In 2023–2024, China and the United States were the leading exporters of formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0), while India, Vietnam, and Mexico emerged as top importers, reflecting strong demand from Asia-Pacific and North American downstream industries. Formaldehyde prices remained relatively stable amid moderate export volume growth from major producers. Export volumes from China increased by approximately 5% year-on-year in 2024, while U.S. exports held steady, indicating continued dominance by these two suppliers amid tightening environmental regulations in Europe.
Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent-smelling gas at room temperature, highly volatile and readily soluble in water; it is commonly handled as an aqueous solution (formalin) or as solid polymers (e.g., paraformaldehyde). It is the simplest aldehyde and a key organic chemical intermediate. Industrially, formaldehyde serves primarily as a building block for resins—including urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde, and melamine-formaldehyde—used extensively in wood adhesives, molded plastics, and insulation materials. It is also employed in the synthesis of pentaerythritol, hexamethylenetetramine, and various agrochemicals, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. Major application sectors include construction, automotive, furniture, coatings, and textile finishing.
Formaldehyde (methyl aldehyde, methylene oxide) is a ubiquitous compound found endogenously in the body and environment. It is a colorless, flammable gas with a distinct, pungent odor and is most commonly available in aqueous solutions under the name formalin (37% formaldehyde in water). Formaldehyde has been used as a disinfectant, an embalming agent, and in industry as a precursor in the fabrication of complex compounds. Since scientific research has identified links between formaldehyde and adverse health effects, precautions and protections must be considered during use.
Formaldehyde is colorless gas with a very distinct, pungent odor. It is highly soluble in water and in a variety of organic solvents. It has the potential to react explosively with peroxides and nitrogen oxide.Formalin, the aqueous form of formaldehyde, is a colorless liquid with a very distinct, pungent odor. It is incompatible and may react with strong oxidizers, alkalis,and acids. The liquid has a variable molecular weight, which is dependent on the specific aqueous formulation.
This chemical is included in Basic Chemicals - Methanol Industry. See more about what is Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde SDS information.
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