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Global Ethylene Oxide (EO) Demand Analysis [construction, automotive, textiles, and healthcare], By Types, By Applications & Forecast Analysis, 2032

Ethylene Oxide Market Size

The global Ethylene Oxide Market Size is anticipated to grow from USD 32 billion in 2023 to USD 41.7 billion by 2032, with a projected CAGR of 3% from 2023-2032. The surge in demand for Ethylene Oxide (EO) can be attributed to its widespread applications, including its role as a crucial intermediate in the production of ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polyether polyols, ethoxylates, and glycol ether.

Ethylene Oxide is a colourless and highly reactive organic compound produced by the oxidation of ethylene with oxygen in the presence of a silver catalyst. It serves as a key precursor in the synthesis of ethylene glycol, which is extensively used in the production of polyester fibres and antifreeze.


Global Ethylene Oxide Demand Supply Analysis till 2032 (Kiloton)

Ethylene Oxide Demand Supply Analysis
Source: Secondary & Primary Research and Prismane Consulting estimates


Ethylene Oxide Capacity Overview

The global Ethylene Oxide capacity is estimated to be around 37,500 Kiloton in 2023, with Asia Pacific accounting for the majority share. The forecast indicates significant capacity additions in China, driven by the country's strategic plan for self-sufficiency and reduced imports. In response to China's capacity expansions, manufacturers in Western Europe and North America have adjusted their capacities. 

Key manufacturers in the global Ethylene Oxide market includes chemical companies such as Dow Chemical, BASF, Shell, SABIC, Indorama, Huntsman, Reliance Petrochemicals, Indian Glycols LTD, INEOS and Other manufacturers.

Global Ethylene Oxide Demand Analysis, By Region  (Kiloton)

Ethylene Oxide Demand Analysis
Source: Secondary & Primary Research and Prismane Consulting estimates

Ethylene Oxide Demand Overview

In 2023, global Ethylene Oxide demand reached approximately 31,800 Kiloton, with Asia Pacific being the largest consumer, constituting more than 50% of the total Ethylene Oxide demand. The rising need for ethylene oxide in the production of ethylene glycol, surfactants, and various chemicals is expected to drive the Ethylene Oxide market. China's Ethylene Oxide capacity additions over the last decade, fuelled by demand for ethylene glycol and other derivatives, further contribute to the global demand growth. Increasing usage of Ethylene Oxide in industries such as construction, automotive, textiles, and healthcare, coupled with rapid urbanization and infrastructure projects in developing nations, is expected to fuel the Ethylene Oxide market during the forecast period.

Ethylene Oxide Trade Overview

Germany is a major Ethylene Oxide exporter in the world with over 50% of the exports destined for Italy and Belgium. Germany’s Ethylene Oxide exports have averaged 145 Kiloton in the last 5 years. Germany is estimated to be a net exporter of Ethylene oxide during the forecast period and no new major capacity addition is expected in the same period. BASF, INEOS Oxide, Clariant, and Sasol are the Ethylene Oxide manufacturers with a total installed capacity of over 1070 Kiloton as of 2022.

Germany holds the top position as the primary importer of Ethylene Oxide, importing 94 Kiloton in 2022. Italy secures the second position with 82 Kiloton, while Belgium ranks third, importing 74 Kiloton. Other importing nations have annual imports of less than 20 Kiloton each.

Global Ethylene Oxide Demand, By Application  (Kilo Tons)

Ethylene Oxide Demand, By Application
Source: Secondary & Primary Research and Prismane Consulting estimates


Ethylene Oxide Market Dynamics

Driver: Growing Applications in Various Industries

Ethylene Oxide is a crucial raw material in the manufacturing of ethylene glycol, which is extensively used in the production of polyester fibres, antifreeze, and other industrial applications. The versatile nature of ethylene oxide makes it a vital component in the production of surfactants and various chemicals, contributing to its increased demand across industries such as textiles, automotive, and healthcare. The expanding applications in diverse end-use sectors are expected to drive market growth.

Restraint: Petrochemical-Based Feedstocks and Environmental Impact

The production of Ethylene Oxide relies on petrochemical-based feedstocks, specifically ethylene. Any disruptions in the supply chain, including price fluctuations or geopolitical tensions affecting raw material sourcing, may impact the Ethylene Oxide market. Additionally, the production process releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs), posing environmental and health concerns. Increasing awareness of environmental issues and stringent emission regulations may result in higher compliance costs for Ethylene Oxide manufacturers, potentially affecting the market in the forecast period.

