Xylene Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2023 - 2031)

Xylene Market Dynamics - (DRO) :

Key Drivers :

Growing demand for xylene in solvents and monomers manufacturing

Xylene is a versatile aromatic hydrocarbon that plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of monomers and solvents. Its unique properties, including high boiling point, strong solvency, and ability to produce high-gloss finishes, make it an indispensable ingredient in various industrial processes. Based on the analysis, it is primarily used as a feedstock to produce para-xylene (PX), which is a key monomer in the manufacturing of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is a widely used plastic resin with a wide range of applications, including packaging, textiles, and automotive components. Furthermore, it is also extensively used as a solvent in various industrial applications. Its strong solvency power allows it to dissolve a wide range of substances, making it suitable for a variety of tasks, including thinning, degreasing, resin solvents, specialty solvents, and others. Monomers are highly used for the manufacturing of PET which is an essential component in the plastic sector. Increasing production of such materials is driving the requirement for monomers and solvents. For instance, in April 2023, The Chinese company Fujian Billion Petrochemicals plans to launch a new Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) factory in the city of GO Dau in Vietnam's southeast. The plant will have an initial capacity of 300,000 tonnes annually. The company expects that the new manufacturing facilities for the polyester bottle chips production business will be put into commercial production gradually from June 2023. Thus, this compound is a crucial ingredient in the manufacturing of various monomers and solvents that are used in different end-user industries, the increasing requirement for monomers and solvents is driving the demand for this compound across the globe.

Increasing use of xylene in paints and coatings sector

Xylene is a versatile solvent with a wide range of applications in the paints and coatings sector. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a pleasant odor and a high boiling point, making it a suitable solvent for various applications such as thinning, degreasing, solvent for resins, gloss enhancement, paint remover, and others. It is commonly used as a thinning agent for paints, lacquers, and varnishes. It helps to reduce the viscosity of these coatings, making them easier to apply and ensuring even coverage. This property is particularly important for spray painting, where a properly thinned mixture is essential for achieving smooth, professional-looking results. Significant development in the investments for the development of the paints and coatings sector is driving the xylene market demand. For instance, in July 2022, AkzoNobel, a Dutch paints and coatings group, announced a USD 21.39 million investment to increase and improve production at two of its sites in France. A total of USD 16.05 million will be spent on the company's aerospace coatings facility in Pamiers, and USD 5.35 million will be spent on improving production flexibility at the decorative paints site in Montataire, which is one of the company's most important manufacturing locations for wall paints in Europe. Thus, the growing investments in the paints and coatings sector and the high requirement of this compound from the paints and coatings sector are driving the global xylene market trend.

Key Restraints :

Availability of solvent alternatives and volatility in crude oil prices

Alternative solvents, such as toluene, ethylbenzene, and isopropyl alcohol, offer similar properties and performance to this compound in various applications. These solvents can be used as thinners, degreasers, and solvents for resins, making them viable substitutes for this compound in many industries. The availability of alternative solvents has intensified competition in the solvent market, forcing producers to constantly innovate and differentiate their products. Moreover, the growing requirement for eco-friendly products and sustainable solutions has further challenged xylene's position. Bio-based solvents, derived from renewable feedstocks such as plant-based materials, offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based solvents. As environmental concerns intensify and governments implement stricter environmental regulations, bio-based solvents are likely to gain traction, potentially replacing this compound in certain applications.

Furthermore, it is generally derived from crude oils, fluctuating prices of crude oil lead to volatility in the prices of this compound which leads to reduced profitability of the producers and diverts for alternative products. Thus, as per the analysis, the fluctuating crude oil process is restraining the xylene industry across the globe. For instance, according to the report by the National Center for Biotechnology Information in December 2021, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused international crude oil prices to fall sharply. In March, WTI crude oil prices dropped to USD 46.78 per barrel, and in April, they fell to a historic low of USD 36.98 per barrel. However, in 2021, prices began to recover as requirements increased and OPEC countries reduced crude oil production. Thus, the xylene market is facing increasing pressure from the growing availability of solvent alternatives, particularly bio-based options, and restraining the global xylene market growth.

Future Opportunities :

Rising demand for specialty xylene derivatives

Xylene is used to produce different derivatives that include dimethyl terephthalate, toluene diamine, dimethyl naphthalene, and others. these derivatives are used for various applications in different end-use industries. Dimethyl naphthalene is used to produce polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), which is a high-performance polymer used in a variety of applications, including automotive parts, electronics, and aerospace components. Furthermore, dimethyl terephthalate, which is another derivative, is used to produce polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). As per the analysis, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is used in the electronics sector for the manufacturing of electronic parts such as TV set accessories, Motor covers, Motor brushes, Switches, Sockets, and others. significant development in the electronics manufacturing sector is expected to drive the requirement for PBT. For instance, according to the report by the Press Information Bureau of the Government of India in June 2023, Electronics manufacturing grew from USD 37.1 billion in 2015-16 to USD 67.3 billion in 2020-21. Thus, increasing the requirement for these compound derivatives from various applications is expected to create lucrative xylene market opportunities and trends over the forecast period.

Top Key Players & Market Share Insights:

The Xylene market is highly competitive, with several large players and numerous small and medium-sized enterprises. These companies have strong research trends and development capabilities and a strong presence in the market through their extensive product portfolios and distribution networks. The market is characterized by intense competition, with companies focusing on expanding their product offerings and increasing their market revenue through mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. The key players in the market include-