Trimellitic Anhydride price index

Trimellitic Anhydride price December 2025 and outlook (see chart below)

• Northeast Asia:US$1.83/KG, 1.1% up

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Trimellitic Anhydride price index

This post is a summary of the Trimellitic Anhydride price developments. The price developments of Trimellitic Anhydride are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Trimellitic Anhydride price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Trimellitic Anhydride prices is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Trimellitic Anhydride prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Trimellitic Anhydride
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Trimellitic Anhydride prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Trimellitic Anhydride market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

What is Trimellitic Anhydride and what is it used for

Trimellitic Anhydride (TMA) is an organic compound with the formula C₉H₄O₅ (or more precisely the cyclic anhydride of Trimellitic Acid) and appears as a colourless or white solid. In terms of its uses, TMA is a key intermediate chemical used to make: – high‑performance polyester and alkyd resins, polyurethane resins, coatings, and epoxy hardeners. – plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), especially high‑temperature or low‑volatility plasticisers (for example trioctyl trimellitate (TOTM) derived from TMA) used in cables, flooring and automotive interiors. – coatings (powder coatings, high‑solids coatings, waterborne coatings), adhesives & sealants, insulating materials and other demanding applications where heat resistance, chemical resistance or mechanical toughness are required. Thus, TMA plays an important role in specialty chemical formulations where enhanced performance is needed.

How is Trimellitic Anhydride produced

The principal commercial production route for TMA involves oxidation and subsequent dehydration: – First, the starting material is typically 1,2,4‑Trimethylbenzene (also called pseudocumene). In one process, 1,2,4‑trimethylbenzene is oxidised (often in acetic acid solvent) under catalytic conditions (e.g., cobalt/manganese/bromine systems) to produce trimellitic acid. – Then, the trimellitic acid is dehydrated (by heating) to form the anhydride TMA. – Alternate descriptions simply state that TMA is produced by air‑oxidation of 1,2,4‑trimethylbenzene. In more detail, one process patent describes a semi‑continuous oxidation of pseudocumene in acetic acid solvent, at pressures and temperatures around 150–200 °C, followed by dehydration to the anhydride. Thus the production process is capital‑intensive, requiring oxidation catalysts, high purity feedstock and tailored purification to achieve the high‑quality material for specialty applications.

How large is the global market for Trimellitic Anhydride and where is it produced

The global market size for TMA varies according to different research sources, but generally shows a notable growth trend: – According to one report, the market size was approx. **USD 1.3 billion in 2025** and is projected to reach about **USD 2.4 billion by 2035** at a CAGR of ~6.5 %. – Another source estimated the market at USD 3.17 billion in 2023, with a projected rise to USD 7.30 billion by 2033 (CAGR ~8.7 %). – A further source gives USD 3.2 billion in 2023 and forecasts USD 8.1 billion by 2034 at ~8.8 % CAGR. The divergence reflects different definitions (e.g., including downstream plasticisers or not), but the consensus is strong growth for TMA driven by automotive, coatings and electronics sectors. In terms of production / geography: – Major manufacturers include Jiangsu Zhengdan Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. in China, which is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and specifically mentions TMA production as part of its product line. – Another major player is Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (Japan). Its Mizushima Plant has been a production site for TMA. A 2016‑era report stated that global capacity in 2015 was ~199,800 tons and actual production ~173,720 tons, with manufacturers such as Flint Hills Resources (USA/Europe/SE Asia) holding ~32.6 % share. – Production thus occurs in North America, Europe and Asia (notably China and Japan). Many feedstocks and processes are integrated with petrochemical / fine chemical value chains in Asia. In summary: the TMA market is several billion USD and growing, with production concentrated in a handful of specialist producers globally, particularly in Asia, North America and Europe.