Acrylic Acid Market: Size, Share, Trends, Growth Drivers, and Forecast to 2032

The global Acrylic Acid Market is experiencing steady growth, supported by increasing demand for polymers, adhesives, surface coatings, detergents, and personal hygiene products. Acrylic acid is a colorless, corrosive organic compound primarily used as a chemical intermediate in manufacturing acrylic esters, acrylic polymers, and other specialty chemicals. Its ability to form polymers with useful adhesive, absorbent, and binding properties makes it an important raw material across several industries.

Acrylic acid plays a particularly important role in producing superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), which are widely used in baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and sanitary napkins. It is also used in paints, protective coatings, construction materials, sealants, textiles, and water-treatment products. Growing industrialization, urbanization, and changing consumer lifestyles are supporting demand for these downstream applications.

The industry is also undergoing a transition toward more sustainable production methods. Manufacturers are exploring renewable feedstocks, bio-based acrylic acid, and improved manufacturing technologies to reduce dependence on conventional petrochemical raw materials.

According to Kings Research, the global acrylic acid market was valued at USD 12.62 billion in 2024. It is projected to increase from USD 13.07 billion in 2025 to USD 17.10 billion by 2032, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.91% during the forecast period.

Increasing demand for hygiene products, expanding construction activities, and growing consumption of specialty polymers are expected to support market development. At the same time, innovation in bio-based chemicals and production efficiency is creating new opportunities for manufacturers.

Key Market Drivers

1. Growing Demand for Superabsorbent Polymers in Personal Hygiene Products

The increasing consumption of personal hygiene products is one of the major factors driving the acrylic acid market. Acrylic acid is an essential raw material for manufacturing superabsorbent polymers, which can absorb and retain large quantities of liquid.

These polymers are widely used in baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and sanitary napkins. Their ability to provide improved absorbency, comfort, and leakage protection makes them important components of modern hygiene products.

Rising awareness of personal hygiene, increasing healthcare expenditure, and changing lifestyles are supporting demand across developed and emerging economies. Aging populations are also contributing to higher consumption of adult incontinence products.

In February 2025, BASF launched HySorb B 6610 ZeroPCF, a polyacrylate-based superabsorbent polymer developed for the hygiene sector. The product has a net-zero product carbon footprint, achieved through renewable raw materials and energy using the biomass balance method at BASF's Antwerp Verbund facility.

Such innovations demonstrate how demand for advanced hygiene materials is creating opportunities for acrylic acid manufacturers.

2. Expansion of Construction and Infrastructure Activities

The construction industry represents another important source of demand for acrylic acid derivatives. Acrylic esters and polymers are used in architectural coatings, adhesives, sealants, waterproofing materials, and protective surface treatments.

These materials provide useful properties such as flexibility, adhesion, weather resistance, and durability. They are used in residential buildings, commercial infrastructure, industrial facilities, and transportation projects.

Growing urbanization and investments in infrastructure are increasing demand for paints, coatings, and construction chemicals. Manufacturers are also developing advanced coating formulations that provide improved resistance to moisture, chemicals, and environmental exposure.

As construction activities expand across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and other developing regions, demand for acrylic acid-based products is expected to increase.

3. Increasing Demand from Adhesives, Sealants, and Industrial Applications

Acrylic acid derivatives are widely used in adhesives and sealants because of their bonding strength, flexibility, and resistance to environmental conditions.

These products are used in packaging, automotive manufacturing, electronics, furniture, construction, and industrial assembly. The expansion of e-commerce and packaged goods is also supporting demand for adhesives used in labels, tapes, and packaging materials.

In automotive manufacturing, acrylic-based adhesives and coatings support lightweight component assembly and surface protection. In electronics, specialized acrylic materials are used in bonding and protective applications.

The growing use of advanced adhesives across industrial sectors is expected to create sustained demand for acrylic acid and its derivatives.

Key Market Trends

1. Shift Toward Bio-Based and Plant-Based Acrylic Acid

Sustainability is becoming a major trend in the acrylic acid industry. Traditional acrylic acid production depends primarily on petrochemical feedstocks, creating exposure to fossil fuel price fluctuations and environmental concerns.

Manufacturers are therefore exploring renewable alternatives derived from biomass, agricultural materials, and bio-based chemical intermediates. These technologies aim to reduce the carbon footprint of chemical production while maintaining the performance characteristics of conventional acrylic acid.

In October 2024, Arkema launched bio-based ethyl acrylate produced at its acrylic monomer facility in France using sustainably sourced bioethanol. The product contains 40% bio-carbon and offers a carbon footprint reduction of up to 30%.

