Global Ethylene Oxide Market Analysis: Plant Capacity, Production, Operating Efficiency, Demand & Supply, End-User Industries, Sales Channel, Regional Demand, Company Share, Foreign Trade, 2015-2032

Global Ethylene Oxide Market Analysis: Plant Capacity, Production, Operating Efficiency, Demand & Supply, End-User Industries, Sales Channel, Regional Demand, Company Share, Foreign Trade, 2015-2032


The global Ethylene Oxide market stood at nearly 28 million tonnes in 2022 and is expected to grow at a steady CAGR of 4.07% during the forecast period until 2032.

Ethylene oxide is a versatile chemical that is mainly used as an intermediate to produce several industrial chemicals, the most notable of which is Ethylene Glycol. Ethylene oxide also finds its application as a surface disinfectant that is widely used in the healthcare and medical equipment industry to replace steam in the sterilization of heat-sensitive tools and equipment, such as disposable plastic syringes. The growing demand for Ethylene Oxide for the sterilization of medical devices is driving the Ethylene Oxide market globally. Ethylene Oxide is extensively used in non-contact infrared thermometers, thermal imaging systems (Infrared thermographic systems/thermal imaging cameras), liquid chemical sterilization, patient lifts, surgical staplers, and others. Other applications of ethylene oxide include household and industrial cleaners, personal care items like cosmetics and shampoos, polyurethanes, heat transfer liquids, plasticizers, ointments, fabrics for clothes, upholstery, carpet, etc.

Ethylene Oxide is mostly used as a chemical intermediate to synthesize glycol ethers, acrylonitrile, ethoxylates, ethylene glycol, and polyether polyols, which are employed in various downstream industries. Increasing demand for these derivatives by the end-user industries is driving the overall market across the globe. The Ethylene Glycol segment dominates the market globally owing to its high usage in the automotive, packaging, and pharmaceutical industries. Ethylene Glycol is widely utilized for the production of polyester fibers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins, and automotive antifreeze. Additionally, with the rising population especially in emerging countries, the demand for personal and healthcare products is rapidly increasing which is propelling the demand for Ethylene Oxide and is expected to boost the market in upcoming years. Owing to these factors, the Ethylene Oxide market is expected to reach 42 million tonnes in 2032.

Regionally, the Asia Pacific region is dominating the Ethylene Oxide market. This region held a market share of approximately 50% in 2022. Europe is the second largest consumer of Ethylene Oxide followed by North America. With the growing demand for PET bottles, packaging materials, and antifreeze in vehicles, the demand for ethylene glycol (a derivative of ethylene oxide) will most likely rise, which is considered to bolster the demand for ethylene oxide in the forecast period. The requirement for PET resins is projected to increase as the packaging sector expands due to the rising demand for packaged foods and beverages. Rapidly growing demand for Ethylene Oxide from the major end-use industries including personal care, cosmetics, food and beverages, textile, and others is likely to boost the Ethylene Oxide market in the Asia Pacific region.

Based on the end-user industry, the global Ethylene Oxide market is segregated into Ethylene Glycol, Surface Active Agent, Ethanolamines, and Others. The Ethylene Glycol industry is the major end-use and consumed roughly 70% of the net ethylene oxide market in 2022. In the production of ethylene glycol (antifreeze), fibers, detergents, polyurethane foam, solvents, medications, adhesives, and other goods, ethylene oxide is mostly employed as a chemical intermediate. Additionally, Ethylene oxide is used as a sterilizing agent and a pesticide in smaller quantities.

Major players in the production of Global Ethylene Oxide are Sinopec, BASF, Shell, Dow Chemical, Ningbo Henyuan, Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., Reliance Industries Limited, SINOPEC SABIC (TIANJIN) Petrochemical Company Limited, Maruzen Petrochemical Co., Ltd., PTT Global Chemical, Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company, Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, Sasol Limited, and Others.

