N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) Market Analysis By Application (Oil & gas [Butadiene Recovery, BTX Extraction], Pharmaceuticals [Solvent, Penetration Enhancer], Electronics, Paints & Coatings, Agrochemicals), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) Market size was estimated at USD 1.07 billion in 2015 and is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, primarily owing to the rising demand from key application segments, such as oil & gas (petrochemical), pharmaceuticals and electronics, among others. This growth can be attributed to the expansion of the overall petrochemical industry.

During the period 2017 - 2021, the spending on downstream asset maintenance is expected to witness a growth of 7%, compared to that in 2012 - 2016, to reach USD 336 billion. This growth can be attributed to greenfield and brownfield expansion projects. Asia Pacific and North America together account for more than 60% of this spending. Such a huge expansion in the petrochemical industry will certainly boost the demand for NMP over the forecast period.

U.S. N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone market revenue, by application, 2013 - 2025 (USD Million)

Oil & gas refers to the petrochemical industry, where the downstream operations (refining process) mainly consume NMP. Though the oil & gas market is not performing well, due to piled up inventories and low crude prices, downstream operations are expected to boost in the coming years. NMP is increasingly being used for the purpose of re-refining the lubricating oil. In addition, it helps in improving the viscosity index and oil performance.

It is also responsible for improving oil efficiency and solvent extraction. Usage in excess amount possesses several potential threats to humans. Owing to these factors, certain regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ECHA have imposed restrictions on the usage in particular products over certain limits.

For instance, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has identified methyl-pyrrolidone as a reproductive toxin under Proposition 65 and established maximum allowable dose levels (MADLs) for NMP of 17,000 μg/day for dermal contact and 3,200 μg/day for inhalation exposures.

Asia has converted into a hub, with developing economies such as China and India leading the growth. New refinery projects coupled with expansion in the current ones are further fueling the refinery business in the region.

Application Insights

NMP market has been segmented into oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, electronics, paints & coatings, agrochemicals, and others. The oil & gas market has been further segmented into butadiene recovery, BTX extraction, lube oil purification. The pharmaceutical segment is further segmented into two sub-segments namely solvent and penetration enhancer. The electronic segment is divided into solvent and photoresist stripper.

Refining business has capitalized on the low oil prices and hence the petrochemical market is booming. NMP is used as an extraction medium in various applications such as butadiene recovery, BTX extraction, lube oil purification. The growth in these industries will directly offer a growth advantage to this industry.

Furthermore, in electronics applications, NMP is used for degreasing and cleaning, and as a photoresist stripper. NMP is also used as a solvent in the production of conformal coatings (epoxy and polyurethane coatings) in printed circuit boards (PCB).

The automotive industry is witnessing a huge growth in terms of electronic inputs to vehicles. Most of the manufacturing activities are carried in Asia, it contributes to the overall industry growth owing to the infrastructure support and necessary equipment.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific and Europe regions offer significant growth potential for the NMP market over the coming years, primarily driven by technological advancements, industrial growth, economic growth, and low costs of production in countries such as Brazil, China, Japan, and so on. Moreover, the end-user industries such as oil & gas (petrochemical), pharmaceuticals, and electronics have been witnessing significant growth in these countries, in recent years.

Global N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone, market share, by region, 2015 (%)

The industry in Asia Pacific is currently facing moderate growth, mainly driven by the changing political and economic dynamics of the major countries of the region, such as China, India, and Japan. The growth of the electronics and pharmaceutical segments in these countries will enable the growth of the market in Europe. According to the Electronic Industries Association of India, electronics products and systems market in the country is expected to cross USD 400 billion by 2020.

Competitive Insights

The key players in the global market include BASF SE, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Eastman Chemical Company, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, and Ashland Inc., among others. The global market has continuously witnessed expansions and partnerships by the major players to ensure competitiveness and profitability and establishes a strong foothold in the market.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2013 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) Market on the basis of application and region:

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2025)

  • Oil & gas

    • Butadiene recovery

    • BTX extraction

    • Lube oil purification

  • Pharmaceuticals

    • Solvent

    • Penetration enhancer

  • Electronics

    • Solvent

    • Photoresist stripper

  • Paints & Coatings

  • Agrochemicals

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2025)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa