The Market Reports

Synopsis

The global market for 2-Mercaptoethanol was estimated to be worth US$ 75.9 million in 2024 and is forecast to a readjusted size of US$ 116 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period 2025-2031.

2-Mercaptoethanol (2-ME), also known as β-mercaptoethanol, is an organosulfur compound with the chemical formula C₂H₆OS. It contains both hydroxyl (-OH) and thiol (-SH) functional groups, making it highly reactive and widely used as a reducing agent.

2-ME is commonly applied in biochemical research, particularly in protein denaturation and cell culture applications. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and polymer additives. Its strong ability to break disulfide bonds and prevent oxidation makes it an essential compound in various industrial and laboratory processes.

Market Dominance and Production Trends

China has established itself as the world's largest producer of 2-ME, accounting for approximately 59% of global production in 2024. The country’s rapid market expansion is driven by strong domestic demand and significant advancements in production technology and capacity. The market revenue in China is growing at a faster pace than global averages, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.17% by 2031. This dominance is largely attributed to China’s technological advancements in 2-ME synthesis, which have improved production efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Among various manufacturing methods, the atmospheric pressure process has become the industry standard due to its lower production costs and higher efficiency. Leading Chinese producers, such as Guangdong Zhonghe Huasu and Yifeng New Materials, have solidified their market positions through the adoption of this process, with Guangdong Zhonghe Huasu emerging as a global industry leader.

Market Structure and Competitive Landscape

The global 2-ME market is highly concentrated, with key producers from China and Europe controlling the majority of the supply chain. This industry structure indicates that while the market is expanding rapidly, high technological and environmental barriers limit the entry of new players. As a result, existing manufacturers benefit from stronger bargaining power and higher profit margins. Furthermore, increasing regulatory scrutiny on environmental and safety standards is pushing companies to invest in greener and more sustainable production processes. Looking ahead, market growth will be driven by rising demand from pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and polymer industries, with established producers continuing to strengthen their competitive edge through technological innovation and capacity expansion.

This report aims to provide a comprehensive presentation of the global market for 2-Mercaptoethanol, focusing on the total sales volume, sales revenue, price, key companies market share and ranking, together with an analysis of 2-Mercaptoethanol by region & country, by Type, and by Application.

The 2-Mercaptoethanol market size, estimations, and forecasts are provided in terms of sales volume (MT) and sales revenue ($ millions), considering 2024 as the base year, with history and forecast data for the period from 2020 to 2031. With both quantitative and qualitative analysis, to help readers develop business/growth strategies, assess the market competitive situation, analyze their position in the current marketplace, and make informed business decisions regarding 2-Mercaptoethanol.

Market Segmentation

By Company

• Chevron Phillips Chemical
• BASF
• Sunion Chemical & Plastics
• EFIRM

Segment by Type

• High Pressure Method
• Atmospheric Pressure Method

Segment by Application

• Consumer & Industrial Applications
• Agrochemicals
• Polymers and Rubber Applications
• Water Treatment Applications
• Superplasticizer
• Others

Segment by Region

• North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico
• Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Rest of MEA
• Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of Latin America

*If you need a regional or country-specific version, or customized segmentation, we can tailor the report to your requirements.