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Methanol - Global Strategic Business Report

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    Report

  • 523 Pages
  • June 2025
  • Region: Global
  • Global Industry Analysts, Inc
  • ID: 338607
The global market for Methanol was estimated at 92.8 Million Metric Tons in 2024 and is projected to reach 116.3 Million Metric Tons by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Methanol market.

Global Methanol Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is a versatile chemical with a wide range of industrial applications. It is primarily used as a feedstock in the production of chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and various plastics, resins, and adhesives. Methanol is also employed as an alternative fuel source and fuel additive, known for its high octane rating and clean-burning properties. Additionally, methanol serves as a key component in the production of biodiesel and other renewable energy sources, reflecting its importance in both traditional chemical manufacturing and emerging energy markets.

Recent trends in the methanol market highlight a shift towards sustainable production methods and the development of green methanol. Advances in carbon capture and utilization technologies are enabling the production of methanol from captured carbon dioxide, reducing the carbon footprint of methanol production. Furthermore, there is an increasing interest in using renewable feedstocks, such as biomass and municipal waste, to produce methanol, aligning with global efforts to transition to a circular economy. The use of methanol as a marine fuel is also gaining traction, driven by stringent regulations aimed at reducing sulfur emissions from ships. This has spurred innovation in methanol-fueled engines and infrastructure, positioning methanol as a viable alternative to traditional marine fuels.

The growth in the methanol market is driven by several factors. One of the primary drivers is the increasing demand for methanol-based chemicals and derivatives, which are essential in various industrial applications, including plastics, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials. Technological advancements in methanol production, such as the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly processes, are also contributing to market growth. The adoption of methanol as an alternative fuel and energy carrier is being propelled by the need for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Additionally, regulatory support for low-emission fuels and the expansion of methanol production capacity in key regions are enhancing market dynamics. The growing emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the circular economy is further driving the demand for green methanol, underscoring the robust growth prospects for the methanol market.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Methanol market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:
  • Segments: Derivative (Formaldehyde, Gasoline / Fuel, Methanol to Olefins (MTO / MTP), Acetic Acid, Dimethyl Ether (DME), Other Derivatives); End-Use (Automotive, Construction, Paints & Coatings, Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, Packaging, Other End-Uses)
  • Geographic Regions/Countries: World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; Australia; India; South Korea; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Latin America; Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; Rest of Latin America; Middle East; Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; UAE; Rest of Middle East; Africa.

Key Insights:

  • Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Automotive segment, which is expected to reach 31.3 Million Metric Tons by 2030 with a CAGR of a 5.1%. The Construction segment is also set to grow at 4.1% CAGR over the analysis period.
  • Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at 24.9 Million Metric Tons in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 6.6% CAGR to reach 24.2 Million Metric Tons by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

  • Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Methanol Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
  • Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
  • Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Methanol Market.
  • Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

  • How is the Global Methanol Market expected to evolve by 2030?
  • What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
  • Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
  • How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
  • Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

  • Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
  • In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
  • Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Atlantic Methanol Production Company LLC, BASF SE, Equinor ASA, HELM AG, Industries Qatar and more.
  • Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 113 companies featured in this Methanol market report include:

  • Atlantic Methanol Production Company LLC
  • BASF SE
  • Equinor ASA
  • HELM AG
  • Industries Qatar
  • LyondellBasell Industries NV
  • Methanex Corporation
  • Methanol Holdings (Trinidad) Limited
  • Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
  • Mitsui & Co. Ltd.
  • OCI N.V.
  • PETRONAS
  • PJSC Metafrax (Russia)
  • Repsol
  • Saudi Basic Industries Corporation
  • Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem)

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

  • Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
  • Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
  • Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
  • Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
  • Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
  • Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
  • Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.

Table of Contents

I. METHODOLOGYII. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. MARKET OVERVIEW
Global Economic Update
Tariff Impact on Global Supply Chain Patterns
Competition
Methanol - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E)
Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E)
Global Market Prospects and Outlook
Global Methanol Market Keeps Ticking
Natural Gas, Automotive & Construction: Primary Segments Keeping Methanol Market on a High
Formaldehyde Production: The Application for Methanol
MTO/MTP: The Fastest Growing End-use Segment for Methanol
Gasoline Blending/Combustion Biofuels - A Significant Growth Driver
Acetic Acid: A Key Derivative of Methanol
Methanol Carbonylation - The Predominant Acetic Acid Manufacturing Process
Automotive Remains Primary End-use Industry
Asia-Pacific Region Sweeps Global Methanol Market with Authoritative Stake
China - Methanol Demand Surges as a Domestic and Industrial Fuel
Market Drivers
Rising Applications across Diverse Industries
Uptake of Clean Fuels
Solid Demand for Methanol & Derivatives
Market Restraints
Increasing Interest in Ethanol
Market Opportunities
Market Challenges
Recent Market Activity
Production Scenario
Developing Regions Charge Ahead in Methanol Production
Select Recent Past Methanol Capacity Expansion Projects by Region /Country
Pricing Scenario
GLOBAL BRANDS
2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS
3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS
With World Climate Conditions in Dire Straits, the Accelerated Clean Energy Transition Opens Attractive Growth Avenues for Methanol
Key Climate Change Indicators
Against this Backdrop, Clean Energy Technologies Get a Boost
Rise of the Methanol Economy & Increased Production of Methanol as Liquid Fuel Alternative to Conventional Fossil Fuels
Chemical Intermediates Lose Share to Energy Applications
EXHIBIT:Global Energy Investments (In US$ Billion) for the Years 2022, 2025, 2027 and 2029
Global Delivered Energy Consumption (quadrillion Btu) by End-use Sector (2012, 2020, 2025, 2030, and 2035)
Increasing Demand of Methanol in Automotive
Methanol Fuel Cells Emerge as a Viable Solution for Carbon-Neutral Heavy Trucks
Methanol Gains Attention for Use as Marine fuel
Methanol and Ethanol: Significant Substitutes for Fuel in the Shipping Industry
A Green Profile Makes Methanol an Ideal Vehicle and Marine Fuel
Renewable Methanol Registers Increasing Application
Methanol for Global Decarbonization
Green Methanol to Help Packaging Industry Overcome Woes
Government Guidelines for Methanol Vehicles to Boost Demand
4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE
TABLE 1: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Formaldehyde by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 2: World Historic Review for Formaldehyde by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 3: World 15-Year Perspective for Formaldehyde by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 4: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Gasoline / Fuel by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 5: World Historic Review for Gasoline / Fuel by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 6: World 15-Year Perspective for Gasoline / Fuel by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 7: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Methanol to Olefins (MTO / MTP) by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 8: World Historic Review for Methanol to Olefins (MTO / MTP) by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 9: World 15-Year Perspective for Methanol to Olefins (MTO / MTP) by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 10: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Acetic Acid by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 11: World Historic Review for Acetic Acid by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 12: World 15-Year Perspective for Acetic Acid by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 13: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Dimethyl Ether (DME) by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 14: World Historic Review for Dimethyl Ether (DME) by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 15: World 15-Year Perspective for Dimethyl Ether (DME) by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 16: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Other Derivatives by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 17: World Historic Review for Other Derivatives by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 18: World 15-Year Perspective for Other Derivatives by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 19: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Automotive by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 20: World Historic Review for Automotive by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 21: World 15-Year Perspective for Automotive by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 22: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Construction by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 23: World Historic Review for Construction by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 24: World 15-Year Perspective for Construction by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 25: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Paints & Coatings by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 26: World Historic Review for Paints & Coatings by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 27: World 15-Year Perspective for Paints & Coatings by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 28: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Pharmaceuticals by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 29: World Historic Review for Pharmaceuticals by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 30: World 15-Year Perspective for Pharmaceuticals by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 31: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Electronics by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 32: World Historic Review for Electronics by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 33: World 15-Year Perspective for Electronics by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 34: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Packaging by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 35: World Historic Review for Packaging by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 36: World 15-Year Perspective for Packaging by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 37: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Other End-Uses by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 38: World Historic Review for Other End-Uses by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 39: World 15-Year Perspective for Other End-Uses by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
TABLE 40: World Methanol Market Analysis of Annual Sales in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2030
TABLE 41: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Methanol by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2024 through 2030 and % CAGR
TABLE 42: World Historic Review for Methanol by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Consumption in Thousand Metric Tons for Years 2015 through 2023 and % CAGR
TABLE 43: World 15-Year Perspective for Methanol by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Consumption for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets for Years 2015, 2025 & 2030
III. MARKET ANALYSIS
UNITED STATES
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in the United States for 2025 (E)
CANADA
JAPAN
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Japan for 2025 (E)
CHINA
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in China for 2025 (E)
EUROPE
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Europe for 2025 (E)
FRANCE
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in France for 2025 (E)
GERMANY
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Germany for 2025 (E)
ITALY
UNITED KINGDOM
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in the United Kingdom for 2025 (E)
SPAIN
RUSSIA
REST OF EUROPE
ASIA-PACIFIC
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Asia-Pacific for 2025 (E)
AUSTRALIA
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Australia for 2025 (E)
INDIA
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in India for 2025 (E)
SOUTH KOREA
REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC
LATIN AMERICA
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Latin America for 2025 (E)
ARGENTINA
BRAZIL
MEXICO
REST OF LATIN AMERICA
MIDDLE EAST
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Middle East for 2025 (E)
IRAN
ISRAEL
SAUDI ARABIA
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
REST OF MIDDLE EAST
AFRICA
Methanol Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Key Competitors in Africa for 2025 (E)
IV. COMPETITION

Companies Mentioned (Partial List)

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

  • Atlantic Methanol Production Company LLC
  • BASF SE
  • Equinor ASA
  • HELM AG
  • Industries Qatar
  • LyondellBasell Industries NV
  • Methanex Corporation
  • Methanol Holdings (Trinidad) Limited
  • Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
  • Mitsui & Co. Ltd.
  • OCI N.V.
  • PETRONAS
  • PJSC Metafrax (Russia)
  • Repsol
  • Saudi Basic Industries Corporation
  • Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem)

Table Information