Growth in MMA demand typically follows gasoline demand growth on a global basis. Asia accounts for more than half of world supply and demand and China more than half of Asian demand. Global growth in MTBE demand will predominantly be in China.
MMA can be made from a variety of different production technologies, with the predominant commercial method utilising a C3 process. Other more competitive processes have been developed with isobutylene and ethylene. MMSA maintains economic snapshots of MMA production costs.
MMA trade is currently characterised by imports into China, Korea, Taiwan and several SEA countries. Japan and Southeast Asia are major exporters and China is a dominant MMA importer. The US is a net exporter of MMA. PMMA and other MMA derivatives are also traded in large quantities, typically as part of prefabricated parts made in developed countries. A trade matrix showing MMA trade by MMSA region and country listings can be provided to clients separately.
MMSA maintains a detailed global database of MMA producers and consumers, as well as global supply and demand balances and forecasts through 2050.
