Acetic Acid Market Report 2026

The acetic acid market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $16.86 billion in 2025 to $17.97 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of chemical processing industries, widespread use in food preservation, growth of paints and coatings sector, availability of fermentation-based production, rising industrial acid demand.

The acetic acid market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $22.73 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in green chemical production, rising demand for sustainable solvents, expansion of polymer and resin manufacturing, growing pharmaceutical industry requirements, increasing focus on emission reduction technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of bio-based acetic acid production, rising demand from vinyl acetate applications, growing use in pharmaceutical manufacturing, expansion of food-grade acid applications, enhanced focus on process optimization.

The expanding chemical production sector is expected to drive the growth of the acetic acid market in the coming years. Chemical production involves manufacturing chemicals for applications across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, construction, and industrial manufacturing. Acetic acid is a versatile chemical reagent that plays a key role in chemical production and various industrial uses. It is produced both synthetically and through bacterial fermentation and is utilized as a raw material and solvent in the production of other chemical products. For example, in February 2023, according to BASF SE, a Germany-based chemical company, global chemical production (excluding pharmaceuticals) was projected to grow by 2% in 2023, while China, the world’s largest chemical market, was expected to see growth of 5.9%. Thus, the rise in chemical production is propelling the acetic acid market.

Prominent enterprises in the acetic acid sector are strategically investing in the production of bio-based acetic acid, aiming to curtail carbon emissions and gain a competitive advantage within the market. This investment involves directing resources, capital, and substantial research and development endeavors toward the manufacturing of acetic acid derived from renewable sources like agricultural waste, forestry residues, and cellulosic materials. For instance, in May 2023, Sekab, a Swedish green chemical enterprise, unveiled an expanded production line dedicated to bio-based acetic acid, envisioning a reduction in carbon emissions by up to 50%. Their primary product, Acetic Acid Pure, stands as a significant milestone in sustainability efforts. This product boasts a 100% physical bio-based composition, allowing businesses to notably decrease their carbon dioxide emissions. Sekab's Acetic Acid Pure has undergone extensive certification in adherence to ISCC+ requirements, ensuring exclusive sustainability and traceability. Notably, the production facility responsible for this zero unexpected downtime product is renowned for its expertise in bio-based chemical production. Sekab's recent investments in enhanced production capabilities are poised to facilitate larger and faster deliveries.

In March 2023, KBR, Inc., a U.S.-based engineering firm that offers technology and engineering solutions across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and government services, acquired Acetic Acid Technology for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to bolster KBR, Inc.'s strategic capabilities, broaden its market presence, and incorporate new technologies or services. Acetic Acid Technology is a chemical manufacturing company based in the U.S.

Major companies operating in the acetic acid market are Eastman Chemical Company, Celanese Corporation, BP PLC, Daicel Corporation, Shanghai Huayi Group Corporation Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Wacker Chemie AG, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Showa Denko K.K., Kingboard Chemical Holdings Ltd., Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC), China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), PetroChina Company Limited, Jiangsu Danhua Group Co. Ltd., Chang Chun Group, Chongqing Chuandong Chemical (Group) Co. Ltd., Yankuang Cathay Coal Chemicals Co. Ltd., Sichuan Vinylon Works, Shandong Yankuang Group Co. Ltd., Sasol Limited, Saudi International Petrochemical Company, Solvay SA, Kuraray Co. Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the acetic acid market analysis in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the acetic acid market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the acetic acid market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The acetic acid market consists of sales of acetic acid that is used to produce metal acetates, cellulose acetate and volatile organic esters. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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