Recent Developments in the Ethylene Oxide Market

  • In December 2023, INEOS announced acquisition of the LyondellBasell Ethylene Oxide & Derivatives business and production facility in Bayport, Texas, at a cost of $700 million. 
  • The deal includes a 420 Kiloton Ethylene Oxide plant, a 375 Kiloton Ethylene Glycols plant, and a 165 Kiloton Glycol Ethers plant, along with all associated third-party business on the site.
  • The European Commission s rapid alert system for food and feed issued a notification on April 7 2023, revealing the presence of unauthorized pesticide residue ethylene oxide in salsa dips from Mexico. This caught the Indian exporting community off guard. The surprise stemmed from the EC's reclassifying ethylene oxide as a "pesticide residue" instead of a "fumigant." Consequently, the EC has mandated European members to test food samples for the chemical from 2023 to 2026.
  • BASF has invested over USD 500 million in Antwerp to boost its production capacity by 400 Kiloton per year. This expansion involves the construction of a world-scale ethylene oxide plant and the addition of capacities for EO derivatives.

Companies Covered:

  • BASF SE
  • Reliance Industries
  • Sasol
  • BP Plc
  • INEOS
  • SABIC
  • Formosa Plastics
  • Al-Jubail Petrochemical Company (KEMYA)
  • Nippon Shokubai
  • Huntsman Corporation
  • Sinopec
  • Dow
  • Other Manufacturers

Scope of Report 

The Ethylene Oxide report describes the global Ethylene Oxide market, with focus on the country,
applications and other end-use scenarios. The study provides

Market Data & Forecast (Short-term and Long-term)
•  Demand Composition, by Applications and End-use Industries
•  Capacity & Production
•  Trade (Import, Export and Net Export)
•  Sales & Revenue
•  Pricing Analysis
•  Market Dynamics

Country Summaries & Product Review
•  Ethylene Oxide Market data in terms of volume and value for each end-use at regional and country level
•  Ethylene Oxide Market analysis for Production, Capacity and Demand, at regional and country level
•  Historical, Current & Market Forecast
•  Macro-economic factors like GDP, Population and World Economic integration
•  Economic & Energy Outlook
•  Industry & Policy Developments 
•  End-use Industry / Applications Market 
•  Reasoning & Analysis
•  Insightful Commentary
•  Market Review
•  Comparative Analysis
•  Latest Trends and market developments
•  Key players
•  Strategic Issues and Recommendations
•  Business Opportunity Assessment

