The Europe acrylonitrile market size was valued at USD 4.34 billion in 2024. The European market is estimated to be worth USD 6.09 billion by 2033 from USD 4.50 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 3.85% from 2025 to 2033.
Acrylonitrile is a key chemical intermediate and plays an indispensable role in the production of a wide array of industrial materials and consumer goods. It serves as a precursor to products such as acrylic fibers, carbon fiber, nitrile rubber, and acrylamide, which find applications across diverse sectors including automotive, textiles, construction, and water treatment. The European acrylonitrile market is characterized by its strong integration with downstream industries, driven by the region's advanced manufacturing capabilities and stringent regulatory frameworks. According to the European Chemical Industry Council, Europe accounts for approximately 20% of global acrylonitrile consumption and is reflecting its strategic importance in the global chemical landscape. The market is shaped by factors such as rising demand for lightweight materials in the automotive and aerospace industries, growing adoption in water treatment applications, and increasing utilization in renewable energy technologies. However, challenges such as volatile raw material prices, stringent environmental regulations, and supply chain disruptions pose significant hurdles to market growth.
The escalating demand for carbon fiber which is a derivative of acrylonitrile and is a pivotal driver propelling the European acrylonitrile market forward. As per the European Composites Industry Association, the demand for carbon fiber in Europe has grown by approximately 7% annually over the past five years, with the aerospace and automotive sectors accounting for nearly 60% of total consumption. Carbon fiber's lightweight yet robust properties make it indispensable for manufacturing fuel-efficient vehicles and advanced aircraft components. For instance, Airbus, a leading European aerospace manufacturer, utilizes carbon fiber composites extensively in its A350 XWB model, which comprises over 50% composite materials. This trend underscores the growing reliance on acrylonitrile as a precursor to carbon fiber. Furthermore, In accordance with the Eurostat, the European automotive industry produced over 17 million vehicles in 2022, with electric vehicles (EVs) witnessing a 40% year-on-year increase. The shift toward EVs amplifies the need for lightweight materials, thereby bolstering acrylonitrile consumption. As per the International Energy Agency, Europe aims to achieve a 30% reduction in vehicle emissions by 2030, further accelerating the adoption of carbon fiber-based solutions.
The growing utilization of acrylonitrile in the production of acrylic fibers, which are widely used in textiles and apparel is another significant driver of the European market. As stated by the European Textile Machinery Association, the textile industry in Europe accounts for approximately 10% of global textile production, with acrylic fibers representing a substantial share of synthetic fiber usage. Acrylic fibers are favored for their wool-like texture, durability, and resistance to sunlight, making them ideal for outdoor fabrics and winter clothing. Data from the European Apparel and Textile Confederation reveals that the demand for synthetic fibers, including acrylics, grew by 5% in 2022, driven by increasing consumer preference for affordable yet high-quality fabrics. Additionally, the rise in home textiles, such as carpets and upholstery, further fuels this demand. The European Carpet and Rug Association reveals that the carpet industry in Europe witnessed a 6% growth in 2022, with acrylic fibers being a key raw material. The versatility of acrylic fibers ensures sustained demand for acrylonitrile, positioning it as a critical component in the European textile value chain.
Stringent environmental regulations governing chemical manufacturing pose a significant restraint to the European acrylonitrile market. The European Environment Agency emphasizes that the chemical industry is one of the most heavily regulated sectors in Europe, with emissions from acrylonitrile production being closely monitored due to their potential environmental and health impacts. Acrylonitrile production generates hazardous by-products such as hydrogen cyanide and ammonia, which necessitate costly treatment processes to comply with EU directives. The Industrial Emissions Directive, enforced by the European Commission, mandates strict emission limits, compelling manufacturers to invest heavily in pollution control technologies. According to Eurostat, compliance costs for chemical plants have risen by 15% over the past three years, impacting profit margins. Furthermore, the European Chemicals Agency shows that several small-scale acrylonitrile producers have ceased operations due to non-compliance or prohibitive expenses. These regulatory pressures not only hinder market expansion but also deter new entrants, limiting overall growth prospects.
The volatility in raw material prices, particularly propylene and ammonia, serves as another major restraint for the European acrylonitrile market. As per the European Chemical Industry Council, fluctuations in crude oil prices directly influence the cost of propylene, a primary feedstock for acrylonitrile production. In 2022, crude oil prices surged by over 50%, causing propylene costs to spike by 30%. Similarly, ammonia prices have been highly volatile due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, as noted by the European Fertilizer Manufacturers Association. Ammonia prices increased by 40% in 2022, further escalating production expenses. Such price volatility creates uncertainty for manufacturers, making it challenging to maintain stable pricing strategies and profitability. The European Federation of Chemical Employers stresses that over 60% of chemical companies reported reduced profit margins in 2022 due to rising raw material costs. This financial strain limits investment in capacity expansions and technological advancements, thereby constraining market growth.
