Market Description

The global Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene market represents a specialized segment of the chlorinated solvents and fluorochemical intermediates industry. Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene (trans-1,2-DCE) is a volatile, colorless liquid with strong solvency power, low flammability compared to many hydrocarbon solvents, and favorable dielectric properties. These characteristics make it suitable for use in industrial cleaning, precision degreasing, foam blowing formulations, and as a process solvent in chemical manufacturing.

In 2025, the Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene market was valued at USD xxxx units and is expected to reach USD xxxx units by 2036, growing at a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2036. Market growth is primarily driven by its increasing adoption as a replacement for more environmentally hazardous chlorinated solvents, steady demand from electronics and precision cleaning applications, and expanding industrial activity in emerging economies. Trans-1,2-DCE is often positioned as a lower-toxicity and lower-ozone-depletion alternative to certain traditional solvents, supporting its continued relevance in regulated markets.

The market is characterized by relatively limited production capacity, strict regulatory oversight, and strong dependence on downstream industrial demand. Manufacturers focus on product purity, application-specific grades, and compliance with occupational safety and environmental regulations, which significantly influence market competitiveness.

Impact of COVID-19 on Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a noticeable impact on the Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene market in 2020. Global industrial slowdowns, temporary plant shutdowns, and disruptions in international trade reduced demand from key end-use sectors such as electronics manufacturing, automotive production, and industrial cleaning services. Supply chain constraints affected the availability of raw materials and delayed shipments, creating short-term volatility in pricing and supply.

However, the impact was not uniform across applications. Demand for cleaning and degreasing agents used in medical equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and essential industrial maintenance remained relatively resilient. As manufacturing activities resumed and supply chains stabilized, the market experienced a gradual recovery. Post-pandemic, increased emphasis on hygiene, equipment cleanliness, and reliable industrial operations has supported renewed demand for high-performance solvents, reinforcing the medium- to long-term outlook for trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.

Market Segmentation

By type, the Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene market is segmented into Industrial Grade and Electrical Grade. Industrial Grade trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene accounts for a substantial share of market volume due to its widespread use in general-purpose solvent applications, industrial cleaning, and chemical processing. This grade is typically specified for applications where high solvency and cost efficiency are prioritized over ultra-high purity.

Electrical Grade trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene represents a higher-purity segment designed for applications requiring excellent dielectric properties and minimal impurities. This grade is commonly used in electronics cleaning, precision degreasing, and specialized industrial processes where contamination control is critical. Although smaller in volume, the electrical grade segment contributes disproportionately to market value due to stricter quality requirements and higher pricing.

By application, the market is segmented into Solvent, Cleaning, Foam Blowing, and Others. The Solvent segment dominates the market, driven by extensive use of trans-1,2-DCE in chemical processing, extraction, and formulation activities. Its ability to dissolve oils, greases, resins, and waxes efficiently makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

The Cleaning segment represents a significant application area, particularly in metal degreasing, electronics cleaning, and maintenance of precision equipment. Trans-1,2-DCE is valued for its fast evaporation rate and effective residue removal. The Foam Blowing segment utilizes trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene as a physical blowing agent in certain polymer and insulation foam formulations, benefiting from its volatility and compatibility with specific polymer systems. The Others segment includes niche applications such as laboratory use and specialty chemical synthesis.

Regionally, Asia-Pacific holds a leading position in the global Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene market, supported by strong growth in electronics manufacturing, industrial production, and chemical processing in China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. North America and Europe represent mature markets characterized by stable demand, strict regulatory frameworks, and focus on high-purity and compliant solvent solutions. South America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging regions, offering long-term growth potential as industrialization and manufacturing capabilities expand.

Key Players and DROT Analysis

The Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene market is moderately consolidated, with a limited number of global and regional producers supplying industrial and specialty grades. Competition is based on product quality, regulatory compliance, supply reliability, and customer relationships.

PPG is an established participant in specialty chemicals and solvent-related markets.
Strengths include strong technical expertise and global customer base. Weaknesses involve exposure to cyclical industrial demand. Opportunities lie in high-purity solvent applications, while regulatory pressure is a threat.

Air Products supplies specialty chemicals for industrial and electronics applications.
Strengths include process technology and quality control. Weaknesses include limited focus on commodity solvents. Opportunities arise from electronics and precision cleaning demand, while competition from niche suppliers is a threat.

Arkema has a strong portfolio in fluorochemicals and chlorinated derivatives.
Strengths include innovation and regulatory expertise. Weaknesses include higher cost structures. Opportunities include solvent substitution trends, while environmental regulation is a threat.

Nantong Donggang serves domestic and regional markets.
Strengths include cost competitiveness and proximity to end users. Weaknesses include limited international presence. Opportunities include Asia-Pacific industrial growth, while quality perception is a threat.

Unistar participates in solvent and chemical distribution markets.
Strengths include flexible supply capabilities. Weaknesses include smaller production scale. Opportunities lie in niche applications, while intense competition is a threat.

Guizhou Lantian supports regional demand for chlorinated solvents.
Strengths include access to local feedstocks. Weaknesses include limited export penetration. Opportunities include domestic industrial expansion, while regulatory tightening is a threat.

Value Chain Analysis

The Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene value chain begins with upstream raw materials such as ethylene and chlorine, which are processed through chlorination and subsequent reaction pathways to produce dichloroethylene isomers. Feedstock availability, energy costs, and regulatory constraints at this stage significantly influence production economics.

Midstream processing involves isomer separation, purification, and quality control to achieve industrial or electrical grade specifications. This stage represents the highest value addition, as purity levels, stability, and compliance with safety and environmental standards determine product suitability for high-end applications. Investment in distillation and analytical technologies is critical at this stage.

Downstream, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene is distributed to industrial users, electronics manufacturers, cleaning service providers, and chemical formulators. End users integrate the product into solvent systems, cleaning processes, or foam formulations. Value creation is highest in precision applications where performance reliability, low residue, and regulatory compliance directly impact operational efficiency and product quality.

Market Outlook

The global Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene market is expected to grow steadily through 2036, supported by continued demand for effective and relatively lower-toxicity chlorinated solvents. Growth in electronics manufacturing, precision engineering, and industrial maintenance will remain key demand drivers. The trend toward replacing more hazardous solvents with safer alternatives is expected to further support market adoption, particularly in regulated regions.

Technological improvements in purification, emissions control, and solvent recovery are likely to enhance production efficiency and environmental performance. However, regulatory scrutiny of chlorinated solvents will continue to shape market dynamics, encouraging manufacturers to focus on compliance, safety, and application-specific optimization.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to remain the primary growth engine due to industrial expansion and electronics manufacturing scale, while North America and Europe will continue to emphasize high-purity, compliant, and specialty-grade products. Overall, the Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene market is positioned for stable, long-term growth, underpinned by its functional advantages, niche industrial relevance, and evolving role in solvent substitution strategies.