The methyl methacrylate market is estimated to be valued at USD 18.21 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 30.61 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% from 2024 to 2031.
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Methyl methacrylate is used in the production of a variety of applications such as acrylic sheets, paints and coatings, and adhesives and sealants among others. The methyl methacrylate market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. This can be attributed to growing demand from the construction industry for polymethyl methacrylate sheets and rising usage of methyl methacrylate in various commercial applications such as automotive body parts and signs. In addition, increasing investments in infrastructure and building & construction projects globally are expected to drive the consumption of methyl methacrylate.
Construction Industry Growth
The global construction industry growth has been steadily increasing over the past few years and this upward trend is expected to continue going forward. There has been rise in infrastructure development activities around the world with many countries investing heavily in building roads, bridges, airports, rail networks, and other construction projects. For example, China has ambitious plans for its belt and road initiative which involves infrastructure projects throughout Asia Pacific and Africa. Similarly, India has launched major infrastructure development programs like smart cities mission to modernize its cities. The growth in the construction industry naturally demands more building materials like cement, steel, glass, plaster, etc. Methyl methacrylate finds wide usage in construction primarily due to its excellent bonding properties. It is used as an adhesive for making floor tiles, countertops, and other interior finishing products. Many glass manufacturers also use methyl methacrylate based adhesives for bonding glass to other materials in facades, windows and other architectural glass products. Furthermore, increasing use of plastics in modern construction has opened up avenues for MMA. Plastic sheets made of MMA are finding increased application in construction of canopies, fences, and other structural elements due to their weather resistance, durability, and lightweight properties. Overall, the rising global construction expenditures, increasing plastic usage in construction coupled with ongoing urbanization and infrastructure development projects bode well for the demand of MMA in the coming years. The global methyl methacrylate market is anticipated to experience steady growth riding on the coat-tails of robust construction sector expansion worldwide. Countries with most aggressive infrastructure spending are likely to emerge as major markets for MMA in construction applications going ahead.
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Use in sign & display industry
The sign and display industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years, especially with the rise of digital signage. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a key raw material used in the production of acrylic sheets and panels that see widespread use in signs, displays and digital screens. Given its lightweight yet durable qualities along with high clarity and UV resistance, acrylic sheets made from MMA are the ideal choice for outdoor signage and indoor displays. As more businesses look to outdoor and indoor digital signage for advertising and wayfinding purposes, the demand for MMA is surging.
According to the International Energy Agency, global electricity consumption from digital screens in public and commercial buildings is expected to increase by 50% from 2020 to 2023. This growth in digital signage is a major driver expanding the use of MMA-based acrylic sheets for screen protection, covers and structural components. Industries such as retail, transportation and real estate with a need for high volume outdoor signage as well as indoor digital displays continue to expand installations. As the quality, longevity and reduction in cost of LED screen technology improves, an increasing number of small and medium businesses are also adopting digital signage solutions and driving the utilisation of MMA.
Key Takeaways of Analyst:
The methyl methacrylate market is expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period owing to increasing demand from the acrylic sheet manufacturing industry. Acrylic sheets find wide usage in signage, lighting, furniture, and automotive glazing applications due to properties such as lightweight, easy formability, and high clarity. Expanding construction and automotive industries in developing economies will augment the consumption of acrylic sheets and subsequently methyl methacrylate.
Stringent environmental regulations regarding VOC emissions during MMA production may hinder market expansion to some extent. Several regions have imposed restrictions on the manufacture and usage of MMA to curb air pollution. This may compel producers to invest in abatement technologies to ensure compliance.
New product launches catering to niche applications and emerging end-use industries will present fresh opportunities for MMA manufacturers.
Market Challenges: Volatility in crude oil prices
The volatility in the crude oil prices has significantly restrained the growth of the global methyl methacrylate market in recent times. Methyl methacrylate or MMA is primarily derived from crude oil and natural gas. Hence, fluctuations in the prices of crude oil feeds directly impact the price and supply of MMA. In the last few years, from 2020 onwards, the crude oil prices witnessed massive swings mainly due to uneven impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global demand and supply dynamics. When the pandemic first hit in early 2020, crude oil prices plummeted to almost historic lows as the global lockdowns decimated fuel demand. This significantly decreased the price of MMA during that period and affected capacity utilization and margins of MMA producers.
Market Opportunities: Growth of Asia Pacific region
The rapid economic development and industrialization in Asia Pacific region, especially in emerging economies like China and India, provide huge opportunities for growth in the global methyl methacrylate market. These countries are witnessing massive infrastructure development and construction activities to support their growing populations and economies. Methyl methacrylate or MMA is a crucial chemical monomer that is used in the manufacturing of a variety of construction materials like plastics, paints, and adhesives.
