Global Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In February 2024, UBE announced plans to build a plant in the US with the capacity to produce 100,000 metric tons of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) annually and 40,000 metric tons of ethylene carbonate (EMC) derived from DMC each year. Additionally, UBE decided to increase its investment in UBE Cl Chemicals America, Inc. (UCCA), a subsidiary specializing in DMC/EMC manufacturing and marketing.

• In June 2023, Merck revealed plans to expand its production capacity for highly purified reagents at its facility in China. This expansion aims to support large-scale manufacturing of high-purity reagents for quality control and testing, particularly for biopharma clients.

• In February 2022, Lotte Chemical announced its intention to construct a new plant for the production of high-purity organic solvents, including dimethyl carbonate, which is used as an electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries.

In this report, the Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market has been segmented by Synthesis, Grade, Application, End-Use Industry and Geography.

Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market, Segmentation by Synthesis

The Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market has been segmented by Synthesis into Methanol Phosgenation, Oxidative Carbonylation of Methanol (ENI), Oxidative Carbonylation of Methanol Via Methyl Nitrate (UBE), Ethylene Carbonate Transesterification Process (ASAHI), Urea Transesterification, and Direct Synthesis From Co2.

Methanol Phosgenation

Methanol phosgenation is one of the traditional methods in the Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) market, accounting for approximately 10% of the total share. Although effective, its use has declined due to toxic by-products and environmental concerns associated with phosgene.

Oxidative Carbonylation of Methanol (ENI)

The ENI oxidative carbonylation process holds about 25% of the market. It is known for its higher efficiency and favorable yield, making it suitable for large-scale DMC production with reduced environmental impact.

Oxidative Carbonylation of Methanol Via Methyl Nitrate (UBE)

This UBE process contributes around 20% of the market and involves methyl nitrate as an intermediate. It offers good conversion rates and is mainly used in regions with advanced chemical infrastructure.

Ethylene Carbonate Transesterification Process (ASAHI)

The ASAHI transesterification route accounts for nearly 15% of the market. It is a relatively clean process that uses ethylene carbonate as a feedstock, resulting in fewer emissions and by-products, suitable for sustainable DMC production.

Urea Transesterification

Urea transesterification holds about 20% of the market share. This method is economically viable and avoids hazardous intermediates, offering low-cost raw material use and decent conversion efficiency.

Direct Synthesis From CO₂

Direct synthesis from CO₂ represents around 10% of the market and is gaining interest due to its environmental sustainability. This method utilizes carbon dioxide as a feedstock, contributing to carbon recycling and green chemistry initiatives.

Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market, Segmentation by Grade

The Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market has been segmented by Grade into Industry Grade, Pharmaceutical Grade, and Battery Grade.

Industry Grade

Industry grade dominates the Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) market, accounting for approximately 65% of total demand. It is primarily used as a solvent and intermediate in the production of polycarbonates, paints, coatings, and adhesives due to its cost-efficiency and chemical versatility.

Pharmaceutical Grade

Pharmaceutical grade DMC holds about 15% of the market and is used in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug intermediates. Its high purity and low toxicity make it suitable for applications requiring strict regulatory compliance.

Battery Grade

Battery grade DMC contributes approximately 20% of the market and is increasingly in demand as a key component in lithium-ion battery electrolytes. Its properties, such as high dielectric constant and electrochemical stability, are essential for use in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market, Segmentation by Application

The Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market has been segmented by Application into Polycarbonate Synthesis, Solvents, Reagents, Battery Electrolyte, and Others.

Polycarbonate Synthesis

Polycarbonate synthesis is the largest application segment in the Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) market, accounting for approximately 40% of total demand. DMC is a key intermediate in the production of polycarbonates, offering a phosgene-free alternative with improved environmental safety.

Solvents

Solvent applications represent around 25% of the market. DMC is widely used in paints, coatings, adhesives, and cleaning agents due to its low toxicity, high solvency power, and biodegradability.

Reagents

Reagents account for about 10% of the market, where DMC serves as a methylating and carbonylating agent in organic synthesis. It is valued in pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing for its clean reactivity profile.

Battery Electrolyte

Battery electrolyte applications contribute nearly 20% of the market share. DMC is a crucial component in lithium-ion battery formulations due to its electrochemical stability and low viscosity, supporting the growth of electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Others

The "Others" segment accounts for approximately 5% of the market and includes applications in agrochemicals, ink formulations, and cosmetics. These niche uses benefit from DMC’s low environmental impact and versatile chemical properties.

Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market, Segmentation by End-Use Industry

The Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market has been segmented by End-Use Industry into Plastics, Paints & Coatings, Pharmaceuticals, Batteries, Agrochemicals, and Others.

Plastics

The plastics industry is the leading end-use segment in the Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) market, accounting for approximately 35% of total demand. DMC is extensively used in the production of polycarbonates, offering a phosgene-free route and enhancing material transparency and impact resistance.

Paints & Coatings

Paints & coatings hold around 20% of the market, where DMC serves as a green solvent due to its low toxicity, high solvency, and fast evaporation rate. It is used in industrial coatings, automotive paints, and adhesives.

Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical industry represents approximately 10% of the market. DMC is used as a reagent in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates due to its clean reaction profile and regulatory acceptance.

Batteries

Battery applications account for about 20% of the market. DMC is a vital component in lithium-ion battery electrolytes owing to its low viscosity and electrochemical stability, supporting demand in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Agrochemicals

The agrochemical segment holds nearly 8% of the market. DMC is used as a carrier solvent in the formulation of pesticides and herbicides, benefiting from its low environmental impact and biodegradability.

