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Acetic acid is a global product. About 55% of total production capacity
for acetic acid is now outside the United States, Western Europe and Japan,
with the majority in Asia. Vinyl acetate monomer is the largest end use for
acetic acid in China, the United States, Western Europe and Japan.
The acetic acid manufactured intentionally is termed virgin acid;
that recovered from other processing is termed recovered, although
it is often of equal quality to virgin acid if properly purified. Recovered
acetic acid represents a major source of acetic acid. This recovered acid can
usually be substituted for virgin production in many processes.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of acetic acid:
About 33% of global acetic acid consumption is for vinyl acetate monomer (VAM)
production. VAM capacity is expected to increase significantly in the next
few years, with acetic acid growth tied largely to vinyl acetate monomer manufacture
in Asia. About 20% of acetic acid is used for terephthalic acid (TPA) production.
TPA is used primarily for the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
solid-state resins, fibers and films. Acetic acid use for acetate esters production
accounts for about 15% of total global acetic acid demand. Acetate esters are
used mainly as solvents for inks, paints and coatings. Acetic acid use for
acetic anhydride production also accounts for nearly 15% of total global acetic
consumption. Acetic anhydride is used mainly for cellulose acetate flake production.
Regionally, the shift of the acetic acid market to Asia will continue. Asia
is expected to dominate the acetic acid market and to account for over 57%
of acetic acid consumption in 2011. China alone will account for 32% of global
acetic acid consumption by 2011. The United States is expected to remain a
major player, accounting for an estimated 19% of demand in 2011.
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