Methanol Market

The global Methanol Market is valued at USD 35.4 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 96.6 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 9.60% between 2025 and 2035.

Premium Insights

Due to several factors, the Methanol Market is anticipated to increase significantly in the upcoming years. Various chemicals and products, such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and methacrylic acid, among others, are produced using Methanol as a key constituent. Therefore, the Methanol Market is anticipated to increase due to rising demand for these chemicals in numerous end-use sectors, including automotive, construction, textiles, and packaging.

Adopting biofuels is another important element boosting the demand for Methanol. Creating biodiesel, viewed as a cleaner, more sustainable substitute for conventional fossil fuels, requires Methanol as a crucial ingredient. The demand for Methanol is anticipated to rise in tandem with the demand for biofuels as governments worldwide continue enacting rules to lower carbon emissions and encourage using renewable energy sources.

The COVID-19 epidemic has also affected the market for Methanol, both positively and negatively. On the one hand, the pandemic has slowed manufacturing activity and disrupted global supply networks, temporarily decreasing demand for Methanol. On the other hand, the epidemic has increased awareness of the value of clean air and the need to shift to more sustainable energy sources, which might hasten the uptake of Methanol-based biofuels and other renewable energy sources.

The growing use of Methanol as a feedstock in producing olefins and other chemicals is another trend that is anticipated to fuel expansion in the Methanol Market. The Methanol-to-olefins (MTO) technique is superior to conventional olefin production methods in several ways, including cost and environmental impact. As a result, MTO technology is becoming more popular, especially in Asia, where numerous sizable projects are currently underway.

In conclusion, the Methanol Market is anticipated to experience significant expansion over the next years due to various causes, such as rising chemical demand, rising biofuel use, and implementation of novel technologies like Methanol-to-olefins. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily disrupted the Methanol market, long-term prospects are still favorable, and businesses are continuing to grow.

Economic Insights

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has hurt global financial markets. Fighting has disrupted global supply networks, raising food and gas prices and worrying many people about the future. These anxieties raised prices, slowing economic activity. This conflict has devastated Europe due to its energy dependence on Russia. Russia has struggled to sell oil due to EU sanctions. Energy price hikes have decreased consumer spending, raising European inflation.

Top Market Trends

1. Shift Towards Green Methanol: An increasing need for environmentally friendly fuels to lower greenhouse gas emissions and support renewable energy. Green Methanol, made from renewable resources such as biomass, agricultural waste, and carbon capture, has become more popular as a result. Traditional Methanol manufacturing techniques, which rely on fossil fuels, can replace green Methanol, which offers a sustainable alternative. It is anticipated that when governments and businesses take action to prevent climate change, demand for green Methanol will rise even further.
2. Expanding Usage in the Chemical Industry: A vital component in creating compounds like formaldehyde, acetic acid, and methyl methacrylate is Methanol. The need for Methanol-based chemicals will increase along with the expansion of numerous industries, including the automotive and construction sectors. Olefins are used to make plastic, textiles, and rubber and are also made using Methanol. The Methanol Market in the chemical sector is anticipated to increase due to the rising demand for these goods.

Market Segmentation

The global Methanol market is segmented based on: Feedstock, Derivatives, Sub-Derivatives, End-User, and Region. Based on the Feedstock, the market is further segmented into Natural Gas, Coal, Biomass, Municipal Waste, CO2, and Other Feedstocks. Furthermore, based on the segment of Derivatives, the market is further bifurcated into Formaldehyde, Acetic Acid, Gasoline, Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE), Dimethyl Ether (DME), Chloromethane, and Other Derivatives. Additionally, based on Sub-Derivatives, the market is divided into Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Acetic Anhydride, Dimethyl Terephthalate (DMT), Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), Methyl Amines, Methyl Chloride, and Other Sub-Derivatives (including Ethyl Methacrylate, Vinyl Acetate). In addition, based on End-User, the market is further divided into Automotive, Construction, Electronics, Paints & Coatings, Pharmaceuticals, Refrigeration, Packaging, and Other End Users (including Textiles, Personal Care). Likewise, based on Region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, {{Largest_Region}}, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

Based on Feedstock

Natural Gas Category Dominates the Methanol Market in Feedstock Segment

Natural gas is the primary feedstock utilized in manufacturing Methanol. This is a result of its accessibility and affordability in many parts of the world. The steam reforming method turns natural gas into Methanol. It combines natural gas with steam and a catalyst to create a synthesis gas, which transforms into Methanol.

Based on Derivatives

Formaldehyde Is the Most Common Derivative Of Methanol Because of its Several Uses

Formaldehyde is the most common derivative of Methanol. Several uses for formaldehyde include manufacturing textiles, polymers, and resins. It is also employed in producing fundamental compounds, including pentaerythritol, MDI, and acetic acid.

Based on Sub-Derivatives

Acetic Acid Dominates the Methanol Market for Sub-Derivatives Segment

Acetic acid is the predominant Methanol sub-derivative. In the chemical industry, acetic acid produces cellulose acetate, refined terephthalic acid, and vinyl acetate monomer, among other products. Additionally, acetic acid makes photographic chemicals, dyes, pigments, and agricultural compounds.

Based on End-User

The Dominating End-User of Methanol is the Construction Industry

The building sector is the primary end-user of Methanol. Many building supplies, including paints, varnishes, and adhesives, use Methanol as a solvent. Additionally, it serves as an antifreeze in concrete and mortar, preventing the buildup of ice crystals in cold weather. Manufacturing formaldehyde-based resins, which serve as binders in building materials, is another usage for Methanol.

Based on Region

Asia Pacific is the largest region in the Methanol Market

The Methanol Market is now most prevalent in Asia. The rising manufacturing of formaldehyde and acetic acid has increased the regions need for Methanol. Methanol is frequently used to manufacture olefins, formaldehyde, and MTBE in China, the largest user of Methanol in Asia. The regions expanding energy industry, where Methanol plays a crucial role in manufacturing biodiesel and the blending of fuels, contributes to the rise in Methanol demand.

Additionally, the Asia Pacific region is home to many nations investing in renewable energy, which has provided the Methanol Market with considerable development potential. Methanol is desirable as a renewable fuel because it may be made from various feedstocks, such as carbon dioxide, biomass, and municipal solid waste. Methanol use as a fuel in transportation is one of Chinas ambitious renewable energy goals, which will likely result in a major rise in the chemicals demand over the next few years.

Overall, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to maintain its leadership in the Methanol Market, propelled by rising demand across a range of end-use industries and a move towards renewable energy.

Competitive Landscape

Numerous international and regional actors compete fiercely on the global market. Major corporations engage in strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions, and joint ventures to acquire a market advantage. In addition, manufacturers concentrate on capacity expansions and R&D for new product development to offer consumers products that are on trend.

The key players in the global Methanol market include - Methanex Corporation (Canada) among others.

Recent Market Developments

• May 2021: Evonik Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company has started commercial Methanol production from woody biomass. The move is a part of the companys efforts to expand its sustainable chemical business.
• April 2021: Methanex Corporation, the worlds largest producer of Methanol, announced that it had restarted its two production plants in Louisiana, which were shut down due to the impact of Hurricane Laura and subsequent freezing weather in February.
• February 2021: Celanese Corporation, a global chemical and specialty materials company, announced a price increase for Methanol in North America. The price hike reflects the tight supply and demand situation in the market.

Segmentation of the Global Methanol Market