Vinyl Acetate Monomer Market Outlook - Supply and Demand Analysis 2024-2032

Vinyl Acetate Monomer Market

Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) is a colorless, flammable liquid characterized by a pungent, yet pleasantly fruity aroma. VAM is obtained through the catalytic vapour phase reaction of acetic acid in combination with ethylene and oxygen in a tubular reactor in presence of a noble metal catalyst. Condensation and scrubbing are used to recover VAM, followed by its purification via distillation.

As an essential monomer, VAM is used extensively to produce both homopolymers and copolymers. These polymers derived from vinyl acetate are versatile and find applications in numerous industries, leveraging their unique properties for a broad range of products. VAM's significance in industrial applications is heightened by its volatility and the distinctive ester-like fragrance it emits.

Global Supply/Demand Outlook

The global vinyl acetate monomer market stood at a volume of around 7,923.9 KT in 2023. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.60% between 2024 and 2032 to reach a volume of about 11,617 KT by 2032.

The production of polyvinyl acetate (PVA) represents the leading application of VAM, accounting for nearly 47% of the total market share. PVA is most commonly utilised in adhesives, representing more than 80% of global consumption. Some of the popular application of PVA are paints, textile sizing agents, architectural coatings, and construction mortars, among others.

Further, the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products is significantly boosting the adoption of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) in environmentally conscious formulations. Industries across the globe are actively seeking alternatives to traditional materials that are associated with high carbon dioxide emissions and environmental degradation. One tangible example of VAM's application in green initiatives is its use in the production of low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints.

For example, in May 2022, Braskem, the leading polyolefins producer in the Americas and a pioneer in biopolymers, has launched three innovative sustainable 3D printing filaments. These include bio-based EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) from sugarcane and recycled PE/PP blends, with optional carbon fibre.

The global capacity of vinyl acetate monomer was about 9,100 KT in the year 2023. It is estimated to reach 12,600 KT by 2032. Asia Pacific holds the major share of vinyl acetate monomer capacities, representing around 66% of the global production capacity, followed by North America. Ethylene-based VAM accounts for 75% of the capacity globally with 25% produced through acetylene route in China. The plant capacity utilization of vinyl acetate monomer stood at 89% in 2023.

Key Market Players

The top five players in the vinyl acetate monomer market are Celanese, Dairen Chemical, Sinopec, Inner Mongolia Mengwei Technology, and INEOS Group. These companies together occupy nearly 47% of the global vinyl acetate monomer capacity.

Other significant manufacturers of vinyl acetate monomer are DOW Chemical, Kuraray, LyondellBasell Industries, International Vinyl Acetate, Inner Mongolia Shuangxin Chemical, Ningxia Dadi Coal Chemical, and Wacker-Chemie.

Key Questions Answered in the Report:

• What are the high-growth opportunities and markets for vinyl acetate monomer by application and region?
• Which segments and regions are projected to grow at a faster pace and why in the vinyl acetate monomer market?
• What is the nameplate capacity of vinyl acetate monomer by region from 2018 to 2032?
• How does the plant capacity utilisation of vinyl acetate monomer vary by region between 2018 and 2032?
• Who are the major players in the vinyl acetate monomer market by capacity and region?
• What major plant shutdowns and expansions have occurred in the vinyl acetate monomer market in the last year and the last quarter?
• What major plant shutdowns and expansions are planned in the vinyl acetate monomer market over the next year and quarters?
• How did export and import dynamics of vinyl acetate monomer vary by region in terms of value between 2018 and 2023?
• How did export and import dynamics of vinyl acetate monomer vary by region in terms of volume between 2018 and 2023?
• What impacts have shutdowns, force majeure events, and plant closures had on demand and pricing of vinyl acetate monomer?
• What are the environmental considerations and regulatory impacts affecting the vinyl acetate monomer market?
• What technological innovations are having an impact on the production and application of vinyl acetate monomer?
• What are the key trends and innovations in the vinyl acetate monomer market?
• What are the challenges and opportunities faced by vinyl acetate monomer manufacturers?
• What are the potential risks and barriers to entry for new players in the vinyl acetate monomer market?
• What strategic investments and expansions have major players made in the vinyl acetate monomer market?
• How are geopolitical factors and international trade policies affecting the global vinyl acetate monomer market?
• What are the price trends for vinyl acetate monomer, and how are they expected to change?
• How does the supply chain of vinyl acetate monomer operate, and what are its key components?