Feb 27, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Saturated Acyclic Monocarboxylic Acids – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.
The UK market for saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids is forecast to grow to 488K tons ($802M) by 2035, driven by steady demand. In 2024, consumption was 431K tons ($613M), with acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and ethyl acetate being the leading products by volume. Domestic production (565K tons) exceeds consumption, but has declined from peak levels. The UK is a net exporter, with 305K tons shipped primarily to Belgium, though export volumes have fallen significantly since 2020. Imports (171K tons) come mainly from Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, with the United States being the highest-value supplier.
Key Findings
UK market forecast to reach 488K tons in volume and $802M in value by 2035Domestic production of 565K tons in 2024 significantly exceeds consumption of 431K tonsAcetic acid, acetic anhydride, and ethyl acetate dominate consumption, accounting for 63% of volumeBelgium is the primary export destination, receiving 42% of UK shipments by volumeThe United States is the highest-value import source with an average price of $3,603 per tonMarket Forecast
Driven by increasing demand for saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids in the UK, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.1% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 488K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.5% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $802M (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Saturated Acyclic Monocarboxylic Acids
Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids consumption in the UK stood at 431K tons in 2024, surging by 3.9% compared with 2023 figures. In general, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, consumption attained the maximum volume at 485K tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.
The revenue of the saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids market in the UK totaled $613M in 2024, leveling off at the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids consumption peaked at $799M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Consumption By Type
Acetic acid (116K tons), acetic anhydride (84K tons) and ethyl acetate (70K tons) were the main products of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids consumption in the UK, together comprising 63% of the total volume.
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for acetic anhydride (with a CAGR of +16.2%), while consumption for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids with the largest market size in the UK were lauric acid and other acids, their salts and esters ($150M), acetic acid ($86M) and acetic anhydride ($79M), together accounting for 51% of the total market.
Among the main consumed products, acetic anhydride, with a CAGR of +17.3%, saw the highest growth rate of market size over the period under review, while market for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Saturated Acyclic Monocarboxylic Acids
In 2024, after three years of decline, there was growth in production of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, when its volume increased by 3.5% to 565K tons. Overall, production, however, recorded a noticeable decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 14%. Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids production peaked at 858K tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids production rose markedly to $790M in 2024 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a mild slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 12% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $889M. From 2019 to 2024, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.
Production By Type
Ethyl acetate (195K tons), acetic acid (167K tons) and acetic anhydride (121K tons) were the main products of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids production in the UK, with a combined 85% share of the total output. Lauric acid and other acids, their salts and esters, esters of acetic acid (excluding ethyl acetate), salts of acetic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters, formic acid, its salts and esters and mono-, di- or tri-chloroacetic acids; propionic, butanoic and pentanoic acids and their salts and esters lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 15%.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the key produced products, was attained by formic acid, its salts and esters (with a CAGR of +4.5%), while production for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the most produced types of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids in the UK were ethyl acetate ($219M), acetic acid ($130M) and acetic anhydride ($118M), together accounting for 64% of the total output. Lauric acid and other acids, their salts and esters, salts of acetic acid, esters of acetic acid (excluding ethyl acetate), palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters, formic acid, its salts and esters and mono-, di- or tri-chloroacetic acids; propionic, butanoic and pentanoic acids and their salts and esters lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 36%.
Formic acid, its salts and esters, with a CAGR of +8.5%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to market size among the main produced products over the period under review, while production for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Saturated Acyclic Monocarboxylic Acids
In 2024, imports of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids into the UK declined to 171K tons, which is down by -9.2% on the previous year’s figure. In general, imports continue to indicate a noticeable decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 15%. As a result, imports reached the peak of 299K tons. From 2015 to 2024, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids imports fell to $349M in 2024. Overall, imports recorded a noticeable curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 26%. Imports peaked at $593M in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.
Imports By Country
Sweden (35K tons), Germany (29K tons) and the Netherlands (27K tons) were the main suppliers of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids imports to the UK, with a combined 53% share of total imports. The United States, Belgium, China, Malaysia and Singapore lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 32%.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by the United States (with a CAGR of +20.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the United States ($83M), Germany ($52M) and the Netherlands ($44M) appeared to be the largest saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids suppliers to the UK, with a combined 51% share of total imports.
The United States, with a CAGR of +15.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Imports By Type
Lauric acid and other acids, their salts and esters (58K tons), esters of acetic acid (excluding ethyl acetate) (41K tons) and mono-, di- or tri-chloroacetic acids; propionic, butanoic and pentanoic acids and their salts and esters (29K tons) were the main products of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids imports to the UK, together accounting for 74% of total imports. Acetic acid, formic acid, its salts and esters, palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters, salts of acetic acid, acetic anhydride and ethyl acetate lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 26%.