The increasing adoption of acrylonitrile derivatives, such as acrylamide, in water treatment applications presents a lucrative opportunity for the European market. As reported by the European Environment Agency, over 20% of Europe's population relies on treated water, with stringent water quality standards driving the demand for advanced treatment solutions. Acrylamide, derived from acrylonitrile, is a key component in flocculants used for wastewater purification and sludge dewatering. Moreover, the European Commission's Green Deal initiative emphasizes sustainable water management, further boosting demand for eco-friendly treatment solutions. According to the European Investment Bank, investments in water infrastructure are projected to reach €50 billion by 2030 and is creating a favorable environment for acrylonitrile-based products. This trend underscores the immense potential for market expansion in water treatment applications.
The diversification of acrylonitrile applications into emerging end-use sectors, such as renewable energy and bioplastics, offers another promising opportunity. Acrylonitrile-derived carbon fiber is extensively used in wind turbine blades due to its strength and lightweight properties. The European Wind Energy Association states that over 15 GW of new wind capacity was installed in 2022 and is driving demand for advanced materials. Additionally, the European Bioplastics Association draws attention on the growing interest in bio-based plastics, with acrylonitrile serving as a precursor for certain biodegradable polymers. These developments position acrylonitrile as a critical enabler of innovation across diverse industries.
Supply chain disruptions pose a significant challenge to the European acrylonitrile market and is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and logistical bottlenecks. According to the European Chemical Industry Council, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has disrupted the supply of key raw materials, including ammonia, which is sourced from natural gas. The European Fertilizer Manufacturers Association notes that ammonia imports from Russia, a major supplier, declined by 40% in 2022, leading to shortages and price spikes. Additionally, port congestion and transportation delays further compound these issues. The European Maritime Safety Agency shows that shipping delays increased by 25% in 2022, affecting the timely delivery of raw materials and finished products. These disruptions not only elevate operational costs but also hinder production schedules, impacting market stability. As per the Eurostat, over 30% of chemical manufacturers experienced production halts in 2022 due to supply chain challenges, underscoring the severity of this issue.
High energy costs represent another critical challenge for the European acrylonitrile market, particularly given the energy-intensive nature of its production process. According to the European Commission, energy prices in Europe surged by 60% in 2022 and is driven by the energy crisis and reduced gas supplies from Russia. The acrylonitrile production process requires substantial energy inputs, with electricity accounting for nearly 20% of total production costs. The European Chemical Industry Council says that energy costs now constitute over 30% of operational expenses for chemical manufacturers, significantly eroding profitability. Furthermore, the European Federation of Chemical Employers notes that over 40% of companies have scaled back production due to unsustainable energy costs. This financial burden limits the ability of manufacturers to compete globally, particularly against regions with lower energy costs. The ongoing energy crisis thus poses a persistent threat to the sustainability and competitiveness of the European acrylonitrile market.
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REPORT METRIC |
DETAILS |
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Market Size Available |
2024 to 2033 |
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Period |
2025 to 2033 |
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CAGR |
3.85% |
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Segments Covered |
By Application, End-User, and Region |
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Various Analyses Covered |
Global, Regional, & Country Level Analysis; Segment-Level Analysis; DROC; PESTLE Analysis; Porter’s Five Forces Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Analyst Overview of Investment Opportunities |
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Regions Covered |
UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, Turkey, Czech Republic, Rest of Europe |
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Market Leaders Profiled |
INEOS Group Holdings S.A., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., China Petrochemical Development Corporation (Core Pacific Group), Asahi Kasei Advance Corporation (Asahi Kasei Corporation), Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, Ascend Performance Materials LLC (SK Capital and Partners), AnQore, Formosa Plastics Group, and TAEKWANG Industrial Co., Ltd, and others. |
The Acrylic fiber segment stands as the biggest application segment in the European acrylonitrile market and commanded a market share of 35.7% in 2024. The widespread use of acrylic fibers in textiles, particularly for winter clothing, carpets, and home furnishings is driving the dominance of this segment. Acrylic fibers mimic the warmth and texture of wool while offering superior durability and resistance to sunlight, making them a preferred choice for outdoor fabrics. The European Apparel and Textile Confederation reveals that the demand for synthetic fibers, including acrylics and is grew by 5% in 2022, driven by increasing consumer preference for affordable yet high-quality fabrics. Additionally, the European Carpet and Rug Association observes that the carpet industry in Europe witnessed a 6% growth in 2022, with acrylic fibers being a key raw material. The versatility of acrylic fibers ensures sustained demand for acrylonitrile, solidifying its position as the leading application segment.
