PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1891528
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1891528
The global polyoxymethylene (POM) market is witnessing steady growth, supported by rising demand from the automotive, electrical & electronics, industrial machinery, and healthcare industries. In 2024, the global polyoxymethylene market was valued at USD 4.50 billion, highlighting the growing adoption of this engineering thermoplastic in precision applications that require excellent dimensional stability, low friction, and high mechanical strength. Polyoxymethylene, also known as Delrin, acetal, or polyacetal, is widely used in components that demand durability, stiffness, and resistance to wear.
The market is projected to grow to USD 4.70 billion in 2025, driven by the expansion of automotive manufacturing, increasing electrification, and rising demand for high-performance plastics in industrial applications. Over the forecast period, the market is expected to maintain consistent growth momentum and reach USD 6.88 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2032. This growth reflects strong end-use demand and continuous material innovation.
Material Characteristics and Application Scope
Polyoxymethylene is valued for its superior mechanical properties, including high stiffness, excellent fatigue resistance, low moisture absorption, and strong chemical resistance. These characteristics make POM suitable for manufacturing precision components such as gears, bearings, fasteners, lock systems, fuel system parts, and small mechanical components. The availability of multiple grades, including reinforced, high-impact, UV-stabilized, and low-wear variants, further broadens its application range.
In addition to industrial and automotive uses, POM is increasingly used in medical and healthcare applications, including surgical instruments, medical devices, orthopedic implants, and drug delivery systems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while automotive and electronics production slowed, rising demand from the medical sector helped partially offset market disruptions.
Market Trends and Growth Drivers
One of the key trends shaping the polyoxymethylene market is the expansion of the healthcare industry. The growing need for durable, chemically resistant, and biocompatible materials has increased the use of POM in medical applications. Its dimensional stability and ability to withstand sterilization processes make it suitable for critical healthcare components.
Another major growth driver is the rapid expansion of the automotive industry, particularly in electric and fuel-efficient vehicles. In 2024, the automotive segment accounted for the dominant share of the polyoxymethylene market. POM is widely used in automotive applications such as seatbelt components, door handles, HVAC knobs, clips, gears, and speaker grilles. The focus on reducing vehicle weight and improving performance has further strengthened demand.
Advancements in low-VOC and low-emission POM grades are also contributing to market growth. Automotive manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing cabin air quality, prompting material suppliers to develop improved formulations. These innovations are expected to support market expansion through 2032.
Market Restraints
Despite favorable growth prospects, the polyoxymethylene market faces challenges related to fluctuating raw material prices. Key raw materials such as acetic acid and formaldehyde are subject to price volatility due to geopolitical tensions, currency fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions. These fluctuations can increase production costs and impact overall market demand.
By application, the automotive segment dominated the market in 2024, reflecting strong demand from vehicle manufacturing and component production. The automotive segment is projected to generate USD 2,169.1 million in revenue by 2025, underscoring its importance to overall market growth.
The industrial machinery segment is expected to hold a 14.5% share in 2025, supported by rising demand for wear-resistant and high-strength components used in bearings, gears, valve parts, and conveyor systems. Meanwhile, the electrical & electronics segment continues to grow due to increased use of POM in connectors, switches, circuit breakers, and insulating components.
Regional Market Overview
Asia Pacific is the leading regional market, with a market size of USD 2.86 billion in 2024. The region's dominance is driven by rapid industrialization, strong automotive and electronics manufacturing, and growing healthcare investments. China holds the largest share within the region and is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.60% during the forecast period. Japan's polyoxymethylene market is expected to reach USD 344.0 million by 2025.
North America's market growth is supported by advancements in the electrical & electronics and consumer goods industries. Europe is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.5%, driven by automotive electrification, automation, and lightweight material adoption. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are experiencing steady growth due to rising demand from industrial machinery and infrastructure-related applications.
Market Outlook
With the global polyoxymethylene market projected to expand from USD 4.50 billion in 2024 to USD 6.88 billion by 2032, the industry is positioned for sustained growth. Strong demand from automotive, healthcare, and industrial sectors, combined with ongoing material innovation, will continue to shape the market's long-term development.
Segmentation By Application
By Region