The global acrylic acid market size attained a volume of approximately 8.44 million metric tons (MMT) in 2024 and is projected to reach 13.88 MMT by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.10% during 2025-2034. This article delves into a detailed analysis of the market, highlighting its size, trends, growth drivers, challenges, segmentation, and top competitors.
Insights from Expert Market Research Fuel Acrylic Acid Market Momentum
Driven by its critical role in super absorbent polymers and industrial applications, the acrylic acid market is capturing attention across sectors. Expert Market Research reveals a promising trajectory, with the market projected to surge from 8.44 MMT in 2024 to 13.88 MMT by 2034. This growth isn’t just in numbers—it reflects a larger shift toward hygiene-conscious consumerism and infrastructure expansion. As industries innovate with bio-based alternatives and eco-friendly formulations, acrylic acid is becoming the backbone of sustainable material science. The insights offered highlight a market poised for innovation, scalability, and long-term industrial relevance.
Acrylic Acid Market Size
In 2024, the global acrylic acid market attained a volume of approximately 8.44 million metric tons (MMT), underlining its integral role in various industrial and consumer sectors. This substantial market size is largely attributed to the extensive use of acrylic acid in the production of super absorbent polymers (SAPs), which are essential for personal care items such as diapers and sanitary products. Additionally, acrylic acid is in high demand in sectors like paints and coatings, adhesives, textiles, and water treatment, which further elevates its consumption worldwide. The Asia Pacific region, particularly China and India, is a dominant consumer due to its expanding industrial base and population-driven demand for hygiene products. As economies continue to urbanize and develop infrastructure, the market size is expected to increase. The expansion of manufacturing facilities, technological advancements in production, and favorable government policies in emerging economies are playing a pivotal role in boosting the global acrylic acid capacity. The 2024 benchmark sets the foundation for the anticipated market expansion, supported by continuous innovation and new application areas. This large volume also points to a well-established supply chain, including major global and regional suppliers contributing to robust market dynamics.
Acrylic Acid Market Trends
The acrylic acid market is witnessing several key trends that are shaping its present and future landscape. A prominent trend is the rising demand for personal hygiene products, especially in developing nations where income levels and awareness are improving. This directly boosts the consumption of SAPs, acrylic acid’s primary derivative. Another significant trend is the shift toward eco-friendly and water-based coatings and adhesives, driven by global sustainability efforts and regulations. These products often incorporate acrylic acid due to its excellent bonding and resistance properties.
Technological advancements in the production of bio-based acrylic acid are also gaining momentum, offering an alternative to petroleum-based versions and aligning with global environmental goals. Additionally, companies are focusing on optimizing the production process to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency. The automotive and construction sectors are increasing their use of acrylic-based paints and sealants for durability and performance.
Moreover, the expansion of e-commerce and organized retail is indirectly impacting packaging adhesives that use acrylic acid. These evolving consumer behaviors, coupled with product innovation, are expected to further bolster market trends. Collectively, these trends indicate a strong push toward sustainability, performance, and diversified applications of acrylic acid across industries.
Acrylic Acid Market Opportunities and Challenges
The acrylic acid market offers numerous opportunities, particularly in the expansion of SAPs for baby diapers, feminine hygiene, and adult care, especially in Asia Pacific and Latin America. Infrastructure growth worldwide also fuels the need for acrylic-based paints, adhesives, and coatings. However, the market faces challenges such as volatile raw material prices (like propylene) and strict environmental regulations due to the toxic and corrosive nature of acrylic acid. In addition, high capital investment for setting up production plants can be a barrier for new entrants.
Acrylic Acid Market Segmentation
By Type
- Acrylate Esters
- Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)
- Glacial Acrylic Acid
- Others
By Application
- Surfactants and Surface Coatings
- Organic Chemicals
- Adhesives and Sealants
- Textiles
- Water Treatment
- Personal Care Products (Superabsorbent diapers, etc.)