The Carbon fiber segment emerges as the fastest-growing application segment, with a projected CAGR of 9.5% owing to the the increasing adoption of carbon fiber in the aerospace and automotive industries, where lightweight materials are essential for enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Airbus, a leading European aerospace manufacturer, utilizes carbon fiber composites extensively in its A350 XWB model, which comprises over 50% composite materials. As per the Eurostat, the European automotive industry produced over 17 million vehicles in 2022, with electric vehicles (EVs) witnessing a 40% year-on-year increase. The shift toward EVs amplifies the need for lightweight materials, thereby driving the demand for carbon fiber and its precursor, acrylonitrile. The International Energy Agency focuses that Europe's commitment to achieving a 30% reduction in vehicle emissions by 2030, further accelerating this trend.
The automotive sector represented the commanding end-user segment in the European acrylonitrile market and accounted for 40.6% of total consumption in 2024. This position in the market is fuelled by the extensive use of acrylonitrile derivatives such as nitrile rubber and carbon fiber in vehicle manufacturing. Nitrile rubber is widely employed in automotive seals, gaskets, and hoses due to its oil and fuel resistance, while carbon fiber is utilized for lightweight structural components. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association said that the automotive industry produced over 17 million vehicles in 2022, with electric vehicles (EVs) witnessing a 40% year-on-year increase. The growing emphasis on fuel efficiency and emission reductions drives the adoption of lightweight materials, thereby boosting acrylonitrile demand. Additionally, the European Commission's Green Deal initiative aims to reduce vehicle emissions by 30% by 2030, further reinforcing the importance of acrylonitrile in this sector.
The electrical and electronics sector is seeing the most rapid development, with a projected CAGR of 8.2% over the forecast period. This development is propelled by the increasing demand for acrylonitrile-based materials such as styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) in consumer electronics and appliances. SAN is valued for its clarity, toughness, and resistance to heat and chemicals, making it ideal for manufacturing electronic housings and components. The European Consumer Electronics Association states that the consumer electronics market in Europe grew by 7% in 2022, with smart devices and IoT-enabled products gaining traction. Additionally, the European Union's focus on digital transformation and smart infrastructure development further amplifies the demand for advanced materials. The European Investment Bank projects investments in digital infrastructure to reach €100 billion by 2030, underscoring the segment's growth potential.
Germany led the European acrylonitrile market, holding a market share of 25.1% in 2024. This prominence is caused by the country's robust chemical and automotive industries, which are major consumers of acrylonitrile derivatives. The German automotive sector, producing over 4 million vehicles annually, relies heavily on lightweight materials like carbon fiber for fuel-efficient designs. Additionally, Germany's strong emphasis on sustainability aligns with the growing adoption of acrylonitrile in renewable energy applications, such as wind turbine blades. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action highlights Germany's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, further driving demand for advanced materials.
France has shown slower growth compared to Germany owing to its aerospace and construction industries are key contributors to acrylonitrile consumption. Airbus, headquartered in France, utilizes carbon fiber extensively in its aircraft models, driving demand for acrylonitrile. Furthermore, France's focus on green building initiatives boosts the use of acrylonitrile-based materials in construction. The French Environment and Energy Management Agency reveals that investments in sustainable construction are projected to grow by 10% annually, underscoring the segment's importance.
The UK's acrylonitrile market has experienced fluctuations in the market. The country's strong presence in the textile and automotive sectors drives acrylonitrile demand. The UK automotive industry, producing over 1 million vehicles annually, increasingly adopts lightweight materials to meet emission targets. Additionally, the UK's commitment to renewable energy, as outlined by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, supports the use of acrylonitrile in wind energy applications.
Italy has a well-established textile industry due to its thriving fashion and textile industries rely heavily on acrylic fibers, a key application of acrylonitrile. Italy's leadership in luxury textiles amplifies demand for high-quality synthetic fibers. Furthermore, the Italian government's focus on sustainable manufacturing aligns with the growing adoption of eco-friendly materials, further supporting market growth.
Spain has shown slower growth compared to others in the region. The country's automotive and packaging industries are significant consumers of acrylonitrile derivatives. Spain's automotive sector, producing over 2 million vehicles annually, emphasizes lightweight materials to enhance fuel efficiency. Additionally, the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition states that the country's commitment to circular economy initiatives, driving demand for recyclable materials like acrylonitrile-based plastics.
The major key players in Europe acrylonitrile market are INEOS Group Holdings S.A., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., China Petrochemical Development Corporation (Core Pacific Group), Asahi Kasei Advance Corporation (Asahi Kasei Corporation), Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, Ascend Performance Materials LLC (SK Capital and Partners), AnQore, Formosa Plastics Group, and TAEKWANG Industrial Co., Ltd, and others.
This research report on the Europe acrylonitrile market is segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.
By Application
By End-User
By Country
Frequently Asked Questions
The Europe acrylonitrile market is estimated to reach USD 6.09 billion by 2033.
Key drivers include increasing demand from the automotive and textile industries, advancements in manufacturing technologies, and government initiatives supporting sustainable practices.
Challenges include fluctuating raw material prices, stringent environmental regulations, and competition from alternative materials in various applications.
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