Acrylonitrile Market Outlook - Supply and Demand Analysis 2024-2032

Acrylonitrile Market

Acrylonitrile (AN), also known as acrylic acid nitrile, cyanoethylene, fumigrain, acrylon, and carbacryl is a colourless liquid with two chemically active sites where it undergoes various reactions. It is commonly used to produce acrylic and modacrylic fibres and other high-impact plastics, synthetic rubber, packaging plastics, adiponitrile (required for nylon production), dyes, and pesticides. The chemical is produced through the catalytic ammoxidation of propylene, also referred to as the SOHIO process.

Global Supply/Demand Outlook

The global acrylonitrile market stood at a volume of around 6,685.3 KT in the year 2023. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.50% between 2024 and 2032 to reach a volume of about 9,858.86 KT by 2032. The market is driven by increasing product demand from diverse application sectors, supported by rapid industrialisation and urbanisation. The production of ABS makes up the largest application of acrylonitrile, contributing to more than 45% of its consumption. Further, acrylic and modacrylic fibres, prepared using acrylonitrile, is witnessing a large demand from the textile sector for fleece jumpers, sportswear, carpets, and upholstery. The market is thus expected to benefit from the growth of the clothing and textile industry and changing fashion trends. Also, acrylic fibres serve as a precursor in carbon fibre production.

The global capacity of acrylonitrile was about 8,600 KT in the year 2023. Looking forward, it is estimated to be 12,600 KT in 2032. Asia Pacific holds the major share of acrylonitrile capacities, representing approximately 70% of the global production capacity.

Regional Market Analysis

The market in the Asia Pacific benefits from the increasing demand for textile fibres due to rise of fast fashion, increasing living standards, growth of the rubber industry, and the increasing production of electronic components, which together contribute to the demand for acrylonitrile in various applications.

Key Market Players

INEOS Group Ltd is the world’s leading producer of acrylonitrile, a key chemical required for producing several items of everyday use. Besides, its business unit INEOS Nitriles is also a leading developer of Acrylonitrile process technology, which is utilized by more than 93% of acrylonitrile plants across the globe. The company holds approximately 12% of overall global acrylonitrile capacity.

Other major manufacturers of acrylonitrile are Asahi Kasei Corporation, Ascend Performance Materials, AnQore, Secco, Taekwang Industrial Co., Ltd., Jiangshu Shenghong Group Co., Ltd., Cornerstone Chemical Company, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., and China Petrochemical Development Corporation. The top 5 companies (INEOS Group Ltd., Asahi Kasei Corporation, PetroChina Petrochemical, Jiangsu Sailboat chemical, China National Petroleum Corporation) together hold 49% of the global capacity.

Key Questions Answered in the Report:

• What are the high-growth opportunities and markets for acrylonitrile (AN) by application and region?

• Which segments and regions are projected to grow at a faster pace and why in the acrylonitrile (AN) market?

• What is the nameplate capacity of acrylonitrile (AN) by region from 2018 to 2032?

• How does the plant capacity utilisation of acrylonitrile (AN) vary by region between 2018 and 2032?

• Who are the major players in the acrylonitrile (AN) market by capacity and region?

• What major plant shutdowns and expansions have occurred in the acrylonitrile (AN) market in the last year and the last quarter?

• What major plant shutdowns and expansions are planned in the acrylonitrile (AN) market over the next year and quarters?

• How did export and import dynamics of acrylonitrile (AN) vary by region in terms of value between 2018 and 2023?

• How did export and import dynamics of acrylonitrile (AN) vary by region in terms of volume between 2018 and 2023?

• What impacts have shutdowns, force majeure events, and plant closures had on demand and pricing of acrylonitrile (AN)?

• What are the environmental considerations and regulatory impacts affecting the acrylonitrile (AN) market?

• What technological innovations are having an impact on the production and application of acrylonitrile (AN)?

• What are the key trends and innovations in the acrylonitrile (AN) market?

• What are the challenges and opportunities faced by acrylonitrile (AN) manufacturers?

• What are the potential risks and barriers to entry for new players in the acrylonitrile (AN) market?

• What strategic investments and expansions have major players made in the acrylonitrile (AN) market?

• How are geopolitical factors and international trade policies affecting the global acrylonitrile (AN) market?

• What are the price trends for acrylonitrile (AN), and how are they expected to change?

• How does the supply chain of acrylonitrile (AN) operate, and what are its key components?