South America Maleic Anhydride Market (2026-2031)
The South America Maleic Anhydride Market was valued at $18.4 Million in 2026 and projected to reach to $34.9 Million by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate of 7.35%. South America's maleic anhydride market is positioned for sustained growth through 2031, driven by expanding industrial manufacturing and increasing adoption in polyester resin production.
| Market Size in | USD 26.32 MN |
| Market Forecast in | |
| CAGR | |
| Forecast Period | |
| Units Considered | Value (USD MN) |
South America Maleic Anhydride Market Trends and Insights
- This growth trajectory reflects South America's increasing demand for maleic anhydride across polyester resins, coatings, and chemical intermediates.
- South America's industrial base, particularly in Brazil and Argentina, continues to drive consumption as manufacturers seek high-performance materials for automotive and construction applications. The 7.35% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) positions South America as a moderately growing market within the global maleic anhydride landscape.
- South America's growth is supported by rising investments in infrastructure development and expanding end-use industries.
- Between 2026 and 2031, South America is expected to nearly double its market valuation, reflecting strengthening regional demand and improved supply chain capabilities. South America's market dynamics are shaped by regional economic recovery, increased manufacturing activity, and growing adoption of sustainable chemical solutions.
- South America's competitive environment features both multinational suppliers and emerging regional players, creating opportunities for market participants to capture growing demand across diverse industrial segments..
Key Market Statistics
- CAGR (2026-2031) 7.35% CAGR
- Market Size, 2026 ~USD 18.4 Million
- Forecast, 2031 ~USD 34.9 Million
- Geography South America
South America Maleic Anhydride Market Overview
Steady Regional Growth :
South America's maleic anhydride market is valued at USD 18.4 million in 2026 and projected to reach USD 34.9 million by 2031, representing a robust 7.35% CAGR over the forecast period.
Brazil's Market Leadership :
Brazil dominates South America's maleic anhydride consumption, accounting for USD 41.7 million of the regional market, driven by its strong polyester resin and coatings manufacturing sectors.
Diversified Industrial Applications :
Growing demand across polyester resins, protective coatings, and chemical intermediates is fueling market expansion throughout South America's industrial base.
Emerging Opportunities in Argentina :
Argentina and other South American nations are expanding their chemical manufacturing capabilities, creating new growth avenues for maleic anhydride suppliers in the region.
South America Maleic Anhydride Market Dynamics
- Brazil's robust chemical sector continues to anchor regional demand, while emerging markets in Argentina and neighboring countries present untapped opportunities.
- The region's 7.35% CAGR reflects growing investment in coatings and chemical intermediates, supported by infrastructure development and rising consumer demand for high-performance materials.
- Strategic partnerships and localized production facilities are expected to strengthen market penetration across South America..
Related Ecosystem
Bulk Chemicals And Inorganics
- Corrosion Inhibitors
- Glycol Ethers
- Acetic Acid
- Acetone
- Ammonium Nitrate
- Basf se
- DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY
- Exxon Mobil Corporation
- AZELIS HOLDINGS SA
- Sinopec limited
Key Takeaways
- South America's maleic anhydride market will grow from USD 18.4 million (2026) to USD 34.9 million (2031) at a 7.35% CAGR.
- South America's demand is driven by expanding polyester resin, coating, and automotive industries across Brazil and Argentina.
- South America's market is expected to nearly double in value over the five-year forecast period, reflecting strong regional industrial recovery.
- South America's competitive landscape includes both established multinational suppliers and emerging regional manufacturers capturing growing demand.
Maleic Anhydride Market Report Scope
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2026 |
| Fastest Growing Segment | 1,4-BDO (Application) |
| Forecast Period | 2026–2031 |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 7.62% from 2026 to 2031 |
| Largest Segment | N-BUTANE (Raw Material) |
| Market Size Base Year (Billions) | ~USD 1.96 (2026) |
| Revenue Forecast (Billions) | ~USD 2.83 (2031) |
| Segments Covered | Raw Material, Application |
South America Maleic Anhydride Market Report Segmentation
2 segment dimensions are covered across the global market.
By Raw Material
- Benzene
- N-Butane
By Application
- 1,4-Bdo
- Copolymers
- Lubricating Oil Additives
- Other Applications
- Upr
Target Audience
- Chemical Manufacturers & Producers : Maleic anhydride producers need regional demand forecasts, competitive positioning, and growth opportunities to optimize production capacity and distribution networks across South America.
- Polyester Resin & Coatings Manufacturers : End-use manufacturers require market insights on raw material availability, pricing trends, and supplier landscape to secure reliable maleic anhydride sourcing in South America.
- Investment & Private Equity Firms : Investors evaluating chemical sector opportunities in South America need market sizing, growth projections, and competitive dynamics to assess acquisition and expansion targets.
- Distribution & Trading Companies : Regional distributors and traders require country-level market data, demand forecasts, and application insights to optimize inventory management and customer acquisition strategies.
- Strategic Business Planners : Corporate strategists developing South America expansion plans need comprehensive market analysis, regulatory insights, and competitive intelligence to guide market entry and growth initiatives.
Key Companies in the South America Maleic Anhydride Market
| Company | HQ | Ownership | Strongest segments |
|---|---|---|---|
| HELM AG | Germany | Private Company | Basic chemicals, acids and lyes,Plastics and polyurethanes,Crop protection and fertilizers, |
| BOREALIS AG | United States | Private Company | Polyethylene solutions,Polypropylene solutions,Recyclates and circular solutions, |
| WANHUA CHEMICAL GROUP CO., LTD. | China | Public Company | Polyurethane (isocyanates, polyether polyols, TPU elastomers),Petrochemical (olefin derivatives, ethylene, chlorine chain),Fine Chemicals and New Materials, |
| HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC | United States | Private Company | MDI, polyols, and polyurethane systems,Thermoplastic polyurethane and related intermediates (aniline, benzene, nitrobenzene),Amines, maleic anhydride, and carbonates, |
| ZIBO QIXIANG TENGDA CHEMICAL CO., LTD. | China | Public Company | C4 chain (butadiene, rubber, MEK, related derivatives),Propylene and propylene derivatives (propylene oxide, MTBE, tert-butanol),Acrylics and methacrylates (acrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, nitrile latex), |
| LANXESS AG | Germany | Public Company | Consumer Protection (material protection, disinfectants, hygiene, preservatives, flavors, liquid purification),Specialty Additives (additives, lubricants, flame retardants, plasticizers, bromine derivatives),Advanced Intermediates (basic and fine chemicals, organometallics, inorganic pigments), |
| TN MALEIK PETROKIMYA A.S. | Turkey | Bulk Maleic Anhydride,Maleic Anhydride Derivatives (Resins, Additives, Intermediates),Custom and Contract Manufacturing / Tolling, | |
| UPC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION | Taiwan | Public Company | Commodity plasticizers (incl. phthalate-based),Specialty and non-phthalate plasticizers (incl. bio-based, polymeric, adipate, trimellitate, linear),Anhydrides and acids (phthalic, maleic) and polyester polyols, |
HELM AG
HELM AG is a private chemical company founded in Germany in 1900 with 1,430 employees. The company operates as an established player in the chemical industry with over a century of operational history.
BOREALIS AG
BOREALIS AG is a private chemical company based in the United States, founded in 1994 and employing 5,887 people. The company operates in the chemical sector with significant workforce presence.
WANHUA CHEMICAL GROUP CO., LTD.
WANHUA CHEMICAL GROUP CO., LTD. is a publicly traded Chinese chemical company founded in 1978 with 30,772 employees. As one of China's largest chemical enterprises, the company maintains substantial operations and market presence.
HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC
HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC is a private American chemical company established in 1970 with approximately 6,000 employees. The company operates as a significant player in the chemical manufacturing industry.
ZIBO QIXIANG TENGDA CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
ZIBO QIXIANG TENGDA CHEMICAL CO., LTD. is a publicly traded Chinese chemical company founded in 2002 with 3,457 employees. The company operates as a significant chemical manufacturer in China.
LANXESS AG
LANXESS AG is a publicly traded German chemical company founded in 1863 with 11,630 employees. The company is an established global player in the chemical industry with over 150 years of operational history.
TN MALEIK PETROKIMYA A.S.
Insufficient data provided for company description.
UPC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
UPC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION is a publicly traded Taiwanese technology company founded in 1976 with 247 employees. The company operates in the technology sector with a focused workforce.
Countries within South America - compare and drill down
| Country | 2025 size (native) |
|---|---|
| Brazil | USD 41.7 Million |
| Rest Of South America | USD 12.7 Million |
Country market size visualization
Reasons to Buy this Report
- Regional Market Sizing & Forecasts : Obtain precise market valuations for South America (USD 18.4M in 2026, USD 34.9M in 2031) with country-level breakdowns including Brazil and Rest of South America segments.
- Brazil-Centric Competitive Intelligence : Understand Brazil's dominant position (USD 41.7M market size) and identify key players, market share dynamics, and competitive strategies specific to the region's largest economy.
- Application & End-Use Insights : Analyze demand drivers across polyester resins, protective coatings, and chemical intermediates tailored to South America's industrial landscape and manufacturing capabilities.
- Growth Opportunity Mapping : Identify emerging markets in Argentina and neighboring countries with actionable expansion strategies and investment recommendations for market entry and penetration.
- Strategic Decision Support : Leverage South America-specific CAGR (7.35%) and trend analysis to inform supply chain decisions, capacity planning, and market positioning in this high-growth region.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current size of South America's maleic anhydride market?
South America's maleic anhydride market is valued at USD 18.4 million in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 34.9 million by 2031.
What is the expected growth rate for South America's maleic anhydride market?
