024, Envalior launched its Pocan PBT compounds based on bio-circular BDO, showcasing how manufacturers are introducing low-impact solutions aligned with regulatory targets and corporate sustainability strategies. This development highlights the expanding role of bio-based BDO in automotive, electronics, and consumer goods applications.

By end-use industry, construction accounts for the largest share _x000D__x000D_
Construction accounts for the largest market share, primarily driven by the growing demand for lightweight, high-performance materials. Maleic anhydride derivatives, particularly unsaturated polyester resins, are widely used in adhesives, coatings, and sealants, providing enhanced structural strength, chemical resistance, and durability. Expanding infrastructure projects, urbanization, and a rising emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient building materials are reinforcing the adoption of these derivatives. The ability of maleic anhydride-based materials to meet modern construction requirements continues to strengthen its dominance in this sector.

Meanwhile, the automotive industry is demonstrating a notable growth rate in the global maleic anhydride market increasingly driven by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). In 2023, nearly 14 million new EVs were registered worldwide, a 35% increase over 2022, with 95% of sales concentrated in China, Europe, and the United States. Maleic anhydride derivatives are extensively used in lightweight composites for EV interiors, exteriors, and structural components, reducing vehicle weight while maintaining strength. Stricter emission regulations and the sustainability push further accelerate adoption, positioning these high-performance materials as essential enablers of the rapidly expanding electric mobility market.

Global Maleic Anhydride Market Regional Analysis

By region, Asia Pacific to lead the market growth

Asia Pacific accounts for the largest share, supported by rising demand across agriculture, construction, and packaging. A key growth driver is the region's shift toward safer agrochemicals, as concerns over pesticide-related health and environmental risks intensify. For instance, the Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific (PANAP) recently released its report Sowing Harm in April 2025, which revealed alarming levels of pesticide poisoning and contamination in countries such as India, Bangladesh, Laos, and Vietnam. These findings are accelerating regulatory pressure and adoption of sustainable agrochemical alternatives, boosting demand for maleic anhydride derivatives in the region.

Local capacity expansion is a core driver of the North America maleic anhydride market, as industries increasingly prioritize secure, domestic supply over imports. Rising demand from packaging and automotive sectors has encouraged regional players to boost production infrastructure. To cite an instance, in February 2025, TCL Specialties USA, a subsidiary of Thirumalai Chemicals, which is set to commission a 40,000-ton/year maleic anhydride plant in West Virginia by Q4 2025. By leveraging locally sourced butane, the facility reflects how capacity additions are reinforcing North America's self-sufficiency and market growth.

Competitive Landscape

Major maleic anhydride companies are focusing on expanding production capacity and enhancing downstream applications to meet growing demand from automotive, construction, and industrial sectors. Leading firms operating in the global maleic anhydride market are investing in advanced manufacturing technologies, project management collaborations, and sustainability-focused initiatives to optimize efficiency and reduce operational costs. By strengthening their supply chains and entering strategic partnerships, key players aim to ensure consistent raw material availability while addressing regional demand fluctuations, particularly in high-growth markets such as North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Meanwhile, manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and innovation as core strategies to capture a robust share of the market. Efforts include developing bio-based or mass-balanced maleic anhydride derivatives, expanding product portfolios for lightweight composites and specialty resins, and offering customer-centric solutions for high-performance applications. Maleic anhydride companies are also exploring digital tools for process optimization and lifecycle assessment, enabling eco-friendly production and regulatory compliance. These strategies allow players to differentiate offerings, enhance brand value, and address rising global demand for environmentally sustainable materials across multiple end-use industries.

Huntsman International LLC

Established in 1970 and headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, the United States, Huntsman International LLC provides chemicals and advanced materials for sectors including construction, automotive, and electronics. The company operates globally, with numerous manufacturing plants and research & development centers across continents.

Shandong Hongxin Chemical Co. Ltd.

Headquartered in Shandong, China, and founded in 1998, Shandong Hongxin Chemical produces maleic anhydride and related intermediates. It caters to both domestic and international markets while emphasizing quality and sustainable production practices.

Helm AG

Founded in 1900 in Hamburg, Germany, Helm AG is a prominent global distributor of specialty and industrial chemicals. The company supports multiple industries with its technical expertise and extensive international network.

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

With its origins in Tokyo, Japan, in 1933, Mitsubishi Chemical develops high-performance chemicals and materials for applications in automotive, electronics, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Innovation, sustainability, and global reach define its operations.

Other players in the global maleic anhydride market include Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Ningbo Jiangning Chemical Co. Ltd., among others.

Key Highlights of the Global Maleic Anhydride Market Report:

- The report offers a comprehensive review of historical market performance while providing accurate forecasts through 2034, enabling readers to understand past trends and anticipate future growth trajectories with confidence.
- It delivers detailed insights into product innovations, technological advancements, and emerging applications that are shaping the competitive landscape of the maleic anhydride market globally.
- An extensive competitive analysis profiles leading domestic and international manufacturers, highlighting their strategies, capacities, and market positioning to provide a clear picture of industry dynamics.
- The regional analysis identifies emerging markets, investment opportunities, and growth drivers across different geographies, supporting strategic planning for expansion or market entry.
- The report includes an investment-focused outlook backed by quantitative and qualitative data, offering actionable insights for stakeholders seeking to make informed business decisions.

Why Choose Expert Market Research?

- Expert Market Research provides insights that are thoroughly validated and backed by extensive primary research, ensuring reliability and accuracy in decision-making.
- The report presents actionable data and in-depth analysis that can guide strategic choices for businesses looking to enhance their market presence and competitiveness.
- With detailed region-wise and product-specific insights, the report supports companies in identifying opportunities for growth, optimizing operations, and making well-informed investment decisions.

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