The United States MMA has been witnessing significant growth over the past few years owing to rising demand from the burgeoning construction . Methyl methacrylate, commonly referred to as MMA, is an important monomer that is primarily used for producing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). PMMA, popularly known as acrylic or plexiglass, finds myriad applications in the construction sector such as windows, signs, coating and glazing.
According to recent figures published by the United States Census Bureau, total construction spending in the country rose by 1.3% year-on-year to $1.36 trillion in 2021. Private residential construction spending grew at a healthy pace of 12.4% to $745.8 billion. Meanwhile, private non-residential construction spending also increased by 3.6% year-on-year to $782.1 billion, indicating a broad-based recovery in the overall construction. With the construction boom showing no signs of abating, Methyl Methacrylate MMA consumption is poised to rise substantially in the coming years.
Rise In Home Improvement And Remodeling United States Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)
Aided by low interest rates, demand for residential housing and home remodeling projects remained strong throughout the pandemic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, privately-owned housing starts increased by 11.8% to nearly 1.6 million units in 2021 compared to 2020 levels. Similarly, residential permits also surged by 6.4% over the same period indicating robust momentum will likely carry forward.
Given its durability, ease of fabrication and desirable aesthetics, PMMA has emerged as one of the preferred materials for kitchen and bathroom renovations, windows and doors replacement. Manufacturers are coming up with innovative value-added acrylic sheets, which is boosting their application as countertops, shower walls and floorings at residential spaces. This in turn is stimulating MMA consumption from the home improvement sector.
Rising Popularity Of PMMA In Commercial Glazing And Signage
Commercial and institutional construction activities have rebounded sharply from the pandemic trough. Significant investments are being made into glitzy office complexes, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals and educational institutions. PMMA finds extensive usage as partition walls, window panels, signage boards and displays at such commercial construction projects.
PMMA’s unbreakable, scratch and UV resistant properties along with ability to be easily fabricated into versatile shapes makes it an ideal choice for use in safety barriers, directory boards and digital signage systems. Advances in LED technology have boosted adoption of PMMA sheets for vibrant backlit displays and advertising signs.
Large Scale Infrastructure Developments Augur Well
The Biden administration remains committed to upgrading domestic infrastructure through large public outlays. In November 2021, the president signed a massive $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill into law that will pump money into repairing roads and bridges, expanding broadband access, modernizing airports and waterways, among others.
Such infrastructure projects involve usage of advanced construction materials such as PMMA. For example, PMMA sheets are utilized as protective covers, walkway systems and solar reflecting covers at highways, bridges and airports owing to durability under harsh environmental conditions. Sizable infrastructure spending by both federal and state governments is expected to underpin MMA demand going forward.
Rising Consumer Propensity Boosting End-Use Sectors
The pandemic has fast-tracked the adoption of contactless digital technologies and e-commerce across sectors. This has enhanced consumer interaction with innovative displays and interactive user interfaces fabricated using MMA-based PMMA.
Retailers are using acrylic materials for digital menu boards, touchscreen kiosks and point-of-sale displays to enhance in-store experience. Meanwhile, PMMA finds increasing application in mobile device accessories, electronics enclosures and automotive consoles on account growing consumer demand for premium look and feel. All of these end-use sectors are anticipated to lift MMA consumption in the coming years.
Increasing Production Capacities
Major MMA producers in the U.S. have either announced or are undertaking capacity expansion projects to meet rising demand both domestically as well as for exports. leader Arkema is increasing monthly MMA production capacity at its Calvert City plant in Kentucky by 40%, or 120 kilotons per year. Similarly, Lucite International is investing $250 million to build a new 240 kiloton per year MMA plant in Bishop, Texas, which is expected to be operational by 2024.
Such expansions will help address MMA supply constraints and fulfill the growing needs of PMMA manufacturers. Meanwhile, imports will continue to play a complementary role in meeting any shortfall in domestic supply. With robust demand fundamentals across end-use sectors, MMA producers are well-positioned for further volume growth.
In the strong momentum across key end-user coupled with rising infrastructure spending bodes well for the United States MMA . Healthy growth in residential and commercial construction along with increasing penetration of PMMA-based products across various applications will continue driving volumes over the coming years. Capacity additions by leading producers are ensuring adequate supply availability to capture expanding demand. Overall, the MMA landscape remains positive with healthy prospects of reaching new heights.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
