On this page
Global petroleum resins production in 2025 is estimated at approximately 2.1 to 2.6 million tonnes, reflecting a well established but steadily expanding segment of the specialty hydrocarbon resins industry. Supply growth continues in line with downstream demand from adhesives, tire manufacturing, paints and coatings, inks and road marking applications. Market conditions balance incremental capacity additions in Asia with stable operating rates in Europe and North America, while feedstock availability linked to refinery and steam cracker operations shapes regional cost competitiveness.
Production leadership remains concentrated in regions with strong petrochemical integration and access to C5 and C9 feedstock streams. Asia Pacific holds the largest share of global capacity, led by China, South Korea and Japan, where integrated refining and steam cracking systems support both domestic demand and exports. Europe maintains a technologically advanced production base focused on specialty grades, while North America operates stable capacity anchored in adhesive, rubber and packaging markets. The Middle East and Latin America contribute limited but growing volumes tied to new refining and petrochemical investments.
Buyers value softening point control, colour stability, compatibility with polymers and rubbers, and consistent performance across batches, making supplier reliability and feedstock security critical.
Key Questions Answered
C5 resins dominate adhesive applications due to excellent tackifying properties, while C9 and hydrogenated resins serve coatings, inks and high performance rubber applications requiring improved colour and stability.
Key Questions Answered
Integrated production routes linked to refineries and steam crackers dominate because they provide consistent feedstock access, cost control and operational flexibility.
Key Questions Answered
Adhesives and rubber applications account for the largest share of global consumption, driven by packaging growth, automotive production and infrastructure development.
Key Questions Answered
Asia Pacific leads global capacity and demand, supported by strong adhesive, tire and packaging industries and expanding refinery and steam cracker infrastructure.
Europe focuses on specialty and hydrogenated grades serving high performance adhesive, coating and ink applications with strict quality requirements.
North America maintains stable production with demand anchored in packaging adhesives, rubber goods and infrastructure applications.
Latin America relies largely on imports, with limited local production linked to regional refining systems.
The Middle East shows emerging potential tied to new refining and petrochemical investments, while Africa remains largely import dependent.
Key Questions Answered
Petroleum resins supply begins with refinery or steam cracker operations generating C5 and C9 streams, followed by separation, polymerisation, hydrogenation and finishing. Downstream buyers include adhesive formulators, tire manufacturers, coating producers, ink makers and construction material suppliers.
Key cost drivers include feedstock pricing, energy costs, hydrogen availability, plant utilisation and logistics. Trade flows are active, with Asia Pacific exporting significant volumes to Europe, North America and emerging markets.
Key Questions Answered
The petroleum resins ecosystem includes refinery operators, petrochemical producers, resin manufacturers, adhesive and rubber formulators, coating and ink producers, distributors and end users. Asia Pacific increasingly shapes global supply growth, while Europe and North America influence quality standards and specialty grade development.
Strategic themes include steady demand growth from packaging and infrastructure, increasing preference for hydrogenated and low colour grades, exposure to refinery operating cycles, and competition from alternative tackifiers such as terpene and rosin resins.
Explore Polymers & Plastics Insights
View Reports
Petroleum Resins Global Production Capacity and Growth Outlook
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
