Between 2004 and 2007, the world maleic anhydride market witnessed steady growth. However, the market growth was interrupted in 2008, when both maleic anhydride supply and demand decreased considerably as a result of the global economic slowdown. Since 2010, the overall maleic anhydride market has been on an upward trend. In 2012, global maleic anhydride production grew by around 60,000 tonnes and reached 1.78 million tonnes. Asia-Pacific held the lion’s share of the overall production volume. It was followed by North America and Europe. China, the US, Japan, Germany and Italy were the top five manufacturers of maleic anhydride in 2012.
Global Maleic Anhydride Production by Country, 2012
Huntsman, Changzhou Yabang Chemical Co, Sasol-Huntsman GmbH & Co KG, Polynt SpA, Ningbo Jiangning Chemical Co, Lanxess Corp, TCL Group, Tianjin Bohua Zhonghe Chemical Co, Nan Ya Plastics and China Chemical Corp are among the numerous participants of the world market for maleic anhydride.
In 2012, global annual production capacity of maleic anhydride was estimated at over 2.59 million tonnes. Asia-Pacific accounted for above 72% share of the overall installed capacity, with China being the key contributor. In the same year, the country alone accounted for almost 57% share of the total maleic anhydride manufacturing capacity.
Global Maleic Anhydride Capacity by Region, 2012
In 2012, the global consumption of maleic anhydride registered a 3.5% YoY increase. Asia was the leading consumer of the product in the same year, accounting for approximately 55% of the total consumption volume. It was followed by Europe and North America with shares of 17% and 15%, respectively. In 2012, the unsaturated polyester resins industry was the major end-use sector of maleic anhydride. Other important end-user of the product is the alkyd resins industry.
In 2012, global maleic anhydride foreign trade exceeded USD 314.6 million. In the same year, Asia-Pacific was the leading exporter, whilst Europe imported the largest volume of the product.
The worldwide maleic anhydride market is poised to witness positive growth, driven by the increased usage of the product among end-use industries in tandem with planned expansions of maleic anhydride production capacities worldwide. The maleic anhydride production is forecast to surpass the 2 million tonnes mark in 2016.
More information on the maleic anhydride market can be found in the report “Maleic Anhydride (MA): 2013 World Market Outlook and Forecast up to 2017”.