In February 2025, LG Chem initiated prototype production of 100% plant-based bio-acrylic acid using 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3HP) produced through microbial fermentation. The product was certified as a USDA Bio-based Product and was designed for applications including cosmetics, diapers, adhesives, and environmentally friendly coatings.

These developments indicate growing investment in renewable chemical feedstocks and sustainable manufacturing.

2. Growing Adoption of Advanced Superabsorbent Materials

The demand for high-performance superabsorbent polymers is increasing as manufacturers focus on improving the absorbency, comfort, and efficiency of personal hygiene products.

Acrylic acid-based polymers are being developed with improved liquid retention, absorption speed, and product performance. These improvements are important for applications requiring thin, lightweight, and highly absorbent materials.

Manufacturers are also exploring sustainable production methods to reduce the environmental impact of hygiene products. The development of lower-carbon superabsorbent polymers is becoming an important competitive factor.

As hygiene product consumption increases, innovation in acrylic acid-based absorbent materials is expected to remain a significant industry trend.

3. Increasing Production Capacity and Regional Feedstock Localization

Chemical manufacturers are investing in production capacity to meet growing demand and strengthen regional supply chains. Expanding local production can reduce transportation costs, improve supply reliability, and support downstream chemical industries.

The availability of propylene and other feedstocks is an important consideration when selecting production locations. Manufacturers are also exploring opportunities to integrate acrylic acid production with existing petrochemical facilities.

Regional feedstock sourcing is becoming particularly important as companies seek to reduce exposure to international supply chain disruptions and raw material price volatility.

Acrylic Acid Market Segmentation

The global acrylic acid market is segmented by derivative, application, and region.

By Derivative

Based on derivative, the market is categorized into acrylic esters, acrylic polymers, and others.

The acrylic esters segment generated USD 6.94 billion in revenue in 2024. Its leading position is supported by growing demand from paints, adhesives, coatings, and construction materials.

Acrylic esters are produced through the reaction of acrylic acid with alcohols. Important products include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. These compounds are widely used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and polymer manufacturing.

The acrylic polymers segment includes water treatment polymers, superabsorbent polymers, and acrylic elastomers. Superabsorbent polymers are particularly important because of their extensive use in hygiene products.

Other derivatives include acrylic polyacrylates and polycyanoacrylates, which serve specialized industrial and commercial applications.

By Application

Based on application, the market includes surface coatings, adhesives and sealants, plastic additives, detergents, textiles, and others.

The surface coatings segment accounted for 30.00% of the market in 2024. Its growth is supported by increasing consumption of acrylic-based coatings in automotive, infrastructure, residential construction, and industrial applications.

Acrylic coatings are valued for their adhesion, weather resistance, durability, and appearance. They are used in architectural paints, protective coatings, automotive finishes, and industrial surface treatments.

The segment is projected to reach USD 5.26 billion by 2032, supported by continued construction activity and demand for advanced coating materials.

Adhesives and sealants represent another major application area, with products used in packaging, automotive assembly, construction, and electronics.

Plastic additives help improve the performance and processing characteristics of selected plastic materials. Detergents and textile applications contribute additional demand through the use of acrylic acid-based polymers and specialty chemicals.

Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific dominated the global acrylic acid market in 2024, accounting for 45.00% of the market, with a valuation of USD 5.68 billion.

The region benefits from a strong chemical manufacturing industry, expanding construction activities, and rising demand for personal hygiene products. China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia are important markets due to their growing industrial production and downstream chemical consumption.

The establishment of new manufacturing facilities has strengthened regional production capacity and reduced dependence on imported materials.

In May 2023, Nippon Shokubai inaugurated a new acrylic acid facility in Banten, Indonesia, with a production capacity of 100,000 metric tons per year. The expansion increased the group's total acrylic acid production capacity to 980,000 metric tons annually.

Asia Pacific is expected to remain an important growth center as manufacturers expand local production and serve rising demand from hygiene, coatings, adhesives, and construction industries.

North America

North America is expected to register a CAGR of 3.40% during the forecast period. Growth is supported by demand for superabsorbent polymers, advanced hygiene products, and specialty chemical applications.

The United States represents a major market due to its established chemical manufacturing infrastructure and significant consumption of personal care products.

Increasing demand for baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products is supporting the use of acrylic acid-based absorbent materials.

Manufacturers are also investing in improved production processes and higher-quality chemical intermediates to meet customer requirements and regulatory standards.

Europe

Europe represents an important market due to its established chemical industry, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and increasing focus on sustainable materials.

Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and other European countries have significant demand for acrylic acid derivatives used in automotive coatings, adhesives, construction chemicals, and specialty polymers.

