Glycol Ethers Market Outlook - Supply and Demand Analysis 2025-2034

Glycol Ethers Market

Glycol ethers refer to solvents that are derived from the reaction of an ether and an alcohol. Due to their excellent solvency, low evaporation rates, and low toxicity, they are used in paints, coatings, and cleaning solutions. They are also used as solvents in perfumes, liquid soaps, varnishes, and hydraulic fluids, among others.

Global Supply/Demand Outlook

The global glycol ethers market stood at a volume of around 3,060 KT in the year 2023. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.10% between 2025 and 2034 to reach a volume of about 4,355 KT by 2032. The key factors propelling the glycol ethers market are increasing applications of the solvent in different end-use applications, including printing, domestic cleaning, pharmaceuticals, and micro-electronics. The paints and coating sector is a major consumer of glycol ethers with around 40% market share. In the paints and coatings sector, glycol ethers are used as a solvent to improve the levelling and flow of paints, coatings, and varnishes. The rising use of water-based coatings is also boosting the application of glycol ethers as a coalescing agent. Further, the growing demand for paints and coatings, buoyed by the flourishing construction sector and rising infrastructural development, is aiding the market expansion.

The global capacity of glycol ethers was about 5,500 KT in the year 2023. It has been assessed to reach 6,300 KT by 2032. The Asia Pacific holds the major share of glycol ethers capacities, representing more than 50% of the global production capacity. In 2023, the plant capacity utilisation of glycol ethers was estimated to be nearly 60%.

Current trends indicate that the market has ample supply, however, average global utilisation rates have been observed as lower. It has been estimated that the demand growth will remain flat and will recover to pre-COVID levels only after 2025.

Key Market Players

BASF SE is the world's leading producer of glycol ethers. The company offers Solvenon ® PnB, a colourless glycol ether with excellent drying and exceptional solvent properties, which is used in dispersing paints, printing ink thinners, and cleaning agents. Other major manufacturers of glycol ethers include Dow Chemical Company, Eastman Chemical Company, Shell Plc, and LyondellBasell Industries N.V.

Key Questions Answered in the Report:

• What are the high-growth opportunities and markets for glycol ethers by application and region?

• What are the types of glycol ethers available by region?

• Which segments and regions are projected to grow at a faster pace and why in the glycol ethers market?

• What is the nameplate capacity of glycol ethers by region from 2018 to 2032?

• How does the plant capacity utilisation of glycol ethers vary by region between 2018 and 2034?

• Who are the major players in the glycol ethers market by capacity and region?

• What major plant shutdowns and expansions have occurred in the glycol ethers market in the last year and the last quarter?

• What major plant shutdowns and expansions are planned in the glycol ethers market over the next year and quarters?

• How did export and import dynamics of glycol ethers vary by region in terms of value between 2018 and 2023?

• How did export and import dynamics of glycol ethers 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 glycol ethers?

• What are the environmental considerations and regulatory impacts affecting the glycol ethers market?

• What technological innovations are having an impact on the production and application of glycol ethers?

• What are the key trends and innovations in the glycol ethers market?

• What are the challenges and opportunities faced by glycol ethers manufacturers?

• What are the potential risks and barriers to entry for new players in the glycol ethers market?

• What strategic investments and expansions have major players made in the glycol ethers market?

• How are geopolitical factors and international trade policies affecting the global glycol ethers market?

• What are the price trends for glycol ethers, and how are they expected to change?

• How does the supply chain of glycol ethers operate, and what are its key components?