According to a new report from Intel Market Research, the global Polyoxymethylene (POM) market was valued at USD 3,758 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 4,226 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 1.7% during the forecast period (2025-2032). This growth is propelled by increasing demand from automotive and electronics industries, particularly in emerging economies.

What is Polyoxymethylene (POM)?

Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as polyacetal or polyformaldehyde, is an engineering thermoplastic that offers excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability. It is widely used in applications requiring high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability over a wide temperature range.

Polyoxymethylene is available in two main types: Homopolymer (Homopolyoxymethylene) and Copopolymer (Co-polyoxymethylene). The copolymer variant typically offers better mechanical properties and thermal stability, while the homopolymer is known for its ease of processing.

Key Market Drivers

1. Growing Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is the largest consumer of polyoxymethylene, accounting for approximately 40% of global consumption. POM is used in fuel systems, interior trims, under-the-hood components, and various mechanical parts due to its excellent wear resistance, low friction, and high strength-to-weight ratio.

2. Rising Demand from Electronics and Electrical Industries

POM's excellent electrical insulation properties, dimensional stability, and ability to be precision-molded make it ideal for connectors, insulators, and various electronic components. The growing consumer electronics market, especially in Asia-Pacific, continues to drive demand.

3. Replacement of Traditional Materials

POM is increasingly replacing metals and other plastics in various applications due to its superior properties. In many cases, POM components offer weight reduction, corrosion resistance, and reduced manufacturing costs compared to metal alternatives.

Market Challenges

• Environmental concerns: While POM itself is recyclable, the production process involves formaldehyde, which has environmental and health concerns. Regulations on formaldehyde emissions are becoming stricter worldwide.
• Competition from other engineering plastics: Materials like nylon (PA), polycarbonate (PC), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) offer competing properties in certain applications.
• Price volatility of raw materials: The price of formaldehyde and other feedstocks can be volatile, affecting production costs.

Regional Market Analysis

Asia-Pacific dominates the global POM market, accounting for nearly 60% of global consumption. China alone accounts for about 40% of global production and consumption. The region's dominance is driven by:

• Large manufacturing base for automotive, electronics, and consumer goods
• Growing industrialization and urbanization
• Availability of raw materials and low-cost labor
• Strong government support for manufacturing sectors

North America and Europe are mature markets with steady growth. These regions are characterized by:

• High focus on quality and specialty applications
• Stringent environmental regulations
• Shift toward high-value, specialty POM products
• Strong focus on recycling and sustainability

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Homopolyoxymethylene: Offers better mechanical properties but is more difficult to process. Typically used in high-performance applications.
• Co-polyoxymethylene: Easier to process with good overall properties. Accounts for the majority of the market.

By Application

• Automotive: Largest application segment, used in fuel systems, interior trims, under-the-hood components, and various mechanical parts.
• Electronics and Electrical: Connectors, insulators, casings, and various components requiring electrical insulation and dimensional stability.
• Industrial: Various mechanical parts, gears, bearings, and other components where low friction and wear resistance are required.
• Consumer Goods: Various consumer products, appliances, and other applications.

Competitive Landscape

The global POM market is relatively consolidated with the top 5 players accounting for about 60% of global production capacity. The market is characterized by:

• High capital intensity: Setting up a new POM production facility requires significant investment.
• Technological barriers: Production of high-quality POM requires advanced technology and know-how.
• Regional preferences: Different regions have different preferences for homopolymer vs. copolymer POM.

Key players include:

• Polyplastics Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation (Japan)
• Celanese Corporation (USA)
• DuPont (USA)
• YUNTIANHUA (China)
• BLUESTAR (China)
• HENAN ENERGY AND CHEMICAL INDUSTRY (China)
• Shenhua Ningxia Coal Industry Group Co., Ltd. (China)
• CNOOC Tianye Chemical Co., Ltd. (China)
• BASF (Germany)
• Formosa Plastics Corporation (Taiwan)
• Asahi Kasei (Japan)
• KOLON (South Korea)
• KEP (South Korea)

Chinese manufacturers have been gaining market share through competitive pricing and expanding production capacities. However, Western and Japanese manufacturers maintain a technological edge in high-performance, specialty POM products.

Future Outlook

The POM market is expected to continue its steady growth, driven by:

• Continued growth in automotive production: Especially electric vehicles which use POM in various components.
• Expansion of electronics manufacturing: Particularly in Asia-Pacific.
• Development of new applications: Medical devices, 3D printing filaments, and other specialized applications.
• Recycling initiatives: Increasing focus on recycling POM products to address environmental concerns.

However, the market also faces challenges:

• Environmental regulations: Increasingly strict regulations on formaldehyde emissions.
• Competition from alternative materials: Both other plastics and non-plastic materials.
• Economic cycles: POM consumption is closely tied to industrial production, which is cyclical.

Despite these challenges, the overall outlook remains positive, particularly in developing economies where industrialization continues to accelerate.

📥 Download Sample Report: Polyoxymethylene (POM) Market - Detailed Research Report

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