Overview
Global Polyetherimide (PEI) Market reached US$ 605.8 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 979.9 million by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
The automobile, aerospace, electronics and healthcare industries are all big consumers of PEI in U.S. PEI utilization and market expansion are driven by the country’s demand for high-performance materials in various areas. For instance, in automotive applications, the emphasis on lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency and sustainability favors the use of PEI because to its better mechanical qualities.
American corporations involved in PEI production frequently form strategic alliances with major entities around the globe. The alliances enhance market expansion, allowing PEI to penetrate new markets and applications. The global presence and alliances of US corporations help to the market’s growth by generating potential for PEI adoption in a variety of industries globally. Therefore, U.S. drives the North American product market with significant regional market share.
Dynamics
Collaborations Between Key Market Players
Collaborations as supplying partners amongst key market participants help optimize the supply chain. The collaboration allows for improved coordination and planning, resulting in a more seamless process of raw materials, intermediate products and completed PEI goods. Streamlining the supply chain results in shorter lead times, better inventory management and fewer disruptions, all of which contribute to market growth.
Collaborative efforts between supplying partners frequently result in enhanced quality control and consistency in PEI manufacture. Best practices, technological expertise and quality assurance methods are shared to ensure that the PEI materials generated meet or exceed industry standards. Consistent quality builds customer trust, promoting market expansion by increasing demand and reputation.
For instance, in September 2022, SABIC selected Conventus Polymers, LLC as its North American authorized distributor for its high-performance engineering thermoplastics from its SABIC’s Specialties business, including Ultem PEI and LNPcompounds, as well as related services such as application development and customer support. Conventus, SABIC’s new distribution partner, is known for its highly technical expertise and excellent ties with leading OEMs in water management, energy, electrical and electronics, healthcare and other critical industries. Conventus joins Nexeo, Chase Plastics and Amco Polymers as authorized distributors of SABIC’s specialized materials range.
Shift towards Sustainable Materials
Environmental regulatory authorities globally are enforcing stronger environmental norms and laws. Companies are required to comply with these requirements, which forces them to develop and implement sustainable solutions. Sustainable PEI products that meet regulatory standards relish a competitive advantage and improved market acceptance, resulting in increased growth.
Manufacturers are increasingly investing CSR initiatives, recognizing their responsibilities to the environment. The introduction of sustainable PEI products coincides with CSR goals, increasing brand image and reputation. Companies that prioritize sustainability attract investors, customers and partners, resulting in higher credibility and market share, which stimulates market growth.
For instance, in October 2021, according to SABIC, their new biobased Ultem PEI line is the industry’s first certified renewable high-performance, amorphous polymers. SABIC has launched a new biobased PEI range that is currently available globally. The biobased Ultem PEI resins are said to be the first certified renewable high-performance amorphous polymers in the industry. Using a mass balancing method, SABIC replaces 25.5 kg of fossil-based feedstocks for every 100 kg of Ultem resin produced with biobased resources sourced from waste or residue, such as crude tall oil from the wood timber sector.
Raw Material Price Volatility
The volatility of raw material prices has a direct impact on PEI’s overall manufacturing costs. When prices rise, manufacturers’ input costs rise, reducing their profit margins. The cost unpredictability can be difficult to manage, affecting pricing strategies and potentially rendering PEI less competitive in price surges compared to alternative materials.
Fluctuating raw material costs may cut into profit margins for PEI manufacturers, especially if the increased costs cannot be transferred on to customers through higher product prices. The pressure to maintain competitive pricing in the midst of unforeseeable raw material prices might limit investments in innovation, R&D or market development projects, stifling market growth.
High Production Costs
Investing in high-cost manufacturing may enable producers to generate higher-quality PEI materials. While this may initially increase costs, the improved quality may contribute to market distinctiveness. A distinctive product offering may attract consumers willing to pay a premium for high-quality PEI.
Despite high beginning costs, economies of scale can be realized as production volumes increase. Larger production volumes frequently aid in spreading fixed expenses across a larger output, lowering per-unit costs. The decrease in per-unit prices has the potential to make PEI less expensive and competitive in the market, thus increasing demand and industry growth. Investment in high-cost production can result in technological improvements. Efforts to streamline processes, optimize resource utilization and implement new manufacturing techniques can eventually reduce production costs. The has the potential to boost market growth by making PEI more cost-competitive over time.

Segment Analysis
The global Polyetherimide (PEI) market is segmented based on form, grade, process, end-user and region.
Thermoforming Revolutionizes Customization and Market Dominance in High-Performance Thermoplastics
Plastic products may be quickly prototyped and customized using thermoforming. Manufacturers can quickly manufacture prototypes or alter designs without requiring costly tooling adjustments, decreasing product development lead times and costs. The customization flexibility promotes innovation and product differentiation, which drives market growth.
In PEI manufacture, thermoforming allows for extensive customization. Its adaptability enables the fabrication of advanced shapes and designs which cater to a wide range of industry requirements. As a result, producers may precisely adapt PEI-based products to fulfil specific requirements in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics and healthcare. The customization flexibility satisfies the growing demand for high-performance thermoplastics built to precise specifications, strengthening the PEI market’s growth. Therefore, the thermoforming process segment captures the highest market share in the total global segmental shares.
Geographical Penetration
Epicenter of Global Manufacturing Excellence and Market Dominance
Due to cheaper production costs, skilled labor availability and favorable business environments, Asia-Pacific acts as a crucial global manufacturing hub, attracting multinational companies. China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have established themselves as global leaders in the production of electronics, automobiles, equipment and other products. The manufacturing prowess fuels significant demand for raw materials, components and technology, hence propelling global market growth. Therefore, Asia-Pacific holds for the majority of the global market shares.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The pandemic’s impact on sectors that use PEI would have been variable. For example, during lockdowns, the automotive industry saw production halts and decreased demand, potentially hurting demand for PEI used in car parts or components. In contrast, the pandemic may have raised demand for medical devices or equipment built with PEI in the healthcare sector.
Because of the pandemic, industries that use PEI with their production processes may have experienced variations in demand patterns. Significant users of PEI, including as automotive, aircraft, electronics and healthcare, may have felt varied degrees of impact. Reduced production activity or changes in consumer demand for PEI-based products could have influenced market demand.
Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis
Larger trade interruptions or economic penalties caused by geopolitical tensions can have an impact on global trade dynamics and economic activity. It can have implications across industries, potentially altering demand for materials such as PEI based on changes in production, consumption or investment trends.
Geopolitical concerns frequently lead to financial market and currency volatility. Currency exchange rates and market sentiment can have an indirect impact on the cost of raw materials, production expenses and market demand for PEI-based products.
By Form
- Film
- Sheet
- Granule
- Tube
- Rod
By Grade
- Reinforced
- Unreinforced
By Process
- Injection Molding
- Extrusion
- Thermoforming
- Compression Molding
By End-User
- Transportation
- Electrical and Electronics
- Consumer Goods
- Medical
- Industrial
- Others
By Region
- North America
o U.S.
o Canada
o Mexico
- Europe
o Germany
o UK
o France
o Italy
o Russia
o Rest of Europe
- South America
o Brazil
o Argentina
o Rest of South America
- Asia-Pacific
o China
o India
o Japan
o Australia
o Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Middle East and Africa
Key Developments
- In April 2023, Beijing LLVision Technology molded SABIC’s Ultem 1000 for the temples of their AR eyeglasses, which display real-time voice translations in text on the lenses. Beijing LLVision Technology Co., Ltd.’s Leion Hey augmented reality (AR) eyeglasses for hearing loss compensation and spoken language translation contain legs (or temples) moulded from SABIC’s durable, lightweight and inherently halogen-free flame resistant Ultem 1000 PEI.
- In September 2022, SABIC selected Conventus Polymers, LLC as its North American authorized distributor for its high-performance engineering thermoplastics from its SABIC’s Specialties business, including Ultem PEI and LNPcompounds, as well as related services such as application development and customer support.
- In December 2021 SABIC has introduced a new line of biobased ULTEM resins that provide environmental benefits while maintaining the same high performance and processability as existing ULTEM materials. The Polyetherimide (PEI) materials are the industry’s first certified renewable high-performance, amorphous polymers. Using a mass balancing technique, SABIC replaces 25.5 kg of fossil-based feedstocks with biobased resources sourced from waste or residue for every 100 kg of ULTEM resin produced.

Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the market include SABIC, RTP Company, Ensinger Plastics, Rochling Group, Kuraray Europe GmbH, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Solvay SA, Toray Industries, Quadrant Engineering Plastics and PlastiComp, Inc.
Why Purchase the Report?
- To visualize the global Polyetherimide (PEI) market segmentation based on form, grade, process, end-user and region, as well as understands key commercial assets and players.
- Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
- Excel data sheet with numerous data points of Polyetherimide (PEI) market-level with all segments.
- PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
- Form mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
The global Polyetherimide (PEI) market report would provide approximately 69 tables, 72 figures and 185 Pages.
Target Audience 2023


    • Manufacturers/ Buyers
    • Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
    • Research Professionals
    • Emerging Companies