Global Methyl Formate Market Overview
The Methyl Formate Market Size was estimated at 2.23 (USD Billion) in 2022. The Methyl Formate Industry is expected to grow from 2.31 (USD Billion) in 2023 to 3.2 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Methyl Formate Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 3.68% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).
Key Methyl Formate Market Trends Highlighted
Methyl formate is foreseen to witness maximum demand due to increasing demand from chemical and pharmaceutical industrial sectors. Chemical methyl ester is quite useful in the chemical industry since methyl formate is an intermediate in the synthesis of several chemicals like acetic acid, formic acid and methylal. Methyl formate is used as a solvent in the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other drug intermediates by the pharmaceutical industry. There is a potential market expansion that can be explored being venturing into developing applications in other sectors like the food and beverage industry. It is possible that methyl formate will be used in improving the taste and the smell of some food items, which would in turn, create growth in this market segment. Also, production costs and efficiency of methyl formate may be improved by technological improvements including better production methods and optimization of catalysts. Recently, attractive opportunities in the methyl formate market have included environmental friendliness and changes in policies of regulation. New measures are being taken in various parts of the globe to reduce pollution and encourage sustainable development, and this may alter the manufacture as well as consumption of methyl formate. As a result, there has been a gradual transition from using such structures to adopting greener alternatives and implementing green mass production techniques.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Methyl Formate Market Drivers
Rising Demand for Methyl Formate in Pharmaceutical and Agrochemical Industries
Methyl formate is used more and more widely as a solvent and a specific intermediate in the production of a great variety of pharmaceutical products, such as antibiotics, vitamins, anti-inflammatory and other drugs. This compound possesses a range of completely indispensable industry-specific properties, including low toxicity, high purity, excellent solvency, etc. Furthermore, methyl formate is gaining popularity in the agrochemical industry, where it serves as a specific fumigant and pesticide.This compound is a very efficient means to control pests and diseases without leaving residues harmful to humans, thus driving the spreading of its applications in the agricultural sector. The increasing demand for pharmaceutical and agrochemical products will certainly stimulate the development of the methyl formate market.
Expansion of the Electronics Industry and its Impact on Methyl Formate Demand
One of the largest consumers of methyl formate is the electronics industry, which extensively uses the compound as a solvent for manufacturing printed circuit boards. With the overwhelming growth and development of electronic devices, the industries pursue high-quality solvents ensuring consistent final products for the users. Additionally, with the skyrocketing demand for electronics in such industries as automaking, healthcare, or telecommunications, the capacity and production of methyl formate are projected to rise considerably in the next few years.
Growing Environmental Concerns and the Role of Methyl Formate as a Sustainable Alternative
The growing environmental awareness and increasing stringency of prohibitions and restrictions on the application of harmful chemicals drive the demand for eco-friendly solutions. Methyl formate, being a relatively low-toxicity solvent, is characterized by a low environmental impact and, hence, is preferable to some traditional ones. In particular, its small ozone depletion potential and biodegradability are crucial to industries that aim to reduce their carbon footprint.On the whole, the continuous expansion of the proportion of sustainable companies and the long-term development of the micro-trend related to the growing demand for ecologically friendly products are likely to positively affect the prospects of the methyl formate market.
Methyl Formate Market Segment Insights
Methyl Formate Market Application Insights
The application segment plays a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of the Methyl Formate Market. Chemical synthesis emerged as the dominant application, accounting for approximately 40.5% of the global market share in 2023. The demand for methyl formate in chemical synthesis stems from its use as a versatile intermediate in the production of various chemicals, including acetic acid, formic acid, and dimethylformamide (DMF). The electronics industry represents another significant application segment, driven by the growing adoption of methyl formate as a solvent in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and semiconductors.Methyl formate finds applications in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent and an intermediate in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). It is also used in the food and beverages sector as a flavoring agent and a preservative. The automotive industry utilizes methyl formate as a fuel additive to enhance engine performance and reduce emissions. The increasing demand for lightweight vehicles and stricter emission regulations is expected to drive the growth of this application segment. The Methyl Formate Market is projected to exhibit a steady growth trajectory in the coming years.The rising demand for methyl formate in various end-use industries, coupled with ongoing technological advancements, is anticipated to fuel market expansion. Regional variations in demand and supply patterns, along with fluctuating raw material prices, are among the key factors influencing the market landscape.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Methyl Formate Market Purity Insights
The purity segment of the Methyl Formate Market is segmented as 98%, 99%, 99.5%, and 99.9%. For these segments, the 99% purity segment held the largest market share of the Methyl Formate Market 2023 revenue, which is approximately 35%. The main reason is the wide application of 99% purity methyl formate. The applications are the production of fragrances, flavors, and pharmaceuticals. The 98% purity is projected to register a steady growth over the forecast period. The reason is being cost-effective, and it is in the application where the highest level of purity is not a critical aspect.The 99.5 and 99.9 purity segments are projected to register significant growth in the special applications. The examples include production applications for high-performance solvents and electronic chemicals. The purity segment of the Methyl Formate Market is projected to register a steady roaring market growth owing to the broad application of methyl formates in various industries. The application will be attributed to the increasing demand for fragrances, flavors, and Pharmaceuticals applications. The application demand is further driven by the rapid uptake of methyl formates applications as solvents and intermediates in different applications of various chemicals.
Methyl Formate Market Source Insights
Source Segment Insight and Overview The Methyl Formate Market is segmented by source into Methanol and Carbon Monoxide. The Methanol segment is expected to account for a larger market share in 2023, owing to its extensive use in the production of methyl formate. The Carbon Monoxide segment is projected to exhibit a higher CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for methyl formate in the chemical industry. In 2023, the Methanol segment is estimated to be valued at USD 1.25 billion, while the Carbon Monoxide segment is projected to be worth USD 1.06 billion.The Methanol segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.4%, while the Carbon Monoxide segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period. The growth of the Methyl Formate Market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for methyl formate in various end-use industries, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries. Methyl formate is extensively used as a solvent, fumigant, and intermediate in the production of various chemicals. Additionally, the growing demand for methyl formate in the production of biofuels is further contributing to market growth.
Methyl Formate Market Form Insights
The Methyl Formate Market is segmented by Form into Liquid and Gas. The Liquid segment held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for over 60% of the global market. This is due to the fact that Liquid Methyl Formate is easier to transport and store than Gas Methyl Formate. However, the Gas segment is expected to grow at a faster rate over the forecast period, as it is becoming increasingly popular in a variety of applications, such as aerosol propellants and refrigerants.
Methyl Formate Market Regional Insights
The Methyl Formate Market revenue was valued at 2.31 billion USD in 2023, and it is projected to reach 3.2 billion USD by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.68% during the forecast period. Regionally, North America is projected to be the leading market, accounting for a share of around 35% in 2023. The growth in this region can be attributed to the increasing demand for methyl formate in various industries, such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. Europe is expected to be the second-largest market, followed by Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East Africa.The growing demand for methyl formate in emerging economies, such as China and India, is expected to drive the growth of the market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Methyl Formate Market Key Players And Competitive Insights
Major players in the Methyl Formate Market are devising strategies such as partnerships, collaborations, and new product launches to gain a competitive edge. An increase in the demand for the product in various end-use industries is expected to boost the growth of the Methyl Formate Market. Leading players are investing massively in research and development activities to improve the quality and efficacy of their products. An increase in the demand for adhesives and coatings, a strong pharmaceutical industry and increasing use of methyl formate in the production of fragrances and flavors are some major Methyl Formate Market Trends.Methyl Formate Market Key Players include a few large players and several small and medium-sized companies. One of those large companies is Celanese Corporation. A global specialty materials company and the leading producer of acetic acid, Celanese Corporation produces, among other chemicals, methyl formate. The Texas-based company has a strategic presence across the globe, and it supplies its products through a team of industry veterans. The company is committed to the high-quality products and services it provides in various markets. It is one of the top suppliers of methyl formate for the adhesives and coatings industry. Celanese Corporation also serves the pharmaceutical industry and fragrance and flavor industry. In addition to methyl formate, Celanese’s Methyl Acetate is utilized in formulations of many consumer goods.Eastman Chemical Company is a global specialty chemical company and another major player in the Methyl Formate Market. The company has a wide portfolio of chemicals and several hundreds of patents. Eastman produces methyl formate, among other products, including acetic anhydride and plasticizers. The company has a strong presence in North America, Europe and Asia. It is one of the top suppliers of methyl formate for the adhesives and coatings industry. Eastman also serves the pharmaceutical industry and the fragrance and flavor industry.
Key Companies in the Methyl Formate Market Include
- Evonik Industries
- Lanxess
- Solvay
- Celanese Corporation
- Albemarle
- Perstorp
- BASF SE
- Eastman Chemical Company
- Merck KGaA
- Sumitomo Chemical Company
- Victrex
- DIC Corporation
- Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company
- Nouryon
- SABIC
Methyl Formate Market Industry Developments
The Methyl Formate Market is projected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.68% during the forecast period. Increasing demand from the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for the production of antibiotics and vitamins, is a key driver of market growth. Methyl formate is used as a solvent and intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical products, including amoxicillin, erythromycin, and vitamin C.Recent developments in the market include the expansion of production capacity by key players to meet the growing demand. For instance, in 2023, Celanese Corporation announced plans to invest USD 100 million to expand its methyl formate production capacity in Nanjing, China. This expansion is expected to increase the company's global production capacity by 25%.Moreover, ongoing research and development efforts are focused on developing new applications for methyl formate, such as in fuel cells and as a fuel additive. These advancements are anticipated to create new growth opportunities for the market in the coming years.
Methyl Formate Market Segmentation Insights
- Methyl Formate Market Application Outlook
- Chemical Synthesis
- Electronics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food and Beverages
- Automotive
- Methyl Formate Market Purity Outlook
- Methyl Formate Market Source Outlook
- Methyl Formate Market Form Outlook
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Market Size 2022 |
2.23 (USD Billion) |
Market Size 2023 |
2.31 (USD Billion) |
Market Size 2032 |
3.2 (USD Billion) |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
3.68% (2024 - 2032) |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Base Year |
2023 |
Market Forecast Period |
2024 - 2032 |
Historical Data |
2019 - 2023 |
Market Forecast Units |
USD Billion |
Key Companies Profiled |
Evonik Industries, Lanxess, Solvay, Celanese Corporation, Albemarle, Perstorp, BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Company, Merck KGaA, Sumitomo Chemical Company, Victrex, DIC Corporation, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Nouryon, SABIC |
Segments Covered |
Application, Purity, Source, Form, Regional |
Key Market Opportunities |
1 Rising demand from the pharmaceutical sector 2 Growing use in adhesives and coatings 3 Expanding applications in electronics 4 Increasing adoption in the food and beverage industry |
Key Market Dynamics |
Rising demand from the pharmaceutical industry Increasing use in food and beverage applications Growing adoption in the electronics industry Technological advancements in production processes Expanding application in alternative fuels. |
Countries Covered |
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Methyl Formate Market was valued at around USD 2.31 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to around USD 3.2 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of roughly 3.68% during the forecast period.
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the Methyl Formate Market during the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for methyl formate in various applications, such as in the production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and flavors, in countries such as China, India, and Japan.
Methyl formate finds applications in various industries, including the production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances and flavors, as a solvent in the electronics industry, and as a fuel additive.
Some of the key players operating in the Methyl Formate Market include BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Company, Perstorp Holding AB, SABIC, and Celanese Corporation.
The growth of the Methyl Formate Market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for methyl formate in various applications, such as in the production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances and flavors, and as a solvent in the electronics industry.
The Methyl Formate Market faces challenges such as stringent environmental regulations, volatile raw material prices, and intense competition from alternative products.
The Methyl Formate Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly 3.68% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032.
Key trends shaping the Methyl Formate Market include the growing demand for bio-based methyl formate, the development of new applications for methyl formate, and the increasing focus on sustainability.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a moderate impact on the Methyl Formate Market. The market experienced a decline in demand during the initial stages of the pandemic due to disruptions in supply chains and reduced industrial activity. However, the market is expected to recover in the coming years as economic activities resume and demand for methyl formate increases.
Potential opportunities for growth in the Methyl Formate Market include the increasing demand for methyl formate in emerging economies, the development of new applications for methyl formate, and the growing focus on sustainability.