The global acetic acid market size reached a value of USD 24.41 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.10% from 2025-2034, aiming for a value of USD 40.14 Billion by 2034.

The remarkable growth of the global acetic acid market is fueled by growing demand in a number of sectors, such as food and beverages, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Acetic acid is a key raw material in the manufacturing of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), which is used extensively in adhesives, coatings, and paints. Its increasing usage in food preservation and chemical manufacture is also propelling market growth. Major players such as Celanese Corporation, LyondellBasell Industries, and Eastman Chemical Company are significantly investing in increasing production capacities to address this increasing demand. There is also a growth in the production of bio-based acetic acid, complying with sustainability trends.

In 2022, market volume of acetic acid worldwide amounted to over ***** million metric tons. It is forecast that the market volume of this organic compound will grow to around **** million metric tons worldwide in the year 2030.

The global acetic acid market size was USD 25.31 billion in 2024 & is projected to grow from USD 26.45 billion in 2025 to USD 37.61 billion by 2033.
Report Scope:

The global Acetic Acid market has swelled to reach demand of approximately 17 million tonnes in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.24% during the forecast period until 2035.

The Acetic Acid Report is Segmented by Derivative (Vinyl Acetate Monomer, Purified Terephthalic Acid, Ethyl Acetate, and More), Production Route (Methanol Carbonylation, Acetaldehyde Oxidation, and More), Application (Plastics and Polymers, Food and Beverage, Adhesives Paints and Coatings, Textile, Medical, and Other Applications), and Geography (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle-East and Africa).

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Acetic Acid Market Size 2023-2027

The acetic acid market size is valued to increase USD 5379.71 thousand t, at a CAGR of 5.39% from 2022 to 2027. Growing paints and coatings industry will drive the acetic acid market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 30% growth during the forecast period.
By Application - VAM segment was valued at USD 5.38 thousand t in 2021
By End-user - Plastics and polymers segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2021

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 65.86 thousand t
Market Future Opportunities: USD 5379.71 thousand t
CAGR : 5.39%
APAC: Largest market in 2021

Market Summary

The market encompasses the production, sale, and application of this versatile organic compound. This market is driven by the expanding demand for acetic acid in core industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. In particular, the growing paints and coatings industry is a significant consumer of acetic acid, accounting for over 30% of its global consumption. The market is also witnessing the development of bio-based acetic acid, which is gaining traction due to increasing environmental concerns and stringent regulations. However, market dynamics are not without challenges. Fluctuations in acetic acid prices result from periodic plant shutdowns, which impact the supply chain and affect market stability. Despite these challenges, opportunities abound for market participants, particularly those who can adapt to changing market conditions and leverage innovative technologies.

What will be the Size of the Acetic Acid Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Acetic Acid Market Segmented and what are the key trends of market segmentation?

The acetic acid industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD thousand t' for the period 2023-2027, as well as historical data from 2017-2021 for the following segments. ApplicationVAMPTAAcetic anhydrideOthersEnd-userPlastics and polymersFood and beveragesInk paints and coatingsChemicalsOthersGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeFranceGermanyItalyUKMiddle East and AfricaEgyptKSAOmanUAEAPACChinaIndiaJapanSouth AmericaArgentinaBrazilRest of World (ROW)

By Application Insights

The vam segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Acetic acid, a colorless, volatile, and flammable mobile liquid, plays a significant role in various industries due to its wide applicability. It is soluble in most organic solvents, including chlorinated solvents, and is produced via a catalytic vapor-phase reaction involving ethylene and acetic acid. Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), derived from acetic acid, is a crucial chemical building block for industrial and consumer products. VAM is frequently used as a co-monomer with acrylic monomers such as vinyl acetate emulsion (VAE) copolymers, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinyl acetate, and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). These polymers find extensive applications in printing inks, water-based paints, ceramics, lacquer, adhesives for packaging and construction, paper finishing, and protective colloids for various materials. The market for acetic acid and its derivatives is currently thriving, with an estimated 15% of the global acetic acid production being used for VAM manufacturing. Moreover, the demand for VAM is expected to grow by 18% in the next five years, driven by the increasing production of EVA and PVA polymers. Quality control parameters, such as acetic acid concentration, purity testing methods, and process optimization, are essential for maintaining the high standards required in various industries. Energy efficiency improvements, wastewater treatment, and catalytic oxidation processes are some of the ongoing trends in the market, ensuring sustainable production and reducing environmental impact. Acetic acid's food preservative properties and its role in acetic acid fermentation, carbonylation of methanol, and esterification reactions, make it an indispensable component in numerous applications. The market also encompasses the production of vinyl acetate monomer for bacterial cellulose synthesis, solvent applications, reaction kinetics, chemical synthesis pathways, vinegar production methods, and product recovery methods. Process control strategies, yield optimization, microbial fermentation, and downstream processing are some of the critical areas of focus for market participants. Acetic acid esters, distillation methods, and acetic anhydride synthesis are other significant aspects of the market. In summary, the market is a dynamic and evolving industry that caters to a wide range of applications, from industrial and consumer

Global Acetic Acid market size 2021 was recorded $11919.4 Million whereas by the end of 2025 it will reach $16193.4 Million. According to the author, by 2033 Acetic Acid market size will become $29888.6. Acetic Acid market will be growing at a CAGR of 7.962% during 2025 to 2033.

The market value of acetic acid was approximately 14.15 billion U.S. dollars worldwide in 2022. By 2030, the global market value of this organic compound is expected to grow to around 19.29 billion U.S. dollars.

Global acetic acid market size was estimated at USD 10.56 Billion in 2024 and is expected to hit $ 25.57 Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 9.25%.

The global Acetic Acid Market size is expected to reach USD 25.26 Billion in 2032 registering a CAGR of 7.4 %. Our report provides a comprehensive overview of the industry, including key players, market share, growth opportunities and more.

The Acetic Acid market share is projected to reach US$ 17,217.2 million in 2032. The widespread use of acetic acid in the manufacturing of many products, including vinyl acetate monomers and pure terephthalate acid, is expected to drive market growth throughout the assessment period.

Scope of the Report

Global acetic acid market forecast to reach 6.3M tons and $3.8B by 2035, driven by rising demand. Analysis covers consumption, production, trade, and key country insights.

Global Glacial acetic acid Market valued at $10.26 Billion in 2022, and is projected to $USD 15.80 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.55%.

Acetic Acid Market size was valued at USD 2.62 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 8.69 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 2.62% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Acetic Acid Market: Definition/ Overview

Acetic acid, a colourless liquid with a strong, pungent odour, is best known as the principal component of vinegar. It is a weak acid utilized in a variety of industrial and chemical applications.

Acetic acid is used to preserve food, manufacture medications and synthetic fibers such as acetate. It also contributes significantly to the production of chemicals such as acetic anhydride and vinyl acetate monomer, both of which are required for adhesives.

Future uses of acetic acid include the potential for increasing bio-based acetic acid synthesis in response to demand for environmentally friendly compounds. Advances in bioplastics and green solvents broaden its application possibilities.

The acetic acid market size was valued at USD 17.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach a valuation of USD 40.1 billion by the end of 2037, rising at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-2037. Asia Pacific industry is expected to hold 57% share during the forecast period, due to region's enormous manufacturing platform, accelerated industrialization, and huge investment in new production capabilities.

The global Glacial Acetic Acid market has reached around 11 million tonnes in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.63% during the forecast period until 2030.

The bio-acetic acid market size was over USD 224.53 million in 2024 and is likely to reach USD 433.99 million by the end of 2037, witnessing around 5.2% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037. Asia Pacific industry is anticipated to hold largest revenue share of 33% by 2037, backed by growing production of medicines and other pharmaceutical products in the region.

In 2024, the global acetic acid market was finally on the rise to reach $3.1B for the first time since 2021, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $4B. From 2022 to 2024, the growth of the global market failed to regain momentum.

The Glacial Acetic Acid Market Report Segments the Industry by Grade (Food Grade, Industrial Grade, and Pharmaceutical Grade), Application (Vinyl Acetate Monomer, Ester Production, Acetic Anhydride, Solvent, Food Additive, and More), End-Use Industry (Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Food and Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, and More) and Geography (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World).

Acetic Acid Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the Global Acetic Acid market size was valued at $14.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $22.7 billion by 2033, expanding at a robust CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2033. The primary driver for this significant growth is the ever-increasing demand for acetic acid derivatives across key industries, particularly in vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) production, which is extensively used for manufacturing adhesives, paints, coatings, and packaging materials. The global shift toward sustainable and bio-based chemicals is also catalyzing innovation within the acetic acid market, as manufacturers and end-users seek to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high performance and quality standards.

Regional Outlook

Asia Pacific currently commands the largest share of the global acetic acid market, accounting for more than 58% of the total revenue in 2024. This dominance is largely attributed to the presence of major end-use industries such as textiles, chemicals, and plastics, especially in China and India. The region benefits from a mature manufacturing infrastructure, rapid industrialization, and favorable government policies that encourage chemical production and export. China, in particular, stands out as the world’s largest producer and consumer of acetic acid, driven by its robust demand for vinyl acetate monomer and purified terephthalic acid in the domestic market. Competitive production costs, advanced process technologies, and a strong supply chain ecosystem further bolster the Asia Pacific region’s leadership in the acetic acid market.

The fastest-growing region is projected to be the Middle East & Africa, with a forecasted CAGR of 6.8% from 2025 to 2033. This impressive growth stems from increased foreign direct investments in chemical manufacturing, the expansion of petrochemical complexes, and strategic initiatives to diversify local economies beyond oil and gas. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are investing heavily in downstream chemical production, including acetic acid and its derivatives, to meet rising domestic and export demand. Additionally, the region’s proximity to key raw material sources and evolving trade agreements have made it an attractive destination for multinational chemical companies seeking to tap into new growth opportunities.

Emerging economies in Latin America and parts of Southeast Asia are experiencing a gradual but steady uptake of acetic acid, driven by localized demand in food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and plastic manufacturing. However, these regions face several adoption challenges, including inconsistent regulatory frameworks, limited access to advanced production technologies, and fluctuating raw material prices. Nevertheless, the ongoing policy reforms aimed at industrial modernization, along with increasing awareness of sustainable chemical practices, are expected to gradually improve market penetration. As these economies continue to urbanize and industrialize, the demand for acetic acid and its value-added derivatives is anticipated to witness a consistent upward trajectory.

Report Scope