Global Methanol Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global Methanol Market reached US$ 30.62 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 43.63 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The global methanol market is driven by its wide application across various industries, including fuel, chemicals and plastics. Natural gas is crucial for the production of methanol as it supplies the required carbon and hydrogen for its synthesis. It is an attractive option for producing methanol on a large scale due to its plentiful and cost-effective source of hydrocarbons.

The rise in demand for cleaner fuel alternatives has led to an increasing use of methanol as a fuel and fuel additive, especially in the automotive and energy sectors, as it burns cleaner than conventional fossil fuels. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Around 98 million tons (Mt) are produced per annum, nearly all of which is made from fossil fuels (either natural gas or coal) and production could rise to 500 Mt per annum by 2050

Asia-Pacific is positioned for significant growth in the methanol market, driven by strong demand from its major economies. As per the World Trade Organization, China, which is the largest importer of methanol globally, accounted for 29.9% of global imports in 2022, with a value of US$ 4.16 billion. India, contributing 7.07% of global methanol imports in 2022, valued at US$ 985 million. Similarly, South Korea imported US$ 804 million worth of methanol in 2022, representing 5.77% of global imports. The growth is supported by rising industrial activities, strong demand for chemicals and increasing adoption of methanol as a cleaner fuel alternative.

Dynamics

Promising Alternative Fuel Applications

The expanding recognition of methanol as a low-emission fuel is likely to be one of the key factors boosting the methanol market in the world. Especially for the automobile industry, the operands of methanol blending with petrol not only increase the terms of use of the engine but also promote minimization of unsafe industry pollutants, which is in line with the industry's shifting to cleaner and sustainable fuels.

Research from National Research Programs highlights that methane-powered cars emit approximately 20% fewer greenhouse gases than petrol-fueled cars, with the remaining 80% being previously reduced in the atmosphere. Additionally, studies indicate that compared to fossil fuels, the combustion of bio-methanol can reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80%, carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95% and eliminate sulfur oxide emissions. The environmental benefits are accelerating the adoption of methanol as an alternative fuel, positioning it as a key growth driver in the methanol market.

Cost Efficiency and Production Flexibility

Natural gas serves as a significant feedstock in methanol production and the ability to produce methanol from various feedstocks such as coal and natural gas further solidifies its market position. At European natural gas prices around US$ 7.08/GJ, advanced methanol production from natural gas has the potential to reach levelized costs as low as US$ 293/ton. In areas such as the Middle East, where natural gas prices are cheaper at approximately US$ 2.18/GJ, production expenses can decrease to as little as US$ 148/ton, giving producers in these regions a considerable cost benefit.

On the other hand, coal-derived methanol tends to have higher costs, affecting its ability to compete in the market. The Royal Society of Chemistry states that the cost of producing e-methanol from coal ranges from US$ 869 to US$ 1,846 per ton. The difference in cost makes natural gas a more appealing choice for producing methanol on a large scale, especially in areas with ample and cost-effective natural gas supplies.

Increasing Health Concerns for Manufacturing Activities

The methanol market faces significant challenges due to the health risks associated with methanol exposure, which can hinder its widespread adoption and use. According to BMC Ophthalmology, acute exposure to methanol poses severe health risks, including visual disturbances such as blurred vision or blindness. Ingestion of just 4-10 mL of methanol can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve, leading to complete blindness due to optic atrophy.

Similarly, Public Health England reported that the estimated lethal dose of methanol is between 300-1,000 mg/kg, with the potential for long-term neurological damage and other serious health complications. Furthermore, chronic exposure to methanol, especially in industrial settings, is equally concerning. Workers exposed to methanol vapors over extended periods may experience persistent headaches, eye irritation and visual disturbances.

Occupational exposure remains a significant issue, leading to strict workplace exposure limits in countries like UK, where the limits are set at 266 mg/m3 for long-term exposure and 333 mg/m3 for short-term exposure, according to UK REACH Regulations. The risks serve as a major restraint in the methanol market, emphasizing the importance of careful handling and robust safety measures to prevent severe health consequences.

Segment Analysis

The global methanol market is segmented based on feedstock, derivatives, end-user and region.

Growing Demand for Methanol-based fuel in Automotive Industry

The demand for methanol in the automotive industry is surging due to its potential as a clean-burning fuel and its compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure. Renewable methanol provides substantial environmental advantages, decreasing carbon emissions by 65% to 95%, which varies based on the feedstock and conversion method. This decrease is one of the greatest out of all the alternative fuels being created to substitute gasoline, diesel, coal and methane.

Furthermore, burning pure methanol produces no sulfur oxides (SOx), minimal nitrogen oxides (NOx) and no particulate emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option than traditional fossil fuels. The increase in methanol-powered vehicles is especially noticeable in China, where large-scale production of methanol vehicles has already started.

In the year 2022, factories were set up to produce between 300,000 and 500,000 M100 engine units annually, demonstrating the industry's dedication to methanol as a viable fuel option. The increasing use of methanol fuel is making it an important player in the shift towards cleaner automotive energy sources.

