The dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 0.9%, reaching USD 0.90 billion in 2031 from USD 0.86 billion in 2026.
Prominent drivers, such as the rising demand for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) products, especially from the packaging industry, are propelling the dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) market expansion. Polyethylene terephthalate finds its application due to its durability, lightweight, and recyclability. It is widely used in manufacturing plastic bottles, films, and fibers.
Further, DMT is used for polyester fibers, which are used in synthetic materials and are less expensive than natural fibers. Due to the expansion of the global textile industry, the demand for polyester fibers is driving the need for DMT. Additionally, with the growing automotive industry worldwide, the application of DMT for polyester resins and fibers in the body parts of vehicles will also expand.
According to WITS (World Integrated Trade Solution), in 2021, the top importers of Dimethyl terephthalate were Luxembourg, which imported 67,202,800 Kg, China, with 29,626,100 Kg, and Japan, with 23,845,600 Kg. The Netherlands and France imported 11,209,200 Kg and 8,810,590 Kg, respectively.
In China, the chemical fiber output growth rate increased in 2023 compared to 2022. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the output of chemical fibers in 2023 totaled 68.72 million tons, witnessing a growth of 8.5%. Major products manufactured in the country included textile yarns, fabrics, etc.
Growing demand for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
PET is made by polymerizing ethylene glycol with terephthalic acid or transesterification with dimethyl terephthalate. The increasing demand for PET would lead to the growing application of dimethyl terephthalate. PET plastics have increased significantly over the past few years, replacing glass and PVC. In February 2023, SUEZ, Loop Industries, and SK Geo Centric announced the selection of Saint-Avold, France, as the site to manufacture virgin-quality PET plastic made from 100% recycled content. The facility would manufacture 100% recycled and infinitely recyclable virgin-quality polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) resin and has a capacity of 70,000 metric tons per year.
Further, in February 2024, Mitsubishi Chemical Group developed the ZR Series of NOVADURAN PBT resin, a foaming grade with ultra-low specific gravity. The ZR Series is a new grade of rigid fiber-reinforced engineering plastic. These polymers are used to produce plastics, textiles, bottles, and packaging products. The increased application of polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate would lead to the demand for DMT.
Rising demand for plasticizers
Plasticizers are used in the industry to increase the workability, flexibility, and durability of polymers like PVC. It is used in industries such as automobiles, medical, and consumer goods. Plasticizers are one of the major chemicals. However, a trend toward sustainability and eco-friendly materials is significantly impacting the demand for polymer materials.
The dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) market is segmented into five regions worldwide
By geography, the dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) market is segmented into North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The major economies like China, Japan, India, and South Korea dominate the Asia-Pacific region. Some of the fastest-growing emerging economies are from this region, such as the ASEAN countries.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to see the fastest growth in the dimethyl terephthalate market due to its increasing applications in consumer electronics, automobiles, and the aerospace industry.
North America is also expected to have a significant market share for DMT due to its major utilization across various industries, such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate manufacturing.
The dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) market is segmented by form and application.
By Form, the market is segmented into flake (Solid) DMT and liquid DMT. Flake (Solid) DMT would witness demand due to its application in the fibers used in the manufacturing of yarns, ropes, seatbelts, and other industrial products. Liquid DMT demand would witness demand from the end-user industries like the textile and chemical industries.
The prices of raw materials used in DMT production face price volatilities, which would impact the overall production costs and profit margins. Stringent environmental regulations concerning the production of DMT cause increased production costs and limit the market rise.
The DMT market leaders are Eastman Chemical Company, Merck KGaA, Tokyo Chemical Industry Pvt. Ltd., DDBST GmbH, Spida Group, and SK Chemicals, among others. These key players implement growth strategies such as product launches, mergers, acquisitions, etc., to gain a competitive advantage.
February 2026: Eastman Chemical Company highlighted increased commercialization of recycled polymer technologies using DMT intermediates, supporting packaging and consumer brand applications through its advanced PET recycling and depolymerization process.
September 2025: Loop Industries confirmed progress on its Infinite Loop™ chemical recycling project in India with partner Ester Industries, designed to produce recycled DMT and PET materials from waste polyester feedstock.
September 2025: Loop Industries announced an offtake agreement with Taro Plast to supply 100% recycled Loop™ dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) from its planned Infinite Loop™ India facility for automotive and specialty polymer applications.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Market Size in 2026 | USD 0.86 billion |
| Total Market Size in 2031 | USD 0.90 billion |
| Forecast Unit | Billion |
| Growth Rate | 0.9% |
| Study Period | 2021 to 2031 |
| Historical Data | 2021 to 2024 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026 – 2031 |
| Segmentation | Form, Application, Geography |
| Geographical Segmentation | North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific |
| Companies |
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