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Insights by Application: Properties Ideal for Construction Drive the MMA Demand
Polymethyl methacrylate (MMA) is expected to contribute 48.7% share of the methyl methacrylate market in 2024, due to its unique properties that make it ideal for construction applications. MMA is resistant to weathering from sunlight, rain, and pollution. It does not degrade over time from natural elements like wood and other materials. This durability reduces long-term maintenance costs for buildings. MMA is also light weight but extremely strong, making it suitable for applications where weight is a design constraint. It can be thermoformed into complex shapes without losing strength. This moldability allows for creative architectural designs that would be difficult or impossible with other materials. MMA is non-porous and non-absorbent, protecting buildings from water damage. Its glossy, transparent qualities are desirable for skylights, atriums and other installations where natural light transmission is important. The material is easy to fabricate and install, speeding construction timelines. It requires no painting or coating, lowering lifetime costs. MMA is also corrosion and chemical resistant, holding up well in demanding indoor and outdoor environments. Its stability over long periods with minimal deterioration helps structures maintain their aesthetic appeal. As green building becomes more prevalent, MMA's recyclability is another selling point. At the end of a building's life cycle, the material can be recycled into new MMA products with little waste. This sustainability aligns with the construction industry's focus on reducing environmental impact. With the world's population increasingly urbanizing, demand for durable, affordable housing and commercial space will continue to rise. MMA's unique properties make it particularly well-suited to address this global megatrend.
Insights by End-use industry: Renovations Fuel MMA Demand in Building & Construction
The building & construction segment is expected to contribute 36.5% share of the methyl methacrylate market in 2024, due to ongoing infrastructure renovations and upgrades. As buildings age, their original materials degrade over 30-50 years and require replacement to maintain structural integrity, aesthetics, and functionality. MMA plays a key role in these renovation projects due to its superior weather resistance, strength, and moldability properties. It can be used to replace faded or damaged skylights, windows, siding, handrails, and other exterior elements. Within the next decade, many structures from the 1960s-80s baby boom era will reach the end of their lifespans and undergo major overhauls. At the same time, building codes are raising energy efficiency standards, driving the replacement of single pane windows and other outdated components with more advanced materials like MMA that provide better insulation. Government incentives also encourage green renovations that reduce emissions and utility costs. MMA answers these needs through attributes like its high light transmission and weather resistance without requiring power-intensive climate control. Beyond replacing aging infrastructure, the construction sector benefits from consistent demand for new additions, expansions, and remodeling of both residential and commercial spaces. MMA serves these markets through applications like bathroom partitions, tabletops, and other durable interior furnishings. Its moldability allows for unique, custom designs. As populations increase and building footprints expand to accommodate contemporary lifestyles, MMA manufacturing will continue to benefit from steady demand generated by the global construction industry.
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North America has been the dominant region in the global methyl methacrylate market over the past decade. The region is expected to account for 37.6% of the market share in 2024. The U.S. accounts for the lion's share of demand within the region owing to a well-established construction sector and automotive industry. Several major multinational players have their production and R&D headquarters located in the U.S. and Canada, allowing them to cater to the local demand as well as export globally. The region also has a highly developed petrochemical industry that ensures stable supply of key raw materials at competitive prices. This facilitates uninterrupted and cost-effective manufacturing of methyl methacrylate. The growing adoption of polymethyl methacrylate polymers and methacrylate copolymers in various end-use industries such as architecture, automotive, electronics, and healthcare has further stimulated market growth. Furthermore, North America enjoys advantages related to developed transportation and logistics infrastructure for the easier movement of bulk products within the region and worldwide. This has enabled regional players to establish strong distribution networks and promptly serve global buyers. Robust domestic consumption coupled with large export volumes have helped North America consolidate its foothold in the global methyl methacrylate landscape.
The Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest expanding market across the globe and is likely to displace North America as the dominant market in the coming years. China and India have played a pivotal role in propelling the Asia Pacific market. The rampant growth of the construction industry with ongoing infrastructure development projects in major economies has augmented the uptake of PMMA sheets significantly. Additionally, growing automotive manufacturing along with a burgeoning engineering plastics sector is expected to remain the key driver of demand going forward.
Methyl Methacrylate Market Report Coverage
Report Coverage | Details | ||
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Base Year: | 2023 | Market Size in 2024: | US$ 18.21 Bn |
Historical Data for: | 2019 To 2023 | Forecast Period: | 2024 To 2031 |
Forecast Period 2024 to 2031 CAGR: | 7.7% | 2031 Value Projection: | US$ 30.61 Bn |
Geographies covered: |
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Segments covered: |
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Companies covered: |
BASF SE, Evonik Industries AG, Arkema Group, The Dow Chemical Company, Akzo Nobel N.V., Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited, Chi Mei Corporation, Huntsman Corporation, Kolon Industries, Karl Jungbecker GmbH & Co. KG, Dhalop Chemicals, Saudi Methacrylate Company, Vizag Chemicals, Ottokemi, and TrinSeo |
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Growth Drivers: |
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Restraints & Challenges: |
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*Definition: The methyl methacrylate market deals in the trade of methyl methacrylate, which is an important organic compound used in the manufacturing of plastics and acrylic sheets. It is a colorless, volatile liquid that is produced on a large scale in the chemical industry and finds applications in products like paints, lacquers, adhesives, synthetic rubbers, and Plexiglas thermoplastics.
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About Author
Yash Doshi is a Senior Management Consultant. He has 12+ years of experience in conducting research and handling consulting projects across verticals in APAC, EMEA, and the Americas.
He brings strong acumen in helping chemical companies navigate complex challenges and identify growth opportunities. He has deep expertise across the chemicals value chain, including commodity, specialty and fine chemicals, plastics and polymers, and petrochemicals. Yash is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and contributes to various publications on topics related commodity, specialty and fine chemicals, plastics and polymers, and petrochemicals.
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