Geographical Penetration

Cost Advantages and Production Capacity of Methanol in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the global methanol market with the biggest market share, driven by cost advantages, strong industrial demand and substantial investments in methanol production facilities. China, the world's top producer and consumer of methanol, enjoys some of the lowest production expenses on a global scale. Major initiatives throughout Asia-Pacific are also driving growth in the methanol industry.

Australia's ABEL Energy is set to speed up the building of a manufacturing facility in Townsville's Cleveland Bay Industrial Park to generate 400,000 tonnes of green methanol each year, mostly for marine fuel. In South Korea, Plagen, a company dedicated to producing green hydrogen and green methanol from biogenic waste, has partnered with Taebaek City and eight other companies to build the nation's inaugural large-scale green methanol plant. The efforts demonstrate the region's dedication to increasing its capacity for producing green methanol.

SARAWAK Petchem Sdn Bhd's RM7 billion methanol complex in Bintulu, Sarawak, is anticipated to establish Malaysia as a top methanol producer in the region. The region is emphasizing the expansion of methanol production capacity in large-scale projects to meet growing industrial demand and take advantage of cost savings, solidifying its dominant market position.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include BASF SE, Celanese Corporation, HELM AG, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., Methanex Corporation, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., Mitsui & Co., Ltd., PETRONAS Chemicals Group, SABIC and Zagros Petrochemical.

Sustainability Analysis

Methanol, a crucial chemical in many industries, is facing growing concerns about its environmental effects and ability to be maintained over time. In the past, methanol has been produced using natural gas in a process known as steam methane reforming, which is both energy-intensive and leads to significant CO2 emissions, averaging around 0.5 to 1.5 tons of CO2 per ton of methanol created. This notable carbon footprint has encouraged the investigation of implementing more environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques.

Technological advancements, like carbon capture and utilization (CCU), play a crucial role in this shift. An important instance is the first commercial green methanol plant on a large scale in the world, created by European Energy, a developer from Denmark. Using three 17.5 MW electrolysers, this plant transforms solar power into e-methanol by converting hydrogen from water. The hydrogen is then mixed with biogenic CO2 to generate as much as 42,000 tonnes of e-methanol every year. Major companies such as Maersk, LEGO and Novo Nordisk are already using this green methanol, showing a big step towards a more sustainable methanol market.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

The methanol market has been significantly impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, mainly because of interruptions in natural gas supplies, which are essential for methanol manufacturing. Before the war, Russia was a significant participant in the worldwide methanol market, shipping 1.4 million tons to the European Union in 2021.

It represented around 15% of the methanol demand in Europe. The conflict caused a notable drop in methanol exports from Russia as European countries aimed to decrease their dependence on Russian fossil fuels. By the conclusion of 2023, the EU had decreased Russian fossil fuel imports from a peak of US$ 16 billion monthly in early 2022 to around US$ 1 billion monthly, with the largest cut coming from oil imports.

Consequently, there have been fluctuations in global methanol prices, with notable price increases attributed to supply restrictions. Moreover, the change in where methanol is sourced from has caused more competition among methanol producers outside of Russia and has sped up investments in different methanol production technologies and suppliers. This shift emphasizes the wider influence of geopolitical disputes on worldwide commodity markets.

By Feedstock

• Coal
• Natural Gas
• Others

By Derivatives

• Traditional Chemical
  • Formaldehyde
  • Acetic Acid
  • Solvent
  • Methylamine
  • Other Traditional Chemicals
• Energy Related
  • Methanol-to-olefin (MTO)
  • Methyl Tert-butyl Ether (MTBE)
  • Gasoline Blending
  • Dimethyl Ether (DME)
  • Biodiesel

By End-User

• Automotive
• Construction
• Paints and coatings
• Electronics
• Others

Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In February 2024, BASF revealed a significant advancement in the worldwide methanol industry by announcing its intention to construct a cutting-edge methanol production plant on US Gulf Coast. The new plant plans to use the region's plentiful natural gas resources to produce methanol in a more efficient and sustainable manner, with a projected capacity of 2 million tonnes per year.
• In January 2024, Enerkem's recent decision to retire its EAB facility marks a significant development in the global methanol market. The EAB plant successfully scaled up Enerkem's waste-to-biofuels technology, operating for over 15,000 hours and producing ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS certified ethanol and methanol.
• In Feb 2022, Linde has expanded its agreement with Celanese Corporation to supply carbon dioxide and hydrogen to Celanese's Clear Lake, Texas manufacturing facility. The company provides carbon dioxide captured from its nearby carbon monoxide production facility. This carbon dioxide, along with hydrogen supplied by Linde, will be used by Celanese in its Fairway Methanol LLC joint venture to produce methanol with significantly reduced carbon intensity.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global methanol market segmentation based on feedstock, derivatives, end-user and region.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel spreadsheet containing a comprehensive dataset of the methanol market, covering all levels of segmentation.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global methanol market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 54 figures and 208 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies