Core Insights - The global market for terephthalic acid is projected to grow from approximately $5.303 billion in 2024 to $7.714 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2025 to 2031, driven by the expansion of downstream industries such as plastics, textiles, and coatings [1][5]. Product Types and Applications - Terephthalic acid is categorized into three main types: ortho-phthalic acid, meta-phthalic acid, and para-phthalic acid, with para-phthalic acid being the most produced variant, essential for producing polyester (PET) used in water bottles, polyester fibers, and food packaging [3][4]. - Ortho-phthalic acid serves as a core component for plasticizers, enhancing the flexibility of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), commonly used in electrical insulation and medical device casings [3]. - Meta-phthalic acid is noted for its excellent corrosion and heat resistance, making it suitable for high-performance unsaturated polyester resins used in marine and chemical equipment coatings [3][4]. Global Market Competition and Company Positioning - The global terephthalic acid market features a competitive landscape with international chemical giants and regional leaders. Lotte Chemical from South Korea is a key player in para-phthalic acid production, providing stable supply for the polyester industry [3][4]. - Mitsubishi Gas Chemical has established a strong presence in the meta-phthalic acid sector, known for high purity and stability, catering to the high-end coatings market [3]. Chinese Market Dynamics - Chinese companies like Jiaxing Petrochemical and Hainan Yisheng Petrochemical have become major suppliers of para-phthalic acid, meeting domestic demand and exporting significantly to Southeast Asia [4][5]. - Zhejiang Hengyi has enhanced its market competitiveness through integrated operations from crude oil processing to terephthalic acid and polyester products [5]. Industry Trends and Data-Driven Development - The Asia-Pacific region is the largest consumer market for terephthalic acid, with significant demand growth in countries like China and India, while North America and Europe focus on the environmental performance of terephthalic acid products [5]. - Fluctuations in crude oil prices, tightening environmental regulations, and upgrades in downstream industries are key factors influencing the market's development pace [5]. - A comprehensive market research report can provide insights into historical data from 2020-2024 and forecast trends from 2025-2031, helping companies optimize production and product structures [5][6].

Industry Overview - Isophthalic acid (PIA) is a white crystalline powder or needle-like crystal, widely used in various downstream applications, with polyester bottle chips being the largest demand market, accounting for over 40% of annual consumption [1][9] - China is the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of polyester bottle chips, providing a vast space for the isophthalic acid industry [1][9] - The production of polyester bottle chips is expected to grow by 18.17% year-on-year in 2024, reaching 15.49 million tons, which will drive a 13.52% increase in domestic isophthalic acid apparent consumption [1][9] Production and Capacity - The isophthalic acid industry in China entered a capacity expansion cycle from 2020 to 2021, with major players like Hengyi Petrochemical and Ningbo Taihua completing new capacity construction [7] - From 2022 to 2024, the production capacity is expected to stabilize at around 550,000 tons, with no new production facilities added during this period [7][19] Import and Export Dynamics - Historically, China has relied heavily on imports to meet isophthalic acid demand, with import volumes consistently above 200,000 tons [11] - However, in 2024, due to a significant increase in domestic production, imports are projected to decrease to 234,600 tons, a year-on-year decline of 12.89% [11] - The dependency on imports will drop to 34.47%, a significant reduction from 85% in 2018, indicating improved domestic production capabilities [11] Competitive Landscape - The isophthalic acid industry is characterized by high barriers to entry, with a concentrated oligopoly structure where a few companies dominate the market [13] - In 2024, Hengyi Petrochemical and Ningbo Taihua are expected to control over 90% of the total production capacity, with Hengyi Petrochemical leading at 300,000 tons, accounting for 54.55% of the total capacity [13][15] Market Demand Trends - The demand for isophthalic acid is expected to continue growing, driven by its applications in polyester bottle chips, alkyd resins, and unsaturated polyester resins [20] - The increasing production capacity of polyester bottle chips will further boost the demand for isophthalic acid [20] - Additionally, the push for high-performance materials in pharmaceuticals and electronic chemicals will create new growth points for market demand [20] Environmental and Sustainability Considerations - The isophthalic acid industry is facing pressure to transition towards greener and more sustainable practices due to stricter environmental regulations [21] - Companies are investing in environmentally friendly technologies and cleaner production processes to reduce waste and emissions [21] - Government policies are encouraging the adoption of green refining technologies, promoting a low-carbon and environmentally friendly development direction for the industry [21]