- Others
By Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Acrylic Acid Market Growth
The acrylic acid market is experiencing robust growth, underpinned by multiple high-demand sectors. The most significant growth driver is the expanding use of SAPs in personal care products such as baby diapers, adult incontinence items, and feminine hygiene products. With increasing awareness of hygiene and healthcare, especially in emerging markets like Asia Pacific and Latin America, the consumption of SAPs—and by extension, acrylic acid—continues to climb.
Furthermore, acrylic acid’s applications in coatings, adhesives, textiles, and water treatment contribute substantially to market expansion. As construction and infrastructure projects increase globally, demand for durable and weather-resistant materials rises, where acrylic-based coatings and sealants play a vital role. Similarly, industrial adhesives used in packaging and automotive assembly are fueling growth.
Government initiatives to improve sanitation and water management are also pushing the need for efficient treatment solutions, where acrylic acid compounds are extensively utilized. Additionally, ongoing RD in bio-based acrylic acid production supports sustainable industry expansion.
With a projected CAGR of 5.10% during 2025–2034, the market’s growth is sustained by both consumer-driven demand and industrial applications. Expansion in production capacity, strategic partnerships, and innovation further reinforce this optimistic growth trajectory.
Acrylic Acid Market Forecast (2025–2034)
The global acrylic acid market is forecasted to grow at a steady CAGR of 5.10% from 2025 to 2034, reaching a projected volume of 13.88 million metric tons (MMT) by the end of the forecast period. This growth will primarily be driven by increasing demand in personal care, construction, and water treatment sectors. As global population and urbanization rates rise, especially in Asia Pacific, demand for SAPs used in hygiene products will continue to surge.
Technological innovations in production efficiency and sustainable manufacturing, such as bio-based acrylic acid, will further support long-term market expansion. Additionally, with infrastructure investments increasing in emerging economies, the market for acrylic-based paints, sealants, and adhesives is expected to grow significantly.
The market forecast also considers evolving regulatory frameworks that are pushing manufacturers toward eco-friendly and low-emission alternatives, influencing both demand and innovation. Companies investing in RD and geographic expansion are likely to benefit the most during this period.
By 2034, the global acrylic acid market will not only expand in size but will also witness significant transformation in product formulations, production processes, and end-use applications, marking a new phase of sustainable and innovation-led growth.
Acrylic Acid Market Competitor Analysis
The acrylic acid market is highly competitive, with global and regional players investing in innovation and capacity expansion. The key players are engaging in strategic mergers, partnerships, and RD to enhance product offerings and sustainability.
Key Players in the Acrylic Acid Market:
BASF SE – A leading innovator in acrylic chemistry and SAP production.
Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. – A global supplier with strong SAP capabilities.
The Dow Chemical Company – Offers high-performance acrylic-based solutions.
Arkema Group – Provides advanced material solutions in coatings and adhesives.
LG Chem. Ltd. – Major player in petrochemical and specialty materials.
Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid Co., Ltd – Strong regional footprint in Asia.
Evonik Industries AG – Focuses on high-purity glacial acrylic acid products.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation – Integrated producer across multiple acrylic segments.
SIBUR International GmbH – Expanding footprint in acrylic raw material supply.
Satellite Chemical Co.,Ltd. – A dominant Chinese producer with rapid capacity growth.
Wanhua Petrochemical (Yantai) Co., Ltd. – Rising player in SAP-grade acrylics.
Toagosei Co., Ltd – Specialist in acrylic acid esters and SAP.
China Petroleum Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) – Large-scale player in chemical derivatives.
Vigon International, LLC. – Offers specialty chemical formulations including acrylic components.
SMC – Supplies industrial-grade acrylics in Asian markets.
Sinopec – One of the largest integrated producers globally.
Formosa Plastics Corporation – Known for vertical integration and cost efficiency.
Sasol – Focuses on specialty chemical and solvent segments.
Others – Includes various regional suppliers and distributors worldwide.
