China has emerged as the world's largest consumer of acrylic acid and its esters. Historically, the domestic supply failed to meet demand, resulting in a significant gap. However, with the completion of new projects, the country’s reliance on foreign imports has gradually declined. In the coming years, China is expected to experience a peak period for the construction of acrylic acid and ester facilities, driving continuous industry expansion.
Acrylic acid is primarily used in the production of acrylic esters, which account for approximately 80% of total acrylic acid consumption. China leads the world in the fastest-growing acrylate market. In 2006, acrylate output reached 611,000 tons, while consumption hit 840,000 tons, making up around 23% of global usage. The market size surpassed 5.4 billion yuan. Despite rapid development, domestic supply still lags behind rising demand. From 1996 to 2001, self-sufficiency dropped from 80% to 44%, while import dependency rose from 20% to 56%.
Driven by strong demand from construction, textiles, packaging, and hygiene materials, China's acrylate market is set for continued growth. It is projected that domestic demand will reach 1.16 million tons in 2010, accounting for about 31.4% of global consumption. By 2015, annual demand is expected to climb to 1.7 million tons, solidifying China’s position as a major acrylate consumer.
As acrylic acid and ester prices continue to rise, domestic companies are accelerating the construction of new facilities. For example, Shenyang Paraffin Chemical completed an 80,000-ton acrylic acid and 130,000-ton acrylate plant at the end of October 2006. Similarly, Formosa Plastics (Ningbo) launched a 160,000-ton acrylic acid and 230,000-ton acrylate facility in the same month. By the end of 2006, China’s acrylic acid production capacity reached 720,000 tons, and acrylate capacity hit 780,000 tons. This growth helped reduce import dependency from 42.3% in 2002 to 9.6% in 2006.
Additional projects are currently under construction. Zhenghe Group started its acrylic acid and ester project in Guangrao County, Shandong, in mid-July 2006, with an initial phase capacity of 40,000 tons of acrylic acid and 60,000 tons of butyl acrylate. Singapore Sun Vic Chemical expanded its plant in Xiangshui, Jiangsu, with plans to increase acrylic acid and acrylate capacities to 205,000 and 250,000 tons respectively by year-end. BASF is also building a 30,000-ton polyacrylate polymer plant in Shanghai, scheduled for completion in early 2008.
Several more projects are planned across China, including facilities in Zhuozhou, Hebei; Huizhou and Maoming, Guangdong; Ganzhou, Sichuan; and Shenyang, Liaoning. These developments mark a key period of growth for the industry. By 2010, acrylic acid production capacity is expected to reach 900,000 tons, and acrylate capacity to 980,000 tons.
Although domestic supply and demand were roughly balanced in 2006 due to new project completions, China’s growing economy is expected to drive further demand. By 2010, the supply-demand gap may widen again. Therefore, in the long term, acrylic acid and ester products in China still have significant potential for development.
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