Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 용제 시장은 2025년 669억 달러를 차지하며 예측 기간 동안 CAGR은 8.2%로 성장해 2032년에는 1,162억 달러에 이를 것으로 예측됩니다.
용제는 물질의 기본적인 성질을 바꾸지 않고 용해, 현탁, 추출하는 데 사용되는 화학물질입니다. 유기 용제와 무기 용제로 분류됩니다. 일반적인 유형로는 물, 아세톤, 에탄올, 탄화수소 등이 있으며 각각의 용도에 사용됩니다.
Coatings World에 따르면, 중국은 세계 최대의 건축용 페인트 및 코팅 시장입니다. 거대한 건설 섹터와 기존의 주택 스톡이 건축용 코팅 제품 수요를 밀어 올려, 그것이 용제 시장의 성장을 견인하고 있습니다.
신흥국의 제조 활동 확대
산업화의 가속에 따라, 의약품, 도료, 코팅제, 접착제 등의 분야에서는 생산·가공 용도에 용제가 필요해지고 있습니다. 또한, 배합 기술의 진보에 의해 용제의 효율이 최적화되어, 성능 기준을 유지하면서 환경에 대한 영향을 저감하는 것으로, 시장에의 액세스가 향상하고 있습니다.
기존 용제와 관련된 건강 피해
기존의 용제에 포함된 휘발성 유기 화합물(VOC)에 장시간 노출되면 호흡기계의 문제나 직업상의 건강 리스크로 이어질 가능성이 있습니다. 안전한 대체품의 채용을 촉진하고 생산 비용이 상승하고 있습니다. 또한 유해 화학 물질에 대한 소비자의 의식이 구매 선호에 영향을 미치고 수요가 친환경 용제 솔루션으로 이동하고 있습니다.
바이오베이스 및 그린 용매에 대한 수요 증가
효율성을 유지하면서 환경 실적를 최소화하기 위해 업계에서는 생분해성과 저배출성 용제 처방을 채용하는 경향이 강해지고 있습니다. 재생 가능한 자원에서 유래하는 대체 용제의 개발이 가능해지고 있으며, 또한 친환경 산업 관행을 촉진하는 정부의 지원 정책이 기업에 지속 가능한 용제 솔루션의 통합을 촉진하고 있습니다.
원료 가격 변동
원유가격의 변동은 석유화학 기반의 용제 비용에 크게 영향을 미치며 최종 사용자의 가치감에 영향을 미칩니다. 원료의 입수를 방해하고 생산 지연으로 이어질 수 있습니다.
팬데믹은 세계 용제 공급망을 혼란시켜 생산 스케줄과 시장 유통에 영향을 주었습니다. 하지만, 멸균용제나 의약품 등급의 용제에 대한 수요는 급증하고, 특정 분야 시장의 회복을 지지했습니다.또한, 산업이 경기 후퇴로부터 회복함에 따라, 용제 제조업체는 저배출로 지속 가능한 배합의 기술 혁신을 우선했습니다.
예측 기간 동안 탄화수소계 용매 부문이 최대가 될 전망
탄화수소계 용제 부문은 페인트, 코팅, 화학제조 등 여러 산업에서 폭넓게 이용할 수 있기 때문에 예측기간 중 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다.
고무 폴리머 가공 분야는 예측 기간 중 가장 높은 CAGR이 예상됩니다.
예측기간 중 고무·폴리머 가공 분야는 자동차, 건설, 소비재 분야에서의 폴리머와 엘라스토머의 소비 증가에 의해 가장 높은 성장률을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다.
예측기간 중 북미지역은 성숙한 산업기반과 최종용도 부문의 높은 수요로 인해 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다.
예측기간 중 아시아태평양은 급속한 산업화, 도시화, 중국, 인도, 동남아시아 국가 등의 제조능력 확대로 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Solvents Market is accounted for $66.9 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $116.2 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. Solvents are chemical substances used to dissolve, suspend, or extract materials without altering their fundamental properties. They facilitate reactions, enhance formulations, and play a critical role in industrial processes, including pharmaceuticals, coatings, and chemical synthesis. Solvents are categorized as organic or inorganic, depending on their composition. Common types include water, acetone, ethanol, and hydrocarbons, each serving specific applications. Their volatility, polarity, and environmental impact determine usage across industries.
According to the Coatings World, China is the largest architectural paint and coatings market globally. A huge construction sector and existing housing stock are boosting the demand for architectural coating products, which in turn is driving the solvents market growth.
Expanding manufacturing activities in emerging economies
As industrialization accelerates, sectors such as pharmaceuticals, paints, coatings, and adhesives require solvents for production and processing applications. Increasing foreign investments and infrastructural development further support market growth, enabling higher consumption of chemical solvents. Moreover, advancements in formulation technologies are optimizing solvent efficiency, reducing environmental impact while maintaining performance standards improving market accessibility.
Health hazards associated with traditional solvents
Prolonged exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in conventional solvents can lead to respiratory issues and occupational health risks. Stringent regulations governing solvent emissions are prompting manufacturers to adopt safer alternatives, increasing production costs. Additionally, consumer awareness of hazardous chemicals is influencing purchasing preferences, shifting demand toward eco-friendly solvent solutions.
Growing demand for bio-based and green solvents
Industries are increasingly adopting biodegradable and low-emission solvent formulations to minimize environmental footprint while maintaining efficiency. Advancements in green chemistry are enabling the development of solvent alternatives derived from renewable sources such as biomass and plant extracts. Additionally, supportive government policies promoting eco-friendly industrial practices are incentivizing companies to integrate sustainable solvent solutions.
Volatility of raw material prices
Variability in crude oil prices significantly influences the cost of petrochemical-based solvents, affecting affordability for end users. Additionally, supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions or economic downturns can hinder raw material availability, leading to production delays. Dependence on petroleum-based solvents exposes industries to price fluctuations, prompting manufacturers to explore alternative feedstocks hampering the market growth.
The pandemic disrupt global solvent supply chains, affecting production schedules and market distribution. Restrictions on industrial operations led to temporary shutdowns in manufacturing plants, reducing solvent consumption across various applications. However, the demand for sanitization and pharmaceutical-grade solvents surged, supporting market resilience in specific segments. Additionally, as industries recovered from economic setbacks, solvent manufacturers prioritized innovation in low-emission and sustainable formulations.
The hydrocarbon solvents segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The hydrocarbon solvents segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period attributed to its broad applicability across multiple industries such as paints, coatings, and chemical manufacturing. Hydrocarbon solvents are valued for their excellent solvency power and cost-effectiveness, making them preferred choices for many formulations. Their well-established supply chains and production infrastructure further strengthen their market position.
The rubber & polymer processing segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the rubber & polymer processing segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate owing to increasing consumption of polymers and elastomers in automotive, construction, and consumer goods sectors. Solvents play a critical role in polymer synthesis, processing, and finishing, which fuels demand in this application area. Additionally, technological advancements aimed at improving product performance and sustainability in rubber manufacturing are creating further opportunities.
During the forecast period, the North America region is expected to hold the largest market share attributed to its mature industrial base and high demand from end-use sectors. The region benefits from advanced manufacturing facilities, strong regulatory frameworks, and significant investments in chemical production. Moreover, the presence of key solvent manufacturers and extensive distribution networks supports consistent market growth.
Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and expanding manufacturing capacities in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations drive this growth. The rise in demand across sectors such as automotive, construction, electronics, and pharmaceuticals is a major growth catalyst. Additionally, supportive government policies promoting chemical industry expansion and foreign investments are fueling solvent market development.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Solvents Market include Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Shell Chemicals, SABIC, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., INEOS Group Holdings S.A., Huntsman International LLC, Honeywell International Inc., Flotek Industries, Inc., ExxonMobil Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Dow Inc., Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Cargill, BP P.L.C., BASF SE, Arkema S.A., and Akzo Nobel N.V.
In June 2025, LyondellBasell entered into an agreement and exclusive negotiations with AEQUITA for the sale of four European Strategic Assessment assets, including sites in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain.
In April 2025, Sumitomo Chemical established Sumitomo Chemical Advanced Medical Solutions America LLC in Marlborough, Massachusetts, to serve as a Contract Research Organization (CRO) for its oligonucleotide Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) business.
In April 2025, SABIC introduced an expanded lineup of innovative solutions tailored to major market trends across diverse segments, including automotive, electronics, and packaging. The company emphasized its commitment to sustainable industry growth through collaboration and innovation.