The US phthalic anhydride market is a critical segment of the chemicals industry, primarily serving as an essential intermediate in the production of plasticizers, alkyd resins, unsaturated polyester resins, and dyes. The market is projected to grow at a steady CAGR between 2025 and 2035, driven by rising demand in construction, automotive, and packaging industries. Technological advancements in catalytic oxidation processes and increasing adoption of sustainable feedstocks are reshaping market dynamics. However, volatility in raw material prices and stringent environmental regulations pose ongoing challenges. Key players continue to innovate for efficiency and regulatory compliance, shaping a competitive landscape focused on sustainability and product diversification.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Surging demand for plasticizers in flexible PVC applications is accelerating phthalic anhydride consumption. For example,
has recently invested in expanding its plasticizer production capacity across US manufacturing facilities.
Growth in unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) usage for composites in automotive and construction sectors is propelling market growth, evidenced by BASF SE's new UPR product launches and facility upgrades in 2025.
Key Trends
Shift towards sustainable feedstocks such as biobased naphthalene for environmentally friendly production processes, highlighted by Stepan Company’s latest initiatives in green chemistry.
Adoption of advanced catalytic oxidation technologies to minimize emissions and improve manufacturing efficiency, as seen in ExxonMobil Corporation’s rollout of novel O-xylene catalytic oxidation systems.
Key Opportunities
Rising demand for flame retardants and eco-friendly coatings presents significant growth avenues, with Polynt-Reichhold Group expanding its flame retardants portfolio targeting green building solutions.
Expansion in the online distribution channel allows broader access for buyers; Cepsa Química launched a digital sales platform in early 2025 to reach new customer segments in North America.
Key Challenges
Stringent environmental regulations on VOC emissions from phthalic anhydride production challenge manufacturers, putting pressure on companies like Koppers Inc. to adopt costly emission reduction technologies.
Intensified competition from alternative plasticizers and polymers, forcing producers such as Nan Ya Plastics Corporation to diversify product portfolios and invest in R&D for novel applications.
Key Restraints
Volatility in raw material prices, especially o-xylene and naphthalene, makes cost management difficult; Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd. has reported margin pressures due to recent feedstock price fluctuations.
Health and environmental concerns around phthalates restrict downstream use, causing companies like Asian Paints Limited to explore non-phthalate alternatives for sensitive applications.
O-Xylene Catalytic Oxidation leads the US phthalic anhydride market by type, capturing the largest market share in 2025 due to its cost-effectiveness and widespread industrial adoption. Naphthalene Catalytic Oxidation ranks second, utilized notably in regions with established naphthalene supply chains. The Maleic Anhydride and mixed feedstock routes are emerging, albeit holding smaller market segments, primarily leveraged for niche or specialty applications. The combination of established efficiencies and flexibility positions O-Xylene Catalytic Oxidation as the preferred process among manufacturers, especially those targeting high-volume end markets like plasticizers and resins. Continued process innovations and feedstock diversification are expected to further influence market shares over the forecast period.
US Phthalic Anhydride Market Share by Applications, 2025
Plasticizers dominate the US phthalic anhydride market by application, accounting for the majority share in 2025. This is driven by widespread use of phthalate plasticizers in flexible PVC for construction, automotive, and consumer goods. Unsaturated polyester resins follow as the second largest application, attributed to their growing role in composite materials used in automotive and infrastructure projects. Alkyd resins, though significant, represent a smaller portion, serving mainly in paint and coatings. The continued demand from PVC and composite applications ensures sustained growth for plasticizers and UPR applications in the coming decade.
US Phthalic Anhydride Market Revenue, 2020-2035 (USD Million)
The revenue for the US phthalic anhydride market is set for steady growth through 2035. In 2025, market revenue is estimated at USD 895 million, up from USD 810 million in 2020, driven by robust demand in plasticizers and UPR applications. By 2030, revenue is projected to reach USD 1000 million, with continuing upward momentum to around USD 1167 million by 2035. The incremental revenue growth reflects advancements in manufacturing, expansion of end-use industries, and increasing adoption of environmentally friendly production processes.
US Phthalic Anhydride Market Year-on-Year Growth (%), 2020-2035
The US phthalic anhydride market is expected to exhibit moderate yet stable Y-o-Y growth throughout the forecast period. The year-on-year growth rate averages around 2.3% between 2020 and 2025, slightly increasing to 2.5% in the 2025-2030 period as new product applications and production efficiencies take effect. From 2030 onwards, the growth steadies around 3%, reflecting both sustained industry demand and market maturation. These growth trends signal a healthy, expanding market with positive prospects for manufacturers and downstream customers.
US Phthalic Anhydride Market Share by Region, 2025
The Midwest region anchors the US phthalic anhydride market with the largest share in 2025, owing to strong presence of chemical manufacturing hubs and close proximity to key raw materials. The Gulf Coast follows, benefiting from access to major petrochemical complexes and export infrastructure. The West Coast holds a smaller yet notable share, supporting specialty chemical and polymer markets. These regional differences in production and consumption highlight the influence of industrial infrastructure and supply chain connectivity on market development.
The US phthalic anhydride market is moderately consolidated, with BASF SE leading the market share in 2025, followed closely by ExxonMobil Corporation and Stepan Company. BASF’s extensive production capacity, innovation in process efficiencies, and broad distribution network contribute to its market dominance. ExxonMobil leverages integrated feedstock sourcing for competitive advantage, while Stepan Company’s focus on green chemistry and specialty applications supports continuous growth. Smaller players, including Koppers Inc. and Polynt-Reichhold Group, compete on specialized solutions and regional production.
Major buyers in the US phthalic anhydride market originate from the plasticizer, unsaturated polyester resin, and alkyd resin manufacturing sectors. The plasticizer industry constitutes the primary buyer group in 2025 due to high-volume consumption for PVC production. UPR producers represent the second largest buyer segment, followed by buyers in paints and coatings, including alkyd resin manufacturers. These leading buyer groups collectively drive volume demand and influence product specifications within the market.
Study Coverage
Metrics
Details
Years
2020-2035
Base Year
2025
Market Size
Revenue (USD Million)
Regions
Midwest, Gulf Coast, West Coast
Segments
By Type (O-Xylene Catalytic Oxidation, Naphthalene Catalytic Oxidation, Maleic Anhydride Route, Orthoxylene Route, Mixed Feedstock Process, Others), By Application (Plasticizers, Unsaturated Polyester Resins, Alkyd Resins, Dyes & Pigments, Flame Retardants, Others), By Technology (O-Xylene Oxidation Process, Naphthalene Oxidation Process, Mixed Feedstock Technology, Continuous Flow Process, Batch Process, Others), By Distribution Channels (Direct Sales, Distributors/Wholesalers, Online, Specialty Stores, Third-Party Suppliers, Others), By Organization Size (Small, Medium, Large)
June 2024: BASF SE announced a capacity expansion at its US phthalic anhydride facility with a focus on sustainability and process efficiencies.
July 2024: Stepan Company unveiled a new biobased phthalic anhydride initiative targeting green applications in plasticizers.
August 2024: Cepsa Química launched an online sales platform, enhancing digital access to phthalic anhydride products for North American buyers.
September 2024: ExxonMobil Corporation commissioned a new O-xylene catalytic oxidation unit, improving environmental performance and output.
October 2024: Polynt-Reichhold Group expanded its flame retardants business in the US to cater to the green building materials market.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Lena
Senior Research Consultant
Lena is a Senior Research Consultant specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Chemical & Material. Lena brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Lena has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
Chemical & MaterialMarket ResearchIndustry AnalysisStrategic Consulting
Key Questions Answered
»What is the market size and growth rate of the global and regional market by various segments?
»What is the market size and growth rate of the market for selective countries?
»Which region or sub-segment is expected to drive the market in the forecast period?
»What factors are estimated to drive and restrain the market growth?
»What are the key technological and market trends shaping the market?
»What are the key opportunities in the market?
»What are the key companies operating in the market?
»Which company accounted for the highest market share?