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters (with a CAGR of -0.0%), while purchases for the other products experienced a decline.
In value terms, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids with the largest imports in the UK were lauric acid and other acids, their salts and esters ($144M), esters of acetic acid (excluding ethyl acetate) ($94M) and mono-, di- or tri-chloroacetic acids; propionic, butanoic and pentanoic acids and their salts and esters ($46M), with a combined 82% share of total imports. Palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters, formic acid, its salts and esters, acetic acid, salts of acetic acid, ethyl acetate and acetic anhydride lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 18%.
Among the main product categories, acetic acid, with a CAGR of +0.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced a decline.
Import Prices By Type
In 2024, the average saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids import price amounted to $2,035 per ton, with an increase of 1.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import price indicated a slight expansion from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids import price decreased by -15.8% against 2022 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average import price increased by 43%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $2,417 per ton in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, import prices failed to regain momentum.
Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was salts of acetic acid ($2,773 per ton), while the price for acetic acid ($754 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by esters of acetic acid (excluding ethyl acetate) (+4.6%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Country
The average saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids import price stood at $2,035 per ton in 2024, picking up by 1.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import price indicated mild growth from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids import price decreased by -15.8% against 2022 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 43% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $2,417 per ton in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, import prices remained at a lower figure.
Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($3,603 per ton), while the price for Sweden ($1,115 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+4.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Saturated Acyclic Monocarboxylic Acids
For the fourth year in a row, the UK recorded decline in shipments abroad of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, which decreased by -4.4% to 305K tons in 2024. Overall, exports continue to indicate a deep setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 13%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at 670K tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids exports totaled $469M in 2024. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a pronounced contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 23%. The exports peaked at $708M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Exports By Country
Belgium (129K tons) was the main destination for saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids exports from the UK, accounting for a 42% share of total exports. Moreover, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids exports to Belgium exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the Netherlands (29K tons), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Germany (28K tons), with a 9.3% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Belgium totaled -6.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (-5.5% per year) and Germany (-13.0% per year).
In value terms, Belgium ($148M) remains the key foreign market for saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids exports from the UK, comprising 32% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($51M), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Germany, with an 8.8% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value to Belgium stood at -3.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (+0.3% per year) and Germany (-9.9% per year).
Exports By Type
Ethyl acetate (127K tons), acetic acid (67K tons) and acetic anhydride (40K tons) were the main products of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids exports from the UK, together accounting for 76% of total exports.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the major product types, was attained by ethyl acetate (with a CAGR of +1.4%), while the other products experienced a decline.
In value terms, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids with the largest exports in the UK were ethyl acetate ($154M), lauric acid and other acids, their salts and esters ($90M) and esters of acetic acid (excluding ethyl acetate) ($69M), with a combined 67% share of total exports. Acetic acid, acetic anhydride, salts of acetic acid, mono-, di- or tri-chloroacetic acids; propionic, butanoic and pentanoic acids and their salts and esters, formic acid, its salts and esters and palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 33%.
Among the main product categories, salts of acetic acid, with a CAGR of +7.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced mixed trend patterns.
Export Prices By Type
In 2024, the average saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids export price amounted to $1,536 per ton, growing by 9.5% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated moderate growth from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids export price increased by +107.1% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 65%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major types of exported product. In 2024, the product with the highest price was formic acid, its salts and esters ($6,025 per ton), while the average price for exports of acetic acid ($885 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for the following types: salts of acetic acid (+9.2%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
The average saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids export price stood at $1,536 per ton in 2024, surging by 9.5% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated a perceptible increase from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids export price increased by +107.1% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 65% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2024, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($3,877 per ton), while the average price for exports to Poland ($949 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United States (+13.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids landscape in the United Kingdom.
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Key findings
Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
Market size and growth in value and volume terms
Consumption structure by end-use segments
Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverageProdcom 20143215 – Ethyl acetateProdcom 20143219 – Esters of acetic acid (excluding ethyl acetate)Prodcom 20143220 – Mono-, di- or tri-chloroacetic acids, propionic, butanoic and pentanoic acids, their salts and estersProdcom 20143250 – Formic acid, its salts and estersProdcom 20143271 – Acetic acidProdcom 20143278 – Salts of acetic acidProdcom 20143280 – Lauric acid and others, salts and estersCountry coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
National production and consumption statistics
Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
Price series and unit value benchmarks
Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
Historical baseline: 2012-2025
Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
Export and import unit value trends
Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
Business focus and production capabilities
Geographic reach and distribution networks
Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
Track price dynamics and protect margins
Benchmark performance against leading competitors
Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.