Years considered for this report:

Historical Period: 2015- 2022

Base Year: 2022

Estimated Year: 2023

Forecast Period: 2024-2032

Objective of the Study:
  • To assess the demand-supply scenario of Ethylene Oxide which covers production, demand and supply of Ethylene Oxide market in the globe.
  • To analyse and forecast the market size of Ethylene Oxide
  • To classify and forecast Global Ethylene Oxide market based on end-use and regional distribution.
  • To examine competitive developments such as expansions, mergers & acquisitions, etc., of Ethylene Oxide market in the globe.
To extract data for Global Ethylene Oxide market, primary research surveys were conducted with Ethylene Oxide manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, wholesalers and Traders. While interviewing, the respondents were also inquired about their competitors. Through this technique, ChemAnalyst was able to include manufacturers that could not be identified due to the limitations of secondary research. Moreover, ChemAnalyst analyzed various segments and projected a positive outlook for Global Ethylene Oxide market over the coming years.

ChemAnalyst calculated Ethylene Oxide demand in the globe by analyzing the historical data and demand forecast which was carried out considering the raw materials to produce Ethylene Oxide. ChemAnalyst sourced these values from industry experts and company representatives and externally validated through analyzing historical sales data of respective manufacturers to arrive at the overall market size. Various secondary sources such as company websites, association reports, annual reports, etc., were also studied by ChemAnalyst.

Key Target Audience:
  • Ethylene Oxide manufacturers and other stakeholders
  • Organizations, forums and alliances related to Ethylene Oxide distribution
  • Government bodies such as regulating authorities and policy makers
  • Market research organizations and consulting companies
The study is useful in providing answers to several critical questions that are important for industry stakeholders such as Ethylene Oxide s manufacturers, customers and policy makers. The study would also help them to target the growing segments over the coming years (next two to five years), thereby aiding the stakeholders in taking investment decisions and facilitating their expansion.

Report Scope:

In this report, Global Ethylene Oxide s market has been segmented into following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:
  • Market, by End-Use: Ethylene Glycol, Surface Active Agent, Ethanolamines, and Others
  • Market, by Sales Channel: Direct Sale and Indirect Sale
  • Market, by Region: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America.
Please Note: This report will be delivered on an online digital platform with a one-year subscription and quarterly update. Due to data confidentiality, we do not sell ChemAnalyst portal to competitors and consulting companies.


1. Capacity By Company
On our online platform, you can stay up to date with essential manufacturers and their current and future operation capacity on a practically real-time basis for Ethylene Oxide.
2. Capacity By Location
To better understand the regional supply of Ethylene Oxide by analyzing its manufacturers' location-based capacity.
3. Plant Operating Efficiency
To determine what percentage manufacturers are operating their plants or how much capacity is being currently used.
4. Production By Company
Study the historical annual production of Ethylene Oxide by the leading players and forecast how it will grow in the coming years.
5. Demand by End- Use
Discover which end-user industry (Ethylene Glycol, Surface Active Agent, Ethanolamines, and Others) are creating a market and the forecast for the growth of the Ethylene Oxide market.
6. Demand by Region
Analyzing the change in demand of Ethylene Oxide in different regions, i.e., North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America, that can direct you in mapping the regional demand.
7. Demand by Sales Channel (Direct and Indirect)
Multiple channels are used to sell Ethylene Oxide. Our sales channel will help in analyzing whether distributors and dealers or direct sales make up most of the industry's sales.
8. Demand-Supply Gap
Determine the supply-demand gap to gain information about the trade surplus or deficiency of Ethylene Oxide.
9. Company Share
Figure out what proportion of the market share of Ethylene Oxide is currently held by leading players across the globe.
10. Country-wise Export
Get details about quantity of Ethylene Oxide exported by major countries.
11. Country-wise Import
Get details about quantity of Ethylene Oxide imported by major countries.
12. Pricing Analysis & Forecast
Analyze historical prices since 2015 & Forecast on three months rolling period for next 12 months.
Years considered for this report:
Historical Period: 2015- 2022
Base Year: 2022
Estimated Year: 2023
Forecast Period: 2024-2032

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