China, the United States, and Germany are the leading exporters of maleic anhydride, collectively accounting for over half of global exports in recent years; major importers include India, South Korea, and Mexico, reflecting strong demand from downstream industries such as unsaturated polyester resins and lubricant additives. Imports by India and Southeast Asian nations have grown steadily since 2022, coinciding with regional capacity expansions and rising maleic anhydride prices amid tighter supply-demand balances.
Maleic anhydride is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a sharp, acrid odor and moderate volatility; it melts at 52.8 °C and sublimes readily at room temperature. It is a cyclic organic anhydride and a key unsaturated chemical intermediate. Industrially, it is primarily used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs), which are widely employed in reinforced plastics, marine composites, and automotive parts. It also serves as a precursor in the synthesis of lubricant additives, agricultural adjuvants, and copolymers such as styrene–maleic anhydride (SMA) resins for engineering plastics and coatings. Its reactivity makes it valuable in surface modification, polymer functionalization, and the manufacture of alkyd resins.
In the manufacture of polyester resins,fumaric acid, agricultural pesticides, and alkylresins
Maleic anhydride is colorless needles, whitelumps, or pellets. Irritating, choking odor.
This chemical is included in Basic Chemicals. See more about what is Maleic anhydride and Maleic anhydride SDS information.
Find Maleic anhydride supply and Maleic anhydride suppliers on Guidechem to meet your sourcing needs from 103 trusted and certifedsuppliers.
Guidechem assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, fitness for purpose or timeliness.