Global Propylene Oxide Market Demand & Forecast Analysis, 2018-2034

Description

Propylene oxide (PO) is a reactive, colorless, volatile compound primarily utilized in the manufacture of polyether polyols and propylene glycol, among other downstream chemicals. These derivatives serve as building blocks in construction materials, automotive components, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. As industries continue to modernize and adopt performance-enhancing materials, the demand for propylene oxide continues to strengthen, supported by innovation, urbanization, and infrastructure development across emerging and developed economies.

Demand by Application Type

Polyether polyol remains the leading application segment for propylene oxide, accounting for a major share of global consumption. Polyether polyols are primarily used in production of PU foams, which are essential in automotive seating, insulation materials, furniture, and bedding. Propylene glycol, the second-largest application, finds extensive usage in food-grade antifreeze, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and industrial formulations. Glycol ethers derived from propylene oxide are widely used as solvents in paints, coatings, and cleaning agents. Additional derivatives like 1,4-butanediol and polyalkylene glycol cater to specialty applications in engineering plastics and lubricants.

End-Use Sector Performance

Among end use industries, construction dominates the market owing to usage of polyurethane foams in application such as insulation, adhesives and sealants. With increasing emphasis on energy-efficient infrastructure, demand for PU based insulation materials continues to grow, especially in North America, Europe, and rapidly urbanizing parts of Asia. The automotive sector follows closely, using PO derivatives in vehicle interiors, coatings, adhesives, and lightweight materials.. In the electronics industry, PO-derived chemicals support production of semiconductors and precision cleaning agents. The pharmaceutical and chemical industries rely on PO-based intermediates in formulations, highlighting the broad scope of demand drivers.

Regional Demand Analysis

In terms of propylene oxide demand by region, Asia Pacific dominates the global market, driven by massive consumption in China, South Korea, India, and Japan. The region benefits from a large manufacturing base, favorable government policies, and a growing middle-class population demanding advanced consumer goods and infrastructure. China, in particular, is a global leader in production and consumption of PO primarily driven by construction, electronics, and automotive production. North America and Europe also maintain decent market shares due to robust industrial bases, technological innovation, and steady construction activities. The U.S. has been a major producer and exporter of propylene oxide. Meanwhile, the Middle East and Latin America present growing opportunities owing to increasing investment in chemicals, automotive parts manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

Key Manufacturers

The global propylene oxide market is consolidated among a few key multinational corporations that control a major portion of production capacity. Leading players include Sumitomo Chemical, LyondellBasell Industries, BASF, Shell, Huntsman Corporation, Asahi Glass Company, Tokuyama Corporation, Repsol Energy, Tianjin Dagu Chemical Co., INEOS Oxide, SKC Co., and Dow.

Market Driver: Rising Demand for Polyurethane Products

One of the keyr drivers in the propylene oxide market is the increasing demand for polyurethane materials. With polyether polyols being the largest consumer of PO, any surge in polyurethane applications directly benefits the market. The construction, automotive, and furniture industries are all experiencing rising demand for polyurethane due to its durability, light weight, and energy-efficient properties. In regions like Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, expanding infrastructure and urban housing are further amplifying this demand.

1. Introduction

Scope
Market Coverage
- Applications
- End-Use Industries
- Regions
- Countries
Years Considered
- Historical - 2018 - 2023
- Base - 2024
- Forecast Period - 2025 - 2034
Research Methodology
- Approach
- Research Methodology
- Prismane Consulting Market Models
- Assumptions & Limitations
- Abbreviations & Definitions
- Conversion Factors
- Data Sources

2. Market Synopsis

Market Evolution
Demand-Supply Overview
Industry Structure
Strategic Issues
End-use Trends
Growth Forecast

3. Economic & Energy Outlook

GDP and Demographics
Monetary & Fiscal Policies
Crude Oil Production and prices
Natural Gas
Electricity Prices

4. End-use Sector Performance

Construction
Automotive
Food & Beverage
Electronics
Chemical & Pharmaceutical
Others

5. Capacity (Plants & Projects) Analysis

Capacity, by Company
Capacity, by Country and by region
Capacity Overview, By Region and Country

6. Introduction to Propylene Oxide and Market Overview

Product Description
Grades & Properties
Raw Material
Manufacturing Process
Environmental Issues
Value Chain
Applications

7. Market Dynamics and Industry Trends

Market Dynamics
- Drivers
- Restraints
- Opportunities
- Challenges

8. Global Propylene Oxide Demand-Supply Analysis, By Applications, By End-Use Industries (Volume, Value) (2018-2034)

Strategic Issues
Demand-Supply Analysis and Forecast (2018- 2034)
- Capacity
- Capacity Utilization (%)
- Production
- Imports
- Exports
- Net Trade
- Demand
- Demand Growth Rate (%)
- Driving Force Analysis
- Global Propylene Oxide Market, By Applications
Polyether Polyol
Propylene Glycol
Glycol Ether
1,4-Butanediol
Polyalkylene Glycol
Others
- Global Propylene Oxide Market, By End-Use Industries
Construction
Automotive
Food & Beverage
Electronics
Chemical & Pharmaceutical
Others

9. Demand-Supply Analysis and Market Review, By Region, By Country (Volume, Value), (2018- 2034)

Strategic Issues
Capacity
Capacity Utilization (%)
Production
Imports
Exports
Net Exports
Demand
Demand Growth Rate (%)
Propylene Oxide Market, By Applications
Propylene Oxide Market, By End-Use Industries

Note: Demand-Supply Analysis has been provided for all major Regions / Countries as mentioned below. The demand (consumption) split by applications and by end-use industries has been provided for each of the countries/regions in Volume (Kilo tons) and Value (USD Million).

North America
USA
Canada
Mexico
Western Europe
Germany
France
Italy
United Kingdom
Spain
Rest of Western Europe
Central & Eastern Europe
Russia
Poland
Rest of Central & Eastern Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Central & South America
Middle East & Africa

Note: CAGR will be calculated for all applications and end-use industries to arrive at the regional / global Demand-Supply growth for the forecast period (2025 - 2034)

10. Pricing Analysis

Average Propylene Oxide Prices, USD/Kg
Average prices, by region
Price Forecast

11. Key Strategic Issues

12. Business Opportunity Assessment

Market Attractiveness Assessment
Prospective & Target Market Study

13. Strategic Recommendation & Suggestions

14. Company Analysis

Propylene Oxide Manufacturers Profiles/ Company Analysis
- Basic Details
- Headquarter, Key Markets
- Ownership
- Company Financial
- Manufacturing Bases
- Global Turnover
- Total Employee
- Product Portfolio / Services / Solutions
- Key Business Strategies adopted and Prismane Consulting Overview
- Recent Developments
- Companies Covered -
LyondellBasell Industries
Royal Dutch Shell
Huntsman Corporation
Asahi Glass Company
Repsol Energy
Sumitomo Chemical Company
SKC Co.
Tokuyama Corp.
Tianjin Dagu Chemical Co.
INEOS Oxide
BASF
Other Manufacturers

Note: This section includes company information, company financials, manufacturing bases and operating regions. Company financials have been mentioned only for those companies where financials were available in SEC Filings, annual reports, or company websites. All the reported financials in this report are in U.S. Dollars. Financials reported in other currencies have been converted using average currency conversion rates. Company profiles may include manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors.

15. Appendices

Demand-Supply - Regions
Demand-Supply - Countries
Capacities, 2018-2034