The global urea formaldehyde market size reached USD 10.3 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 13.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.26% during 2025-2033.
Urea-formaldehyde, also known as urea-methanal, is a non-transparent thermoset synthetic resin obtained from a chemical mixture of urea and formaldehyde. It has high tensile strength, flexural modulus, surface hardness, low water absorption, mold shrinkage, and the ability to withstand high temperatures. It is used as an insulating and adhesive agent in molding electrical devices, such as desk lamps, to prevent electric shocks. Besides this, it is also utilized in manufacturing plastics, particle boards, bottle caps, and foams for creating artificial snow in movies and amusement parks.
Urea Formaldehyde Market Trends:
Urea-formaldehyde foams have good insulating properties and are used as thermal insulators in walls to provide conventional insulation. Thus, the accelerating use of plywood and medium-density fiberboard in construction activities is increasing the use of urea formaldehyde. This, along with the growing global population and consequently increasing construction of residential and commercial buildings, represents one of the key factors positively influencing the market. In addition, urea formaldehyde is used in the agricultural field as a source of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. It also helps in soil permeability, binding the particles closely, slowing release rates, and promoting the formation of an aggregated soil structure. Apart from this, the increasing use of urea formaldehyde fertilizers degrade in the soil by microbes and breaks down into urea and formaldehyde, where urea is used as a nitrogen source and supports the healthy development of foliage and fruit. Furthermore, the rising use of paper to overcome the environmental impact of plastics is driving the market. The increasing use of this synthetic resin in papermaking enhances the wet strength of paper and minimizes the production of dull sheets. Moreover, the escalating demand for good quality and economically viable adhesives and resins in the automotive and electronics industries is propelling the market growth.
Key Market Segmentation:
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the global urea formaldehyde market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country level from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, application, and end use industry.
Breakup by Type:
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