Environmental regulations are encouraging manufacturers to develop lower-carbon production methods and explore renewable feedstocks.

The launch of bio-based ethyl acrylate by Arkema in France highlights the region's growing focus on sustainable chemical manufacturing.

Middle East & Africa and South America

The Middle East and Africa market is supported by investments in petrochemical production, construction, and industrial diversification. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are expanding their chemical manufacturing capabilities and downstream industrial sectors.

South America is experiencing gradual growth, supported by demand from construction, packaging, automotive, and personal care industries. Brazil represents an important market due to its large industrial and consumer goods sectors.

Increasing investments in chemical production and improvements in regional supply chains are expected to create further opportunities.

Regulatory Framework and Market Challenges

The acrylic acid market operates under strict environmental, occupational safety, and chemical handling requirements. Acrylic acid is corrosive and flammable, creating risks during production, storage, transportation, and industrial processing.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates acrylic acid under applicable provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Manufacturers may be required to provide information regarding chemical production, use, and potential environmental or health effects.

In Europe, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) framework establishes requirements for chemical registration, safety information, and risk assessment.

Japan regulates chemical substances under its Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL), which includes measures to monitor manufacturing and imports and prevent environmental pollution.

One of the major challenges facing the industry is the volatility of raw material prices. Conventional acrylic acid production depends heavily on petrochemical feedstocks, particularly propylene. Changes in crude oil prices, energy costs, and feedstock availability can affect manufacturing expenses.

Handling and storage requirements also increase operational costs. Companies must invest in specialized storage systems, worker training, protective equipment, and emergency response procedures.

These challenges are encouraging manufacturers to improve production efficiency, diversify feedstocks, and invest in safer and more sustainable technologies.

Competitive Landscape

The global acrylic acid market includes established chemical manufacturers and specialty material suppliers that compete through production capacity, product quality, technological innovation, and geographic expansion.

Companies are investing in manufacturing facilities, strategic partnerships, and sustainable production technologies to strengthen their market positions. Expansion in Asia Pacific is particularly important because of the region's growing demand and manufacturing advantages.

Key companies operating in the global acrylic acid market include:

• Milspec Industries, Inc.

• Dow

• SIBUR International GmbH

• TOAGOSEI CO., LTD.

• NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD.

• SATELLITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD.

• Evonik Industries AG

• BASF

• Sasol

• Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid Co. Ltd.

• Arkema

• Chandra Asri Petrochemical

• Wacker Chemie AG

• LG Chem.

• Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation

In March 2023, BASF began construction of a new acrylic acid complex at its Zhanjiang Verbund site in China. The complex includes production units for glacial acrylic acid, butyl acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, with a total planned capacity of 500,000 metric tons per year.

In September 2023, Lummus Technology acquired ester-grade acrylic acid and acrylates process technologies from Air Liquide Engineering & Construction. The acquisition expanded its propylene technology portfolio by integrating upstream and downstream solutions for acrylic acid and acrylates production.

These developments reflect the industry's focus on capacity expansion, technology development, and stronger supply chain integration.

Market Opportunities and Future Outlook

The future of the acrylic acid market will be shaped by growing demand for hygiene products, construction materials, advanced coatings, and specialty polymers.

One of the most promising opportunities is the development of bio-based acrylic acid. Renewable feedstocks such as biomass and bioethanol could help manufacturers reduce dependence on fossil-based materials and meet increasing sustainability requirements.

Another opportunity lies in the development of high-performance superabsorbent polymers. Rising demand for advanced hygiene products and increasing awareness of adult care products are expected to support innovation in absorbent materials.

The expansion of infrastructure and automotive manufacturing will also create opportunities for acrylic esters used in coatings, adhesives, and sealants.

Companies that invest in sustainable feedstocks, production efficiency, and advanced polymer technologies may strengthen their competitive positions in the coming years.

Conclusion

The global acrylic acid market is expected to experience steady growth through 2032, supported by increasing demand from personal hygiene, construction, automotive, coatings, and chemical manufacturing industries.

Asia Pacific currently dominates the market due to its strong manufacturing infrastructure and growing downstream demand. Acrylic esters remain the leading derivative segment, while surface coatings represent a major application area.

The shift toward bio-based acrylic acid and lower-carbon production technologies is creating new opportunities for manufacturers. However, raw material price volatility, chemical handling risks, and environmental compliance requirements remain important challenges.

With the market projected to reach USD 17.10 billion by 2032, companies focusing on sustainable manufacturing, production capacity expansion, and innovative polymer applications are well positioned to benefit from future industry gro