| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| CAGR | 4.00 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Phenol Market Analysis
The Phenol Market is expected to register a CAGR of greater than 4% during the forecast period.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, nationwide lockdowns around the globe, disruption in manufacturing activities and supply chains, and production halts impacted the market in 2020. However, the conditions started recovering in 2021, restoring the market's growth trajectory during the forecast period. The chemical and petrochemical industries have been on track for recovery ever since the retraction of the pandemic in mid-2021. The exponential rise in demand from paints and coatings, adhesives, and other end-user sectors continues to exert pressure on these sectors, which are expected to contribute to the positive outlook of the phenol market.
- The growing demand for Bisphenol-A is the major driving factor augmenting the growth of the market studied.
- On the flip side, a ban on BPA in the United States and Europe is hindering the growth of the market.
- Nevertheless, the production of phenol from recycled feedstock, termed Bio-based Phenol is likely to create lucrative growth opportunities for the global market soon.
- The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the global phenol market and is also forecasted to be the fastest-growing region over the forecast period.
Phenol Market Trends
Bisphenol-A Product Type to Drive the Market
- Bisphenol-A (BPA), a colorless crystalline solid organic compound, is used primarily as a strengthener in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Additionally, it is used for unsaturated polyester, polysulfone, and polyetherimide.
- Increasing demand for polycarbonate and epoxy resins in various end-user industries, such as paints and coatings, adhesives, electrical and electronics, packaging, and other end-user industries, is one of the major factors responsible for the growth of Bisphenol-A (BPA) market, thereby, for the growth of phenol market.
- Epoxy resins are created by mixing BPA and epichlorohydrin (ECH). Owing to their versatility, high resistance to chemicals, durability, adhesion, toughness, high electrical resistance, strong durability at both low and high temperatures, and ease they offer while pouring on cast without forming any bubbles, epoxy resins are becoming an integral part of various commercial and industrial sectors.
- One of the major applications of epoxy resins is in the paints and coatings industry. Epoxy paints and coatings include anti-corrosive primers, primer tie coats, fire-resistant coatings, and heat-resistant coatings. They are commonly used for construction (including flooring), shipbuilding, water and sewage treatments, and home appliances.
- According to American Coatings Association, the United States' paint and coatings industry are USD 26 billion. The United States exported USD 2.5 billion in paint and coatings products in 2021.
- According to Paintindia, the Indian paint industry is worth over INR 62,000 crores (USD 8 billion) and is one of the fastest-growing major paint economies worldwide. The country has over 3,000 paint manufacturers, with nearly all global majors present in the country.
- By the year 2023, it is forecasted that the volume of the polycarbonate market will reach 6,141.32 kilometric tons while that of the epoxy resin market will reach 4,639.94 kilometric tons.
- South Korea exported a total of USD 774,852.25 thousand of polyphenols (bisphenol A, diphenylolpropane) and its salts in 2021 and was the world's top exporter. Singapore exports summed up to 415,085,57 dollars. Japan's export tallied around 144,046,000 Kg, amounting to USD 361,091.70 thousand.
- Thus, the growing application of epoxy resins is likely to increase the demand for Bisphenol-A, and that is, in turn, driving the market for phenols.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
Download PDF
Asia-Pacific Region to Dominate the Market
- Asia-Pacific region represents the largest market for phenol due to its extensive use of BPA which finds its application in manufacturing polycarbonates and epoxy resins. The BPA market is anticipated to be driven by automobiles and the construction industry during the period.
- According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the real estate sector in India is expected to reach USD 1 trillion in market size by 2030, up from USD 200 billion in 2021, and contribute 13% to the country's GDP by 2025.
- Urbanization, increasing consumer spending on comfort, aesthetic appearance, and functionality coupled with the rising disposable income has resulted in an increased demand for furniture, automotive, household & industrial appliances, and agricultural equipment, which is expected to boost the regional market share growth.
- Phenol's largest producer and consumer in the world has been China from the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, advantages like low operating costs, cheap labor, etc. are expected to further boost China's phenol market.
- The construction sector is a key player in China's continued economic development. The value of construction output accounted for 25.7% of China's GDP in 2021, up from 11.0% in 2020, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
- One of the major applications of epoxy resins is in the paints and coatings industry. By 2023, American Coatings Association forecasted paint demand in Asia-Pacific to be at 29.5 billion liters valued at USD 100 billion.
- According to OICA, the total number of vehicles produced in 2021 was 80,145,988 and witnessed a growth rate of 3% compared to 2020. The Asia-Pacific region holds the highest production share in the global automotive market with 46,732,785 units in 2021.
- Hence, the rising demand from various industries in the region is expected to drive the growth of the phenol market during the forecast period.
Get Analysis on Important Geographic Markets
Download PDF
Phenol Industry Overview
The global phenol market is fragmented, with top players holding insignificant shares to affect market demand individually. Some of the major players in the market (in no particular order) include Shell PLC, Solvay, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Mitsui Chemicals Inc., and Cepsa.
Phenol Market Leaders
-
Shell PLC
-
Solvay
-
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
-
Mitsui Chemicals Inc.
-
Cepsa
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Need More Details on Market Players and Competiters?
Download PDF
Phenol Market News
- August 2022: INEOS Phenol announced the acquisition of the asset base of Mitsui Phenols Singapore Ltd from Mitsui Chemicals for a total consideration of USD 330 million. The addition of the Jurong phenol and BPA assets will provide integration opportunities with manufacturing sites in Germany, Belgium, and the United States. The acquisition will increase the total production capacity by 1 million tonnes.
- April 2022: Cepsa launched the new line of sustainable chemical NextPhenol, which is produced from the recycled feedstock. The launch of the new product range is a part of Cepsa's ambition to make its business activities fossil-free.
Phenol Industry Segmentation
Phenol belongs to the family of organic compounds characterized by a hydroxyl (OH) group attached to a carbon atom that is part of an aromatic ring. Phenols are widely used in household products and as intermediates for industrial synthesis. It is used as a disinfectant in household cleaners and mouthwash. The phenol market is segmented by product type and geography. By product type, the market is segmented into phenolic resins, caprolactum, bisphenol-A, and other product types. The report also covers the market size and forecasts for the methanol market in 15 countries across major regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done based on volume (kilo tons).
| Product Type | Phenolic Resins | ||
| Caprolactum | |||
| Bisphenol-A | |||
| Other Product Types | |||
| Geography | Asia-Pacific | China | |
| India | |||
| Japan | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| North America | United States | ||
| Canada | |||
| Mexico | |||
| Europe | Germany | ||
| United Kingdom | |||
| France | |||
| Italy | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Argentina | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
| Middle-East and Africa | Saudi Arabia | ||
| South Africa | |||
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa | |||
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now
Phenol Market Research FAQs
What is the current Phenol Market size?
The Phenol Market is projected to register a CAGR of greater than 4% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in Phenol Market?
Shell PLC, Solvay, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Mitsui Chemicals Inc. and Cepsa are the major companies operating in the Phenol Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Phenol Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Phenol Market?
In 2025, the Asia Pacific accounts for the largest market share in Phenol Market.
What years does this Phenol Market cover?
The report covers the Phenol Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Phenol Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Our Best Selling Reports
Phenol Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Phenol market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Phenol analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
