White Spirits Market By Product Type (Mineral Spirits, Aliphatic Spirits, Aromatic Spirits), By Application (Paints & Coatings, Pharmaceuticals, Cleaning & Degreasing, Pesticides, Adhesives & Sealants), By End-User Industry (Automotive, Construction, Chemical Manufacturing, Paints & Coatings, Pharmaceuticals), and By Region; Global Insights & Forecast (2023 – 2030)

As per Intent Market Research, the White Spirits Market was valued at 59.5 billion in 2024-e and will surpass USD 89.6 Billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 7.1% during 2025-2030.

The global white spirits market has been experiencing steady growth, driven by the increasing demand for solvents in a variety of industries such as paints and coatings, cleaning, and industrial manufacturing. White spirits, a petroleum-based solvent, are widely used for thinning paints, cleaning machinery, and serving as a degreasing agent. The market is characterized by a diverse range of products, with mineral spirits being the most common form. As industries like automotive, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture continue to expand, the demand for high-quality solvents like white spirits is expected to rise. This growth trajectory is supported by advancements in production technology and the shift towards eco-friendly variants.

Mineral Spirits Segment is Largest Owing to Widespread Use in Paints and Coatings

Among the various types of white spirits, mineral spirits dominate the market. This is primarily due to their widespread use in the paints and coatings industry, where they serve as a solvent for oil-based paints, varnishes, and other similar products. Mineral spirits are preferred for their ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds without leaving behind a strong odor, making them ideal for both industrial and residential applications. Their relatively low cost and availability in various grades further contribute to their dominant position in the market. As the demand for paints and coatings continues to rise, especially in emerging economies, mineral spirits are expected to maintain their leadership in the white spirits market.

Paints & Coatings Application is Largest Owing to Growing Demand for Decorative and Industrial Paints

The paints and coatings application segment holds the largest share in the white spirits market. White spirits are essential in the formulation of paints, particularly in thinning and improving the flow of oil-based paints. The growing demand for decorative and industrial paints, especially in the construction, automotive, and consumer goods sectors, drives the dominance of this segment. The rise of infrastructure development in emerging economies, coupled with the increasing popularity of eco-friendly paints, has also boosted the demand for high-quality white spirits. The shift toward water-based paints in some markets has led to the development of low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) white spirits, further enhancing the segment's appeal.

Paints & Coatings Industry is Largest End-User Owing to Increasing Infrastructure Activities

The paints and coatings industry is the largest end-user of white spirits, accounting for a significant share of the market. The global construction boom, particularly in emerging markets like Asia-Pacific, has led to increased demand for paints and coatings used in both residential and commercial buildings. In addition to infrastructure development, the automotive sector also uses white spirits extensively for paint applications, further driving the growth in this end-user industry. As consumers and businesses continue to focus on aesthetics, surface protection, and durability, the paints and coatings industry will remain a key driver of the white spirits market.

North America Region is Largest Owing to Strong Automotive and Industrial Manufacturing Sectors

North America is the largest regional market for white spirits. The region benefits from a robust automotive industry, which is a major consumer of paints and coatings. In addition, the region’s developed infrastructure and growing focus on industrial manufacturing and maintenance contribute significantly to the demand for white spirits. The United States, in particular, is a key market, where white spirits are used extensively in automotive coatings, cleaning, and degreasing applications. North America’s advanced regulatory framework also ensures the availability of high-quality white spirits that meet stringent environmental standards, further supporting the region's growth in the global market.

Leading Companies and Competitive Landscape

Key players in the white spirits market include major chemical manufacturers such as ExxonMobil Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell, TotalEnergies, BP, and Chevron Corporation. These companies dominate the market due to their large-scale production capabilities and strong distribution networks. In addition, there is a growing focus on developing eco-friendly, low-VOC white spirits to cater to the increasing demand for sustainable products. The competitive landscape is marked by continuous innovation, with companies investing in R&D to develop safer and more efficient solvents. Additionally, mergers and acquisitions are shaping the market, as companies seek to expand their product portfolios and geographical reach to meet the evolving demands of end-users.

Recent Developments:

• ExxonMobil announced the launch of a new line of high-efficiency white spirits aimed at improving environmental safety and reducing emissions in industrial applications.
• TotalEnergies has expanded its production of white spirits in Asia-Pacific, aiming to meet the growing demand for solvents in automotive and manufacturing industries.
• Shell has acquired a leading white spirits manufacturer in Europe, expanding its supply chain and increasing its market share in the region.
• BP launched a new eco-friendly variant of white spirit, designed to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining high performance in cleaning and degreasing applications.
• Sinopec reached a milestone in increasing its white spirits production capacity in China, contributing to the growing demand from the domestic automotive and coatings industries.

List of Leading Companies:

• ExxonMobil Corporation
• Royal Dutch Shell plc
• TotalEnergies
• Chevron Corporation
• BP PLC
• Sinopec Limited
• Eni S.p.A.
• Repsol S.A.
• SK Innovation Co., Ltd.
• Galp Energia
• Huntsman Corporation
• LyondellBasell Industries
• BASF SE
• Dow Chemical Company
• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

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