1.  Introduction
      •  Scope
      •  Market Coverage
          -  Application
          -  End-Use Industry
          -  Regions
          -  Countries
      •  Years Considered
          -  Historical - 2016 – 2021
          -  Base - 2022
          -  Forecast Period - 2023 – 2032
      •  Research Methodology
          -  Approach
          -  Research Methodology
          -  Prismane Consulting Market Models
          -  Assumptions & Limitations
          -  Abbreviations & Definitions
          -  Conversion Factors
          -  Data Sources
2.  Market Synopsis 
      •  Market Evolution
      •  Demand-Supply Overview
      •  Industry Structure
      •  Strategic Issues
      •  End-use Trends
      •  Growth Forecast
3.  Economic & Energy Outlook
      •  GDP and Demographics
      •  Monetary & Fiscal Policies
      •  Crude Oil Production and prices
      •  Natural Gas
      •  Electricity Prices
4.  End-use Sector Performance
      •  Automotive
      •  Agriculture
      •  Food & Beverages
      •  Personal Care
      •  Pharmaceuticals
      •  Textile
      •  Others
5.  Plants & Projects Analysis
      •  Ethylene Oxide Production Capacity, by Country and by region
      •  Capacity Overview, By Technology
6.  Introduction to Ethylene Oxide and Market Overview 
      •  Product Description
      •  Grades & Properties
      •  Raw Material
      •  Manufacturing Process
      •  Environmental Issues
      •  Value Chain
      •  Applications
7.  Market Dynamics and Industry Trends 
      •  Market Dynamics 
          -  Drivers
          -  Restraints
          -  Opportunities
          -  Challenges
8.  Global Ethylene Oxide Demand-Supply Analysis, By Application, By End-Use Industry (Volume, Value) (2016–2032)
      •  Strategic Issues
      •  Demand-Supply Analysis and Forecast (2016 – 2032)
          -  Capacity
          -  Capacity Utilization (%)
          -  Production
          -  Imports
          -  Exports
          -  Net Exports
          -  Demand
          -  Demand Growth Rate (%)
          -  Driving Force Analysis
      •  Global Ethylene Oxide Market, By Application
          -  Ethylene Glycol
          -  Ethoxylates
          -  Ethanolamines
          -  Glycol Ethers
          -  Polyether Polyols
          -  Others
      •  Global Ethylene Oxide Market, By End-Use Industry
          -  Automotive
          -  Textile
          -  Personal Care
          -  Agrochemicals
          -  Detergents
          -  Pharmaceutical
          -  Food & Beverage
          -  Others
9.  Demand-Supply Analysis and Market Review, By Region, By Country (Volume, Value), (2016– 2032)
      •  Strategic Issues
      •  Capacity
      •  Capacity Utilization (%)
      •  Production
      •  Imports
      •  Exports
      •  Net Exports
      •  Demand
      •  Demand Growth Rate (%)
      •  Ethylene Oxide Market, By Application
      •  Ethylene Oxide Market, By End-Use Industry
Note: Demand-Supply Analysis has been provided for all major Regions / Countries as mentioned below. The demand-supply (consumption) split by application, by end-use industry, has been provided for each of the countries/regions in Volume (Kilotons) and Value (USD Million).
      •  North America
         -  USA
         -  Canada
         -  Mexico
      •  Western Europe
         -  Germany
         -  France
         -  Italy
         -  United Kingdom
         -  Spain
         -  Rest of Western Europe
      •  Central & Eastern Europe
         -  Russia
         -  Poland
         -  Rest of Central & Eastern Europe
      •  Asia-Pacific
         -  China
         -  Japan
         -  India
         -  South Korea
         -  Rest of Asia-Pacific
      •  Central & South America
      •  Middle East & Africa
Note: CAGR will be calculated for all the applications and end-use industry to arrive at the regional/global demand growth for the forecast period (2023 – 2032)
10.  Pricing Analysis
      •  Average Ethylene Oxide Prices, by Country 
      •  Average Ethylene Oxide Prices, by Region
      •  Price Forecast
11.  Key Strategic Issues
12.  Business Opportunity Assessment 
      •  Market Attractiveness Assessment
      •  Prospective & Target Market Study
13.  Strategic Recommendation & Suggestions
14.  Company Analysis and Market Share Analysis
         -  Basic Details
         - Headquarters, Key Markets
         -  Ownership
         -  Company Financial
         -  Manufacturing Bases
         -  Global Turnover
         -  Total Employee
         -  Product Portfolio / Services / Solutions
         -  Recent Developments
         -  Companies Covered
             -  BASF SE
             -  Reliance Industries
             -  Sasol
             -  BP Plc
             -  INEOS
             -  SABIC
             -  Formosa Plastics
             -  Al-Jubail Petrochemical Company (KEMYA)
             -  Nippon Shokubai
             -  Huntsman Corporation
             -  Sinopec
             -  Dow
             -  Other Manufacturers
Note: This section includes company information, company financials, manufacturing bases, and operating regions. Company financials have been mentioned only for those companies where financials were available in SEC Filings, annual reports, or company websites. All the reported financials in this report are in U.S. Dollars. Financials reported in other currencies have been converted using average currency conversion rates. Company profiles may include manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors.
15.  Appendices
      •  Demand-Supply - Regions
      •  Demand-Supply– Countries
      •  Capacities, 2016-2032

Scope of Report 

The Ethylene Oxide report describes the global Ethylene Oxide market, with focus on the country,
applications and other end-use scenarios. The study provides

Market Data & Forecast (Short-term and Long-term)
•  Demand Composition, by Applications and End-use Industries
•  Capacity & Production
•  Trade (Import, Export and Net Export)
•  Sales & Revenue
•  Pricing Analysis
•  Market Dynamics

Country Summaries & Product Review
•  Ethylene Oxide Market data in terms of volume and value for each end-use at regional and country level
•  Ethylene Oxide Market analysis for Production, Capacity and Demand, at regional and country level
•  Historical, Current & Market Forecast
•  Macro-economic factors like GDP, Population and World Economic integration
•  Economic & Energy Outlook
•  Industry & Policy Developments 
•  End-use Industry / Applications Market 
•  Reasoning & Analysis
•  Insightful Commentary
•  Market Review
•  Comparative Analysis
•  Latest Trends and market developments
•  Key players
•  Strategic Issues and Recommendations
•  Business Opportunity Assessment


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the market size of Ethylene Oxide?
The global Ethylene Oxide Market Size is anticipated grow from USD 31.9 billion in 2022 to reach USD 41.7 billion by 2032, with a projected CAGR of 3% during 2023-2032.
Who are some of the major Ethylene Oxide producers?
Key manufacturers in the global Ethylene Oxide market includes chemical companies such as Dow Chemical, BASF, Shell, SABIC, Indorama, Huntsman, Reliance Petrochemicals, Indian Glycols LTD, INEOS and Other manufacturers.
What is the current global Ethylene Oxide capacity?
The global Ethylene Oxide capacity is estimated to be around 37,500 Kiloton in 2023, with Asia Pacific accounting for the majority share.