Adiponitrile Market Analysis By Demand, By Region, By Applications and Forecast Report Till 2034

The global adiponitrile market is anticipated to rise from USD 9.1 billion in 2024 to around USD 17.3 billion by 2032. This growth reflects a steady CAGR of 5.6%, driven largely by the increasing demand for hexamethylene diamine (HMDA). HMDA is a key raw material used in the production of nylon 6,6, which is widely applied in industries such as automotive, electronics, textiles, and consumer goods.

Adiponitrile is manufactured mainly through two industrial processes. The most common involves the hydrocyanation of butadiene using a nickel-based catalyst, a method first developed by DuPont. Another technique is the electrolytic coupling of acrylonitrile, which requires specialized equipment and energy inputs. Both production routes involve complex technology and strict environmental controls, limiting the number of global producers. Because over 90% of the HMDA produced is used in making nylon 6,6, adiponitrile plays a vital role in the broader synthetic materials industry.

Demand by Application/Type

Adiponitrile is primarily used in the production of nylon 6,6 fibers and nylon 6,6 engineering plastics. The fiber form is widely used in textiles, carpeting, and tire cords, owing to its strength, resilience, and thermal stability. Nylon 6,6 engineering plastics are commonly used in under-the-hood automotive parts, electrical connectors, and industrial machinery components. Additionally, adiponitrile is used to synthesize hexamethylene diisocyanide, which serves as an intermediate in chemical and specialty materials production. Among these applications, nylon 6,6 fibers hold the largest share in terms of volume demand, followed by engineering plastics, which are gaining traction due to the ongoing shift towards lightweight and durable materials in various applications such as automotive and industrial.

Regional Demand Analysis

In 2024, global adiponitrile demand reached around 1,388 kilo tons, with nearly all of it used in HMDA production. In the forecast period, the market is poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% through 2032, in line with trends in the nylon 6,6 market. The demand is largely influenced by end-use industries such as automotive, electrical and electronics, textiles, and consumer appliances. As these sectors continue to grow in emerging markets demand for nylon 6,6 and, by extension, adiponitrile is expected to rise.

North America is the largest consumer of adiponitrile, primarily due to its robust nylon 6,6 production capacities. In 2024, the United States alone accounted for 1,060 kilo tons of HMDA production capacity, served mainly by Invista and Ascend. Asia Pacific is the second-largest market, with China and Japan leading regional demand. While China currently imports much of its adiponitrile, this reliance is decreasing with the addition of new local production facilities. In Japan, Asahi Kasei is the dominant player with an integrated supply chain. Western Europe, particularly France and Italy, also represents a significant consumption base. BASF's integrated facility in France, with a capacity of 400 kilo tons, plays a key role in meeting regional demand

Adiponitrile Manufacturers

As of 2024, global production capacity for adiponitrile reached approximately 2,280 kilo tons, marking a 36.5% increase since 2016. This expansion has been fueled by the growing demand for nylon 6,6, especially in the Asia Pacific region. Key producers such as Invista and Ascend Performance Materials have made major investments to meet this demand. For example, Invista increased capacity at its Victoria, Texas plant by 60 kilo tons in 2020 and expanded its Butachimie joint venture in France by another 100 kilo tons. The company also opened a new 400 kilo tons facility in China in 2022, positioning itself as the largest adiponitrile producer in the country.

Ascend followed suit with a phased expansion of its U.S. plant, adding 180 kilo tons of capacity between 2019 and 2022. In China, domestic manufacturers are also entering the market. Taichen Qixiang, for instance, built a 300 kilo tons facility in Shandong Province, reflecting China's broader push toward localizing raw material production and reducing import dependence.

Market Drivers and Challenges

Growth Drivers:

One of the major forces behind market growth is the rising disposable income in developing economies like India, China, and across Southeast Asia. With increased purchasing power, demand for products in the automotive and electronics sectors is climbing, which in turn is driving the need for materials like nylon 6,6.

Challenges:

The market faces certain headwinds, particularly due to price fluctuations of raw materials such as butadiene and acrylonitrile. These fluctuations, often tied to shifts in crude oil and natural gas prices, affect the overall cost of adiponitrile production. Geopolitical uncertainties such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict have added to this volatility. Additionally, growing production capacity in China raises the risk of global overcapacity, prompting strategic shutdowns in other regions.