Acetaldehyde Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Derivative (Pyridine Bases, Butylene Glycol, Acetic Acid), By Application (Food & Beverage, Chemicals, Paper & Pulp), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Acetaldehyde Market Size & Trends

The global acetaldehyde market size was estimated at USD 2.01 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the extensive product use in the production of various downstream chemicals, including acetic acid, acetic anhydride, ethyl acetate, 1,3-butadiene, and chloral. Factors such as high demand for pyridine & pyridine bases in the developing regions and the growth of various end-use industries are anticipated to drive the product demand over the forecast period. However, the rising adoption of methanol as a substitute for acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) in the production of acetic acid is likely to act as a restraining factor for the market.

Acetaldehyde is majorly used in the production of downstream chemicals, such as acetic acid, acetic anhydride, chloral, 1,3-butadiene, and ethyl acetate. It is also used for producing drugs and dyes. It can be produced using various production processes and raw material variations. However, ethylene is a major source of production of the product globally. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the global market in 2020 due to the closure of several major plants and facilities across various regions. Reduction in product manufacturing as well as consumption hampered the market growth. Moreover, the market was affected due to disrupted supply chains and cross-border travel restrictions.

However, the rapid growth of the pharmaceutical industry during the pandemic generated product demand from the pharmaceutical application. Acetaldehyde is generally referred to as the aldehyde variant of acetic acid and has other names such as ethanal, acetic aldehyde, and ethyl aldehyde. While it is present naturally in small quantities in some fermented food items such as soy & milk products, canned vegetables, and non-alcoholic beverages, it can also be naturally found in fruits and fruit juices. Furthermore, CH3CHO is a food flavoring agent and enhances the taste of fruit juices, pastries, desserts, and milk products.

Application Insights

The food & beverage segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 30% in 2022. This is on account of the high demand for food items due to the rising global population and the high demand for packaged food due to changing lifestyles and eating patterns. The product is a flavoring agent in desserts, sweets, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and fruit juices. It naturally occurs in bread, coffee, and ripe fruit. The chemicals segment held the second-largest revenue share and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 5.2%, in terms of revenue, over the forecast period. This is attributed to the application of acetaldehyde in producing chemicals, such as pyridine and pentaerythritol.

Pyridine is a precursor for the production of several agrochemical and pharmaceutical products, while pentaerythritol is utilized in products such as explosives, synthetic lubricants, antioxidants, rosin esters, and alkyd resins. Other applications include petrochemicals, adhesives, water treatment, and agriculture. The rising water demand due to declining freshwater reserves is poised to drive the need for water treatment, positively impacting market growth. In addition, the product is utilized in the agriculture industry for producing insecticides and pesticides. This is likely to propel the market growth in agrochemicals over the forecast years.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest revenue share of over 55% in 2022. This is attributed to the low manufacturing cost in countries, such as India, China, and South Korea, and easy raw material availability in the region. In addition, the rapidly growing population in India and China is expected to fuel product demand in food preservation applications. China, well-regarded for its industrialization and manufacturing capacity, requires the extensive availability of paints and coatings across various sectors, including industrial, automotive, and construction. China held over 25% of the global coatings industry, with a steady growth rate of 7% in the past few years, as per the China National Coatings Industry Association. This robust demand for paints and coatings in China is expected to create new opportunities for CH3CHO market growth.

Moreover, in India, the paints & coatings industry is growing at a high pace owing to the presence of a large number of participants, such as Asian Paints, Berger Paints, Kansai Nerolac, and Akzo Nobel India. These companies have recently announced capacity expansions, which are expected to boost the demand for paint & coating formulations in the country. Europe accounted for the second-largest market share, in terms of both volume and revenue, in 2022. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast years. This demand is attributed to the strong growth of the regional food & beverage sector. As per the European Commission, food & drink exports have doubled and reached approximately USD 95.28 billion over the past 10 years. A major initiative in the region supporting EU food competitiveness, which is a forum for a better-functioning food supply chain, is likely to have a positive impact on the market in the coming years.

Derivative Insights

Based on derivatives, the market has been further categorized into pyridine, pyridine bases, pentaerythritol, acetic acid, acetate esters, butylene glycol, and other derivatives. The acetic acid segment held the largest revenue share in 2022. Acetaldehyde can be oxidized to form acetic acid, which is a fundamental chemical compound used for manufacturing textiles, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and several food products. Acetic acid is also a vital component in vinegar manufacturing. Moreover, CH3CHO is a versatile organic compound, serving as a precursor for synthesizing various derivatives via chemical reactions and modifications. These derivatives have an extensive range of pharmaceutical, industrial, and chemical applications.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key market participants are constantly working on integration of the value chain, and other strategic alliances to gain higher market shares. In September 2022, Archit Organosys Ltd. announced plans for its expansion, diversification, and integration at its factory site in Gujarat, India. In the coming few years, the company plans to invest roughly USD 7.28 million in different product lines, including ethyl acetate, acetaldehyde, butyl acetate, and other compounds. To boost the production of CH3CHO and other chemicals, the company has established a wholly-owned subsidiary known as Archit Life Science Limited.

This strategic move aims to enhance the company's capabilities and broaden its offerings in the chemical industry. For the quarter ending of June 2023, the product prices have slightly increased in the U.S. owing to the improved buying trends. Moreover, the demand for CH3CHO from the downstream food & beverages and food additives segments has increased in the domestic and overseas markets in North America.

Acetaldehyde Market Report Scope

Global Acetaldehyde Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the acetaldehyde market report on the basis of derivative, application, and region:

• Derivative Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Pyridine

  • Pyridine Bases

  • Pentaerythritol

  • Acetic Acid

  • Acetate Esters

  • Butylene Glycol

  • Other Derivatives

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Food & Beverage

  • Chemicals

  • Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics

  • Paper & Pulp

  • Plastics & Synthetic Rubber

  • Paints & Coatings

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • Italy

    • France

    • Spain

    • The Netherlands

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Chile

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa