PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1916565
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1916565
The global acrylic acid market was valued at USD 9.63 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 9.98 billion in 2026 to USD 13.71 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 4.0% during the 2026-2034 forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the market with a 40% share in 2025, supported by rapid industrialization, strong hygiene product demand, and expanding coatings and adhesives industries across China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Acrylic acid is a colorless, volatile organic compound and the simplest unsaturated carboxylic acid, consisting of a vinyl group bonded to a carboxyl group. This molecular structure enables high reactivity, making it a critical building block for derivatives such as acrylic esters, acrylic polymers, and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). These derivatives are widely used in paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, textiles, personal care products, and water treatment chemicals. Increasing urbanization and infrastructure development worldwide are driving demand for acrylic-based coatings and construction materials due to their durability, UV resistance, and weathering performance. At the same time, rising global birth rates and aging populations are accelerating the consumption of hygiene products, where SAPs derived from acrylic acid play a vital role.
A key market trend shaping growth is the shift toward bio-based and alternative feedstock routes. Bio-based acrylic acid produced from renewable sources such as glycerol, sugars, or 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) can reduce global warming potential by up to 60% compared to conventional propylene-based routes. Major producers are investing heavily in R&D partnerships to commercialize bio-acrylic acid, particularly in Europe and North America, while Asia Pacific is emerging as a scalable production hub for bio-based materials.
From a market dynamics perspective, expanding demand from coatings, adhesives & sealants, and textiles remains the primary growth driver. Acrylic esters and polymers enhance flexibility, durability, adhesion, and weather resistance in finished products. The global shift toward low-VOC, water-based formulations further strengthens the adoption of acrylic-based coatings. In adhesives and sealants, acrylic derivatives enable fast curing, strong bonding, and chemical resistance, making them essential in packaging, automotive assembly, electronics, and construction. In textiles, acrylic polymers improve wrinkle resistance, dye retention, softness, and long-term durability.
However, the market faces restraints related to health, safety, and handling concerns. Acrylic acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns or respiratory irritation, requiring strict occupational safety measures and advanced containment systems. It is also toxic to aquatic life, increasing environmental compliance costs. These factors raise operational risks and capital expenditure requirements, particularly in production and transportation.
Despite these challenges, strong market opportunities exist in the hygiene products segment. Acrylic acid is a critical raw material for SAPs, which can absorb several hundred times their own weight in liquid. These polymers are essential for baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene items, offering dryness, comfort, and odor control. Rising hygiene awareness and demographic shifts continue to strengthen long-term demand.
The market also faces challenges from raw material price volatility and regulatory compliance. Acrylic acid production relies on petrochemical feedstocks such as propylene, which are sensitive to geopolitical tensions, trade protectionism, and energy market fluctuations. Strict regulations from agencies such as the U.S. EPA and the European Chemicals Agency increase compliance costs and raise barriers to entry, especially for smaller producers.
In terms of segmentation, acrylic esters dominated the market with a 47.39% share in 2026, driven by extensive use in coatings, adhesives, and sealants. By application, paints & coatings accounted for 31.96% of market share in 2026, followed by adhesives & sealants, textiles, personal care products, and water treatment applications.
Regionally, Asia Pacific led the market with USD 3.84 billion by 2026, supported by large-scale production capacity, rising hygiene awareness, and strong construction activity. North America benefits from integrated petrochemical infrastructure and bio-based innovation, while Europe focuses on sustainability and regulatory compliance. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa show gradual growth driven by infrastructure development and expanding chemical exports.
Key companies operating in the market include BASF SE, NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD., Arkema S.A., LG Chem Ltd., and Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid Co., Ltd., with strategies centered on sustainability, capacity expansion, and advanced derivative development.
Conclusion
The global acrylic acid market is expected to grow steadily from USD 9.63 billion in 2025 to USD 13.71 billion by 2034, driven by rising demand from coatings, adhesives, textiles, and hygiene products, along with increasing adoption of bio-based production routes. While health hazards, regulatory compliance, and feedstock price volatility pose challenges, continued innovation, strong hygiene product demand, and expanding industrial applications across Asia Pacific and other regions are expected to sustain long-term market growth throughout the forecast period.
Segmentation By Derivative, By Application, By Region
By Derivative * Acrylic Esters
By Application * Paints & Coatings
By Region * North America (By Derivative, By Application, By Country)