Maleic anhydride market seen reaching $6.2 billion by 2033

By AI, Created 11:22 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Persistence Market Research says the global maleic anhydride market will rise from $4.4 billion in 2026 to $6.2 billion by 2033, driven by construction, automotive, packaging and agriculture demand. The report points to Asia-Pacific expansion, cleaner production methods and growing use in composites and specialty chemicals as the main growth drivers.

Why it matters: - Maleic anhydride is a key input for resins, additives, copolymers and specialty chemicals used across construction, transportation, packaging and agriculture. - The market’s projected growth signals stronger demand for durable composites and performance materials in industrial supply chains. - Manufacturers are also shifting toward lower-emission production methods, which affects costs, compliance and plant investment plans.

What happened: - Persistence Market Research estimates the global maleic anhydride market will be valued at US$4.4 billion in 2026 and reach US$6.2 billion by 2033. - The firm projects a 5.1% CAGR from 2026 to 2033. - The report links growth to rising infrastructure development, higher vehicle output, expanding composite use and stronger demand for performance chemicals. - The release was issued from London on May 4, 2026. - The company offers a free sample report and customized market view.

The details: - Maleic anhydride is used to make unsaturated polyester resins, lubricating additives, copolymers and other specialty chemicals. - Construction demand is supported by unsaturated polyester resins used in pipes, tanks, panels, sanitary ware and structural components. - Urbanization and higher investment in residential and commercial infrastructure are lifting demand for construction-grade composites. - Automotive manufacturers use maleic anhydride in composites, coatings, adhesives, lubricating oil additives and engineering plastics. - Electric vehicle growth is adding demand for lightweight and heat-resistant materials. - Packaging demand is rising for specialty polymers, coatings and adhesives that improve barrier properties and product protection. - E-commerce growth is increasing demand for durable, lightweight packaging. - In agriculture and chemicals, maleic anhydride is used for crop protection agents, surfactants, fumaric acid, malic acid and industrial intermediates. - The market has largely shifted from benzene oxidation to n-butane oxidation because of better economics and lower environmental impact. - Producers are investing in energy-efficient processes, catalyst improvements and emissions reduction technologies. - The report flags growth opportunities in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and parts of the Middle East as industrialization and manufacturing investment accelerate. - China, India, Indonesia, Brazil and Saudi Arabia are identified as attractive expansion markets. - Technological advances in fiberglass reinforced plastics, engineered resins and specialty polymers are supporting demand in renewable energy, marine, transportation and industrial uses. - Leading companies are focusing on capacity expansion, strategic partnerships and supply chain localization. - The report segments the market by raw material, production process, application, end use and region. - By raw material, the market is split between n-butane and benzene. - By production process, the market includes n-butane oxidation and benzene oxidation. - By application, the report lists unsaturated polyester resins, 1,4-butanediol, lubricating oil additives, copolymers, surfactants and plasticizers, fumaric acid and malic acid, alkenyl succinic anhydride and others. - By end use, the report includes construction, automotive and transportation, packaging, textile, agriculture, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electrical and electronics and others. - By region, the report covers North America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia and Oceania, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. - The competitive landscape names Huntsman Corporation, LANXESS AG, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., Polynt-Reichhold Group, BASF SE, Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd., IG Petrochemicals Ltd. and MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas Plc.

Between the lines: - The report frames maleic anhydride as a materials-market story, not just a chemicals-market story, because growth is tied to composites, coatings and advanced resins. - The move toward n-butane oxidation suggests the industry is balancing expansion with emissions pressure and operating efficiency. - Regional demand is likely to favor producers with supply chains close to fast-growing manufacturing hubs.

What’s next: - Demand is expected to stay strongest where construction, automotive production and industrial output keep rising. - Capacity additions and localized supply chains are likely to be a priority for producers serving high-growth regions. - Sustainability upgrades and process efficiency investments should remain part of the competitive playbook through 2033.

The bottom line: - Maleic anhydride is set for steady growth through 2033 as downstream industries keep adopting lightweight, durable and high-performance materials.