Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, is an organic compound that is composed of one carbon atom, two hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom (CH3OH). It is a clear and colorless liquid that is highly flammable and has a distinctive odor. Methanol is used in the production of a variety of industrial and commercial products, including formaldehyde, acetic acid, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), and many other chemicals. It is also used as a fuel, both directly in certain engines and as a component of other fuels. It is also used as a solvent and as a feedstock to produce other chemicals. Demand for methanol has been growing in recent years due to its use in the production of chemicals and fuels, and its availability as a renewable energy source. Demand is expected to continue to grow in the future as the global economy continues to develop and demand for energy and chemicals increases.
The global methanol market size is estimated to grow from USD 24.0 billion in 2020 to USD 26.6 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. The market is projected to witness decent growth in the near future, owing to the wide application in various end use industries of methanol ranging from automotive to pharmaceutical industry. Increasing demand from APAC will further drive the growth of the global methanol market.
Celanese Corporation (Texas), BASF SE (Germany), Methanex Corporation (Canada), SABIC (Saudi Arabia), PETRONAS (Malaysia), Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (Japan), and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Japan) among others are the leading methanol manufacturers, globally. These companies adopted expansion, joint venture, and merger & acquisition as their key growth strategies between 2016 and 2020 to earn a competitive advantage in the methanol market.
Celanese Corporation (Texas) is the largest player in the methanol market, globally. Celanese Corporation is one of the primary providers of chemical solutions and specialty materials used in various industries and consumer applications. The company has its presence across North America, Europe, and Asia, with 31 global production facilities and nine strategic affiliate production facilities. It advanced the expansion of the Fairway Methanol production unit and progressed the global acetic acid reconfiguration for high return projects that are expected to deliver over USD 100 million of annual productivity savings when complete.
BASF SE (Germany) is the second-largest player of the methanol market, globally. BASF SE has 396 facilities worldwide, which indicates its strong geographic footprint. Research activities funded by the BASF Group promote the targeted development and enhancement of key technologies and the establishment of new business areas. Research areas are determined based on strategic relevance for BASF, above and beyond existing business areas. BASF has well-diversified operations that mitigate risks associated with overdependence on a single or a few segments. The chemicals segment comprises the company's business with the necessary chemicals and intermediates. Its portfolio of products includes plasticizers, solvents, glues, alkylene oxides, caustic soda, urea, impregnating resins, neopentylglycol, propionic acids, and formic acids.
