Asia is poised to dominate the global ethylene glycol capacity additions by 2030 due to surging domestic demand and sustained investment in petrochemical infrastructure. Ethylene glycol is a key intermediate for producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester fibres, and is widely used across textiles, plastics, and automotive industries.
Asia’s dominance in the ethylene glycol industry is primarily driven by massive upcoming projects in China and India, which aim to meet its demand while achieving greater self-sufficiency. China is positioned to lead, with eight projects expected to come online during the projected period. The highest capacity addition in the country is expected from the planned project by SABIC. Located in the Fujian province, this project is slated to commence operations this year.
The other major upcoming projects in China include Tangshan Xuyang Petrochemical Co Ltd's plant in Hubei province, and Zhejiang Petrochemical Co Ltd's third plant in Daishan, Zhejiang. The project in Hubei is expected to come online in 2030 while the plant in Zhejiang is likely to start operations this year.
The capacity additions in India, on the other hand, are expected from four projects, three of which are in the Gujarat state. Nayara Energy Ltd and Valor Petrochemicals Ltd are planning one project each and are anticipated to come online in 2027 and 2029, respectively. The third project is announced by Reliance Industries Ltd and is likely to come onstream by the end of the current decade.
Upcoming ethylene glycol capacity additions in Asia, 2026-2030
Planned: Project has received all necessary approvals for development.
Announced: Project is yet to receive necessary approvals for development.
The remaining capacity addition in India is anticipated to be from the fourth project in Tamil Nadu by Haldia Petrochemicals. This key project is expected to account for the highest capacity addition not only in the country but in the whole world. Presently, the project is awaiting approval and is most likely to start operations in 2030. Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd is the designated operator of this project and also holds its entire equity stake.
Further details of global propylene capacity and capex analysis can be found in GlobalData’s new report, ‘Global Ethylene Glycol Industry: Capacity and Capital Expenditure Forecasts with Details of All Active and Planned Plants, 2026-2030’
