Acetic Acid Global Market Report 2026

Acetic acid is an organic substance characterized by a strong odor and sour flavor. It is a carboxylic acid that consists of a carboxyl functional group connected to a methyl group, with the chemical formula CH3COOH. Typically, it is a by-product of fermentation processes.

The main types of sales channels for acetic acid include direct company sales, direct import, distributors and traders, and retailers. Direct company sales involve direct communication between a vendor and a customer, occurring outside of a retail setting. Acetic acid is also commonly sold through direct import by customers. The primary applications of acetic acid include its use in vinyl acetate monomer, acetic anhydride, acetate esters, purified terephthalic acid, ethanol, and other chemical processes. Major end-users of acetic acid span various industries, including food and beverages, paints and coatings, plastics and polymers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and others.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the acetic acid market by increasing costs of imported methanol, catalysts, processing equipment, and transportation logistics. Asia-Pacific and North America are most affected due to large-scale production and export activity, while Europe faces higher costs for specialty applications. These tariffs are influencing pricing volatility and supply planning. However, they are also encouraging domestic capacity additions, adoption of bio-based routes, and long-term supply chain localization.

The acetic acid market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides acetic acid market statistics, including acetic acid industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a acetic acid market share, detailed acetic acid market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the acetic acid industry. This acetic acid market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The acetic acid market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $16.86 billion in 2025 to $17.97 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of chemical processing industries, widespread use in food preservation, growth of paints and coatings sector, availability of fermentation-based production, rising industrial acid demand.

The acetic acid market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $22.73 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in green chemical production, rising demand for sustainable solvents, expansion of polymer and resin manufacturing, growing pharmaceutical industry requirements, increasing focus on emission reduction technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of bio-based acetic acid production, rising demand from vinyl acetate applications, growing use in pharmaceutical manufacturing, expansion of food-grade acid applications, enhanced focus on process optimization.

The expanding chemical production sector is expected to drive the growth of the acetic acid market in the coming years. Chemical production involves manufacturing chemicals for applications across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, construction, and industrial manufacturing. Acetic acid is a versatile chemical reagent that plays a key role in chemical production and various industrial uses. It is produced both synthetically and through bacterial fermentation and is utilized as a raw material and solvent in the production of other chemical products. For example, in February 2023, according to BASF SE, a Germany-based chemical company, global chemical production (excluding pharmaceuticals) was projected to grow by 2.0% in 2023, while China, the world's largest chemical market, was expected to see growth of 5.9%. Thus, the rise in chemical production is propelling the acetic acid market.

Prominent enterprises in the acetic acid sector are strategically investing in the production of bio-based acetic acid, aiming to curtail carbon emissions and gain a competitive advantage within the market. This investment involves directing resources, capital, and substantial research and development endeavors toward the manufacturing of acetic acid derived from renewable sources like agricultural waste, forestry residues, and cellulosic materials. For instance, in May 2023, Sekab, a Swedish green chemical enterprise, unveiled an expanded production line dedicated to bio-based acetic acid, envisioning a reduction in carbon emissions by up to 50%. Their primary product, Acetic Acid Pure, stands as a significant milestone in sustainability efforts. This product boasts a 100% physical bio-based composition, allowing businesses to notably decrease their carbon dioxide emissions. Sekab's Acetic Acid Pure has undergone extensive certification in adherence to ISCC+ requirements, ensuring exclusive sustainability and traceability. Notably, the production facility responsible for this zero unexpected downtime product is renowned for its expertise in bio-based chemical production. Sekab's recent investments in enhanced production capabilities are poised to facilitate larger and faster deliveries.

In March 2023, KBR, Inc., a U.S.-based engineering firm that offers technology and engineering solutions across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and government services, acquired Acetic Acid Technology for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to bolster KBR, Inc.'s strategic capabilities, broaden its market presence, and incorporate new technologies or services. Acetic Acid Technology is a chemical manufacturing company based in the U.S.

Major companies operating in the acetic acid market are Eastman Chemical Company, Celanese Corporation, BP PLC, Daicel Corporation, Shanghai Huayi Group Corporation Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Wacker Chemie AG, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Showa Denko K.K., Kingboard Chemical Holdings Ltd., Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC), China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), PetroChina Company Limited, Jiangsu Danhua Group Co. Ltd., Chang Chun Group, Chongqing Chuandong Chemical (Group) Co. Ltd., Yankuang Cathay Coal Chemicals Co. Ltd., Sichuan Vinylon Works, Shandong Yankuang Group Co. Ltd., Sasol Limited, Saudi International Petrochemical Company, Solvay SA, Kuraray Co. Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the acetic acid market analysis in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the acetic acid market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa

The countries covered in the acetic acid market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain

The acetic acid market consists of sales of acetic acid that is used to produce metal acetates, cellulose acetate and volatile organic esters. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Acetic Acid Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses acetic acid market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for acetic acid ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The acetic acid market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Glacial Acetic Acid; Diluted (Aqueous) Acetic Acid; Food-Grade Acetic Acid; Pharmaceutical-Grade Acetic Acid
• 2) By Application: Vinyl Acetate Monomer; Acetic Anhydride; Acetate Esters; Other Applications
• 3) By End-Use: Food And beverages; Paints And coating; Plastics And Polymers; Pharmaceutical; Chemicals; Other End-Uses
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Glacial Acetic Acid: >=99.5% Concentration; 99.0%-99.5% Concentration; Synthetic (Methanol Carbonylation-Based); Fermentation-Derived Glacial Acetic Acid
• 2) By Diluted (Aqueous) Acetic Acid: 30%-60% Concentration; 10%-30% Concentration; <10% Concentration; Industrial Dilution Grades
• 3) By Food-Grade Acetic Acid: Vinegar Production Grade; Food Preservative Grade; Flavoring & Acidulant Grade; Fermentation-Derived Food-Grade Acetic Acid
• 4) By Pharmaceutical-Grade Acetic Acid: USP Grade; EP Grade; Injectable / Sterile Grade; Laboratory & Analytical Grade
• Companies Mentioned: Eastman Chemical Company; Celanese Corporation; BP PLC; Daicel Corporation; Shanghai Huayi Group Corporation Limited; Indian Oil Corporation Limited; Wacker Chemie AG; Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; Showa Denko K.K.; Kingboard Chemical Holdings Ltd.; Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC); China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec); PetroChina Company Limited; Jiangsu Danhua Group Co. Ltd.; Chang Chun Group; Chongqing Chuandong Chemical (Group) Co. Ltd.; Yankuang Cathay Coal Chemicals Co. Ltd.; Sichuan Vinylon Works; Shandong Yankuang Group Co. Ltd.; Sasol Limited; Saudi International Petrochemical Company; Solvay SA; Kuraray Co. Ltd.
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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