Others

The "Others" segment contributes around 7% and includes industries such as cosmetics, inks, and fine chemicals. DMC's versatility and eco-friendly profile make it attractive for diverse specialty applications.

Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America holds approximately 20% of the Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) market, driven by rising demand in pharmaceuticals, paints & coatings, and battery applications. The region benefits from strong investments in clean energy and green chemistry initiatives.

Europe

Europe accounts for around 25% of the market, supported by stringent environmental regulations and a strong focus on sustainable manufacturing. The region sees high usage of DMC in solvents, polycarbonate production, and automotive coatings.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific dominates the global DMC market with over 40% share, fueled by large-scale industrialization, expanding battery manufacturing, and high demand for polycarbonates in countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa contribute about 7% of the market. Growth is supported by emerging applications in industrial coatings and construction chemicals, along with a focus on infrastructure development.

Latin America

Latin America holds nearly 8% of the market share, with growing adoption of DMC in the automotive, agrochemical, and packaging industries, particularly in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers

• Growing demand in electronics
• Rising industrial applications
• Expanding automotive sector use

• Environmental benefits over alternatives: Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is a versatile chemical compound increasingly favored for its environmental benefits compared to traditional alternatives. As a solvent and a reagent in various industrial applications, DMC stands out due to its low toxicity and biodegradability. Unlike many conventional solvents that can have significant adverse effects on human health and the environment, DMC is considered less harmful. It has a lower potential for ozone depletion and contributes to reduced atmospheric pollution, aligning with global efforts to minimize the ecological footprint of chemical processes.

  DMC's environmental advantages are further emphasized by its role as a greener alternative in the production of polycarbonate plastics and as a methylating agent in pharmaceuticals. Its use in these industries is seen as a step towards reducing the reliance on more hazardous chemicals like phosgene, which is known for its high toxicity and associated risks. DMC's production and application are also more sustainable, as it can be synthesized from renewable resources, including carbon dioxide, which helps in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This attribute positions DMC as a viable option in the quest for more eco-friendly chemical solutions.

  DMC supports broader environmental goals by enabling the development of products with a smaller carbon footprint. Its integration into processes that previously depended on more harmful substances contributes to a reduction in overall environmental impact. As regulations tighten and industries seek to improve their sustainability practices, DMC offers a practical and beneficial alternative that aligns with both regulatory requirements and corporate social responsibility goals.

Restraints

• High production costs
• Regulatory challenges
• Limited raw material availability

• Competition from substitutes: The Global Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market is influenced by competition from various substitutes, each presenting distinct advantages and challenges. Dimethyl Carbonate, a versatile organic solvent and reagent, is predominantly used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and coatings due to its low toxicity and environmental benefits. However, it faces competition from alternative solvents and reagents that offer similar or enhanced properties. For instance, propylene carbonate and ethylene carbonate are often employed as substitutes in applications like lithium-ion battery electrolytes and industrial solvents, leveraging their high polarity and stability.

  In the realm of green solvents, carbon dioxide (CO2) in its supercritical state has emerged as a viable alternative to DMC, especially in extraction and cleaning processes. Supercritical CO2 is favored for its non-toxic and non-flammable properties, making it suitable for applications in pharmaceuticals and food processing. Furthermore, the growing trend toward sustainability and environmental regulations has prompted industries to explore CO2 as an eco-friendly substitute for DMC, challenging its market position.

  Advances in bio-based solvents are introducing new competition for DMC. Bio-based solvents, derived from renewable resources, are gaining traction due to their lower environmental impact and alignment with green chemistry principles. Solvents such as bio-based ethyl lactate and terpenes are being developed and commercialized, offering alternatives that can compete with DMC in terms of performance and sustainability. As these substitutes continue to evolve and gain market acceptance, they pose a significant challenge to the growth and dominance of the DMC market.

Opportunities

• Expansion in renewable energy
• Innovation in manufacturing processes
• Emerging markets growth

• Increasing use in pharmaceuticals: The Global Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing use of DMC in the pharmaceutical industry. Dimethyl Carbonate is a versatile organic compound that serves as an effective solvent and reagent in various pharmaceutical processes. Its role in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and as a cleaner alternative to more hazardous solvents aligns with the industry's push for greener and more sustainable production methods. This growing emphasis on environmental safety is propelling the demand for DMC in the pharmaceutical sector, as it provides a safer and more eco-friendly option compared to traditional solvents.

  In addition to its role as a solvent, DMC is increasingly utilized in the pharmaceutical industry for its application in drug formulation and as a reagent in pharmaceutical research and development. Its low toxicity and ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds make it a valuable component in the formulation of pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the compound's use in the production of carbonylation reactions, which are essential in the creation of complex pharmaceuticals, highlights its importance in advancing drug development and manufacturing processes.

  The rise in the global pharmaceutical market, driven by increasing healthcare needs and advancements in drug development, further boosts the demand for DMC. As pharmaceutical companies seek to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of their production processes, the adoption of DMC is expected to grow. This trend is supported by the ongoing efforts to replace harmful solvents with more environmentally friendly alternatives, ensuring that DMC remains a crucial player in the evolving pharmaceutical landscape.

Key players in Global Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) Market include:

• BASF SE
• Tosoh Corporation
• Shanxi Sanwei Group
• Ube Industries, Ltd
• Canoe Chemicals
• Kuraray Co., Ltd
• Vertellus Holdings LLC
• Huntsman Corporation
• Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc
• Global Bio-Chem Technology Group Company Limited

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis