- Maleic anhydride (C₄H₂O₃) is a colorless crystalline dicarboxylic acid anhydride primarily manufactured through vapor-phase catalytic oxidation of n-butane or liquid-phase oxidation of benzene. As a versatile chemical intermediate, it finds extensive applications in producing unsaturated polyester resins, agricultural chemicals, lubricating oil additives (e.g., succinic acid and its derivatives), copolymers, surfactants, and specialty chemicals.
- Rising demand for UPR in the automotive industry—particularly for manufacturing lightweight composite parts and body panels—remains a key driver. The global push toward weight reduction and fuel efficiency is prompting OEMs to adopt glass-reinforced polyester composites, increasing feedstock requirements for maleic anhydride. Concurrently, expansion in construction activities in Asia-Pacific is fueling consumption of roof coatings, flooring materials, and corrosion-resistant coatings, all of which incorporate UPR derived from maleic anhydride.
- In the agriculture segment, maleic anhydride serves as a precursor to 2,4-D and other herbicidal formulations. Growing food security concerns and rising acreage under cultivation—especially in India, China, Brazil, and Argentina—are driving higher uptake of agrochemicals, thereby underpinning maleic anhydride demand. Likewise, increasing mechanization of agriculture and demand for high-performance lubricants are boosting demand for succinic acid esters, which are synthesized from maleic anhydride.
- Asia-Pacific held a dominant share of 46.8% in 2024, supported by large-scale manufacturing capacity in China (accounting for over 40% of global production). Rapid industrialization, substantial investments in construction, and rising automotive production in China and India are key consumption drivers. Local producers are expanding capacity through debottlenecking and greenfield plants to cater to domestic and export markets.
- North America accounted for 24.7% of global revenue in 2024, led by the U.S., where extensive shale gas resources have made n-butane-based production more cost-competitive. The region’s strong UPR demand for wind turbine blades, infrastructure projects, and marine composites is fostering steady growth. Environmental regulations restricting benzene oxidation routes are accelerating transition toward n-butane feedstock and advanced oxidation catalysts.
- Europe contributed 19.2% of the global market in 2024, with Germany, Italy, and France being major consumers. The EU’s focus on building renovation and infrastructure modernization is stimulating demand for corrosion-resistant coatings and composite materials. Strict REACH regulations on benzene usage are prompting manufacturers to upgrade to n-butane oxidation facilities and invest in cleaner production technologies.
