The market for 2-ethylhexanol is expected to register a CAGR of less than 5% during the forecast period. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the market was negatively impacted. The lockdown in various countries led to supply-chain constraints that significantly obstructed the expansion of the industry. However, the market recovered, and it is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period.



Key Highlights


  • Over the short term, major factors driving the market studied are the rising demand for plasticizers from stringent regulations on industrial emissions.

  • On the other hand, the highly toxic nature of the compound and the decrease in the trends of dioctyl phthalate are likely to restrain the market growth.

  • Furthermore, the untapped market of 2-ethylhexanol as a fuel and lube additive is likely to act as an opportunity for the market.

  • The Asia-Pacific dominated the global market with the largest consumption in countries such as China, India, and Japan.



2-Ethylhexanol Market Trends



Increasing Demand of Plasticizers




  • The largest application segment for the 2-ethylhexanol market is the plasticizer. The plasticizer is further sub-segmented under phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers.

  • Phthalates, based on phthalic acid, are the main types of plasticizers used to cater to a broad range of processing and performance requirements of many markets. The phthalates segment has accounted for over 50% of the global consumption of plasticizers.

  • Non-phthalates are plasticizers that are free of phthalates. Non-phthalates include DOTP diethyl hexyl terephthalate (DEHT), diisononyl cyclohexane dicarboxylate (Hexamoll DINCH), and bio-based plasticizers, such as a line of soy-based plasticizers.

  • Plasticizers are mostly used in industrial applications, such as construction/remodeling, automotive production, and original equipment manufacture (OEM).

  • According to the latest release of European Plasticisers, globally, around 8.4 million tonnes of plasticizers are used for durable, flexible PVC and non-PVC applications.

  • PVC applications account for more than 85% of the total application of plasticizers, which include applications for the construction, automotive, wire, and cable sectors.

  • The major application of 2-ethylhexanol for plasticizers used for major industries such as construction, automotive, and others is likely to favor the growth of the market over the forecast period.



Asia-Pacific to Drive the Market Growth




  • The Asia-Pacific held the largest share in the 2-ethylhexanol market. China alone accounts for more than 50% of the regional 2-ethylhexanol market share in the region.

  • The demand for 2-ethylhexanol in the region is majorly driven by the growing demand for plasticizers in emerging economies such as China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

  • 2-ethylhexanol is mainly used as a plasticizer and for producing 2-EH Acrylate and 2-EH Nitrate, which have significant applications in the automotive and construction industries.

  • The Asia-Pacific region’s automotive production stood at 46,732,785 in 2021, which is 6% more than in 2020.

  • The Asia-Pacific is home to more than 60% of the world’s population and significantly contributes to global construction.

  • China is in a construction mega-boom. The country has the largest building market in the world, making up 20% of all construction investments globally. The country is expected to spend nearly USD 13 trillion on buildings by 2030.

  • The significant uses of 2-ethylhexanol in industries such as automotive and construction in the region is instrumental in expanding the global 2-ethylhexanol market. It is expected to favor the growth of the market in the region over the forecast period.



2-Ethylhexanol Market Competitor Analysis



The 2-ethylhexanol market is consolidated. The major companies in the market include (not in any particular order) BASF SE, Dow, Eastman Chemical Company, SABIC, and INEOS, among others.



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