South America's maleic anhydride market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.35% between 2026 and 2031.
Which countries drive demand in South America's maleic anhydride market?
Brazil and Argentina are the primary drivers of South America's maleic anhydride demand, supported by their expanding automotive, construction, and chemical manufacturing sectors.
What are the main applications of maleic anhydride in South America?
South America's primary maleic anhydride applications include polyester resins, protective coatings, chemical intermediates, and automotive composite materials.
What factors are driving growth in South America's maleic anhydride market?
South America's market growth is driven by regional economic recovery, infrastructure investments, increased manufacturing activity, and rising demand for high-performance industrial chemicals.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The study involved four major activities in estimating the market size for maleic anhydride. Exhaustive secondary research was done to collect information on the market, the peer market, and the parent market. The next step was to validate these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts across the value chain through primary research. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were employed to estimate the complete market size. After that, the market breakdown and data triangulation procedures were used to estimate the market size of the segments and subsegments.
Secondary Research
Secondary sources used in this study included annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations of companies; white papers; certified publications; articles from recognized authors; and gold-standard and silver-standard websites, such as Factiva, ICIS, Bloomberg, and others. The findings of this study were verified through primary research, which involved conducting extensive interviews with key officials, including CEOs, VPs, directors, and other executives. The breakdown of profiles of the primary interviewees is illustrated in the figure below:
Primary Research
The maleic anhydride market comprises several stakeholders, such as raw material suppliers, end-product manufacturers, and regulatory organizations in the supply chain. Various primary sources from both the supply and demand sides of the market were interviewed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information.
Notes: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 companies are classified based on their market revenue in 2024/2025, available in the public domain, product portfolios, and geographical presence.
|
COMPANY NAME |
DESIGNATION |
|
Lanxess AG |
Senior Manager |
|
Polynt Group |
Innovation Manager |
|
Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd. |
Vice-President |
|
Huntsman International LLC |
Production Supervisor |
|
PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG) |
Sales Manager |
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure
Market Size Estimation
Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the total size of the maleic anhydride market. These methods were also used extensively to estimate the size of various subsegments in the market. The research methodology used to estimate the market size includes the following:
- The key players in the industry have been identified through extensive secondary research.
- The supply chain of the industry has been determined through primary and secondary research.
- All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns have been determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.
- All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study have been accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data.
Data Triangulation
After determining the overall market size using the market size estimation processes explained above, the market was divided into several segments and subsegments. To complete the overall market engineering process and determine the exact statistics for each market segment and subsegment, data triangulation and market breakdown procedures were employed, as applicable. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides in the maleic anhydride industry.
Market Definition
According to the American Chemistry Council, maleic anhydride is an organic compound produced primarily through the oxidation of hydrocarbons such as n-butane or benzene and is widely used as a chemical intermediate. In market terms, maleic anhydride refers to the global production and consumption of this compound for applications including unsaturated polyester resins, coatings, lubricants, and agricultural chemicals, driven by its high reactivity and versatility in polymer and specialty chemical manufacturing.
Key Stakeholders
- Maleic Anhydride Manufacturers
- Maleic Anhydride Distributors
- Raw Material Suppliers
- End-use Industries
- Government and Research Organizations
Report Objectives
- To analyze and forecast the size of the global maleic anhydride market in terms of value and volume
- To provide detailed information about the major drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities influencing the market growth
- To define, describe, and segment the market based on raw material, application, and region
- To forecast the size of the market segments based on regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and South America
- To strategically analyze micromarkets1 with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the overall market
- To strategically analyze the segmented markets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall market
- To identify and analyze opportunities for stakeholders in the market
- To analyze competitive developments such as mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, expansions and partnerships in the market
- To strategically profile the key companies and comprehensively analyze their core competencies
Available customizations:
Along with the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations according to the company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:
Regional Analysis
- Further breakdown of a region with respect to a particular country or additional application
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players (up to five)
Get the Full Maleic Anhydride Market Report
Full forecast, segment splits, and company analysis for all Maleic Anhydride Market.
- China Maleic Anhydride Market
- India Maleic Anhydride Market
- Japan Maleic Anhydride Market
- Taiwan Maleic Anhydride Market
- Singapore Maleic Anhydride Market
- Canada Maleic Anhydride Market
- Mexico Maleic Anhydride Market
- US Maleic Anhydride Market
- Germany Maleic Anhydride Market
- France Maleic Anhydride Market
- UK Maleic Anhydride Market
- Italy Maleic Anhydride Market
- Austria Maleic Anhydride Market
- Saudi Arabia Maleic Anhydride Market
- Turkey Maleic Anhydride Market
- UAE Maleic Anhydride Market
- Brazil Maleic Anhydride Market
- Rest Of Europe Maleic Anhydride Market
- Rest Of Asia Pacific Maleic Anhydride Market
- Rest Of South America Maleic Anhydride Market
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