Dimethyl Ether Industry Size, Share of Key Players, SWOT Analysis, and Report

Market Overview:

The global dimethyl ether (DME) market size reached US$ 6.6 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 14.2 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during 2024-2032. The growing demand for aerosol propellants in various sectors, rising focus on cleaner energy sources and fuels to reduce carbon emissions, and wide availability of renewable feedstocks are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Dimethyl ether (DME) is a colorless and odorless gas at room temperature and pressure. It is known for its versatility and can create a fine mist when released under pressure. It can be produced from renewable sources, such as biomass, and has a lower carbon footprint as compared to several conventional fuels. As it is a potential energy carrier and a substitute for diesel fuel in transportation that assists in reducing harmful emissions and improving the quality of the air, the demand for DME is increasing across the globe.

At present, the rising adoption of DME as a feedstock in the production of other chemicals, such as dimethyl sulfate and acetic acid, is contributing to the growth of the market. In line with this, the increasing employment of DME, as it is a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels, is strengthening the growth of the market. Moreover, the rising concerns about air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions among the masses around the world are bolstering the growth of the market. In addition, the rising demand for energy and chemical products due to rapid industrialization across the globe is offering lucrative growth opportunities to industry investors. Furthermore, governing agencies of several countries are implementing stringent rules and regulations on harmful emissions, which is supporting the growth of the market.

Dimethyl Ether Market Trends/Drivers:

Rising focus on cleaner energy sources and fuels

The rising preference for cleaner energy sources and fuels across various industries across the globe is contributing to the growth of the market. In line with this, people are increasingly focusing on maintaining environmental sustainability. DME is a viable alternative due to its lower carbon footprint as compared to traditional fossil fuels. It produces fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when burned, contributing to improved air quality and reduced environmental impact. Besides this, several industries and consumers are preferring environmentally friendly alternatives, which is offering a favorable market outlook. Furthermore, governing agencies of various countries are rapidly adopting DME to align with sustainability goals.

Increasing demand for aerosol propellants in various sectors

The rising adoption of aerosol propellants in the personal care and cosmetic industries is bolstering the growth of the market. In addition, people are increasingly preferring various aerosol products, such as deodorants, hair sprays, and foaming cleansers, as DME is commonly used as a propellant. DME is a preferred choice for these applications, as it is effective in creating fine and consistent sprays, along with its odorless and colorless properties. Apart from this, the rising demand for various personal care products due to the increasing awareness about maintaining personal hygiene among individuals is supporting the growth of the market. Additionally, the pharmaceutical and food industries also employ DME as a propellant in certain products.

Wide availability of renewable feedstocks

The wide availability of renewable feedstocks around the world is strengthening the growth of the market. In addition, biomass, agricultural waste, and even municipal solid waste can be converted into DME through various processes that assist in reducing reliance on finite fossil fuel resources. Besides this, various industries are seeking solutions that benefit in reducing their environmental footprint and diversifying their energy sources. The production of DME from renewable feedstocks aligns with the popularity of maintaining sustainability in the environment. In line with this, the usage of renewable feedstocks also provides a degree of energy security, as it is less susceptible to price fluctuations commonly associated with conventional fossil fuels.

Dimethyl Ether Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global dimethyl ether (DME) market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels from 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on raw material, application and end-use industry. 

Breakup by Raw Material:

• Methanol
• Coal
• Natural Gas
• Bio-Based
• Others
   

Methanol represents the largest market segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the raw material. This includes methanol, coal, natural gas, bio-based, and others. According to the report, methanol represented the largest segment. Methanol is a primary raw material for the production of (DME). Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a colorless, flammable liquid with various industrial applications. It is primarily derived from natural gas, coal, or biomass sources. The process involves methanol being dehydrated to form DME through a catalytic reaction. The widespread availability of methanol feedstock across the globe is propelling the growth of the market. Additionally, the production of methanol aligns with sustainability goals and environmentally conscious practices. Furthermore, the versatility of methanol as a chemical feedstock extends the application potential of DME.

Breakup by Application:

• Fuel
• Aerosol Propellent
• LPG Blending
• Chemical Feedstock
• Others
   

LPG blending accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes fuel, aerosol propellent, LPG blending, chemical feedstock, and others. According to the report, LPG blending represented the largest segment. DME is widely used as a clean-burning fuel additive in the LPG blending process. LPG primarily consists of propane and butane that is widely used for various purposes, such as heating, cooking, and as an automotive fuel. DME in LPG blending involves mixing it with traditional LPG to enhance its combustion properties. DME has a higher cetane number and oxygen content, which improves combustion efficiency, reduces emissions of harmful pollutants, and enhances the overall environmental performance of LPG.

Breakup by End-Use Industry:

• Oil and Gas
• Automotive
• Power Generation
• Cosmetics
• Others
   

Automotive dominates the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end-use industry. This includes oil and gas, automotive, power generation, cosmetics, and others. According to the report, automotive represented the largest segment. DME is rapidly gaining popularity in the automotive sector as an alternative fuel source. It has clean-burning characteristics, high cetane number, and low emissions profile, which makes it an attractive option for reducing environmental impact in transportation. DME is being explored as a substitute for traditional diesel fuel, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses. In addition, it has the potential to reduce emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which are major contributors to air pollution.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest dimethyl ether market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share.

Asia Pacific held the biggest market share due to the rapid industrialization, along with the burgeoning manufacturing sector. Apart from this, the rising need for cleaner burning fuels and feedstocks for chemical production is contributing to the growth of the market in the region. In line with this, favorable government initiatives to maintain sustainability are propelling the growth of the market. Besides this, the wide availability of agricultural and biomass resources is bolstering the growth of the market in the Asia Pacific region.

Competitive Landscape:

Various companies in this industry are focusing on improving production processes, exploring new feedstock sources, such as biomass, and developing advanced DME applications, particularly in the automotive and energy sectors. In line with this, major manufacturers are diversifying their product portfolios by developing various grades and formulations of DME, such as high-purity DME for chemical processes and DME blended with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cleaner fuel applications. Apart from this, they are focusing on their commitment to maintaining sustainability by promoting DME as an eco-friendly fuel and feedstock option. They are also actively marketing renewable DME products that possess reduced carbon footprint and lower emissions to attract environmentally conscious customers.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• Cornerstone Chemical Company B.V.
• Chinese Energy Holdings Limited
• ENN Energy Holdings Limited
• Grillo-Werke AG
• Korea Gas Corporation
• Mitsubishi Corporation
• Oberon Fuels
• Royal Dutch Shell PLC 
• The Chemours Company LLC
• Zagros Petrochemical Company

Recent Developments:

• In 2021, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (MGC), Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering (MHIENG) teamed up with the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) and Massy Holdings (Massy), a joint venture in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean Gas Chemical Limited (CGCL), to launch commercial operations of a methanol and dimethyl ether (DME) plant.
• In July 2021, Oberon Fuels, producer of clean-burning dimethyl ether (DME) transportation fuel, has begun production of its first-ever renewable dimethyl ether (rDME) in the United States.
• In 2021, Shell Integrated Gas Oman BV, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc, along with its partners, OQ and Marsa Liquefied Natural Gas LLC, signed a concession agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals on behalf of the government of the Sultanate of Oman to develop and produce natural gas from Block 10.

Dimethyl Ether Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the dimethyl ether market from 2018-2032.
• The research report study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global dimethyl ether market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the dimethyl ether industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.