According to current industry data and market trends (as of the beginning of 2026), the consumption of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) abroad remains at a high level and the demand has grown significantly, mainly driven by the upgrading of new energy, high-tech industries and environmental protection regulations. The following is the specific analysis:

I. Overview of PVDF Usage Abroad

The demand has grown significantly

The new energy vehicle sector is the biggest driving force: PVDF is a key material for cathode binders and separator coating materials in lithium-ion batteries, accounting for more than 40% of global PVDF consumption. As the penetration rate of electric vehicles in Europe and the United States increases (such as the EU's policy of banning the sale of fuel vehicles by 2035), the demand for PVDF continues to rise.

Photovoltaic backsheet film: The weather resistance and UV resistance of PVDF make it the preferred material for solar backsheet film. The growth in photovoltaic installations in Europe and America further boosts demand.

Stable growth in traditional fields: The demand for PVDF in basic industries such as chemical anti-corrosion, semiconductors, and water treatment remains stable.

2. Regional distribution

Europe and America are the main consumer markets, especially in high-end application fields such as batteries and semiconductors.

Japan and South Korea use a large amount of electronic materials and batteries in manufacturing.

Ii. Main Application Fields (Classified by Raw Materials and Formed Products)

1. PVDF raw materials (resin/powder

• Lithium batteries: As a cathode binder (which needs to be dissolved in NMP solvent), it is the area with the fastest-growing demand overseas.

• Coatings: Used for building metal curtain walls (such as anti-corrosion coatings for landmark buildings), ships, offshore platforms, etc.

• Photovoltaic backsheet film: Formed by melt extrusion, it protects solar cell modules.

• Injection molding grade raw materials: used for semiconductor ultra-pure chemical conveying components, chemical valves, etc.

2. PVDF plates/rods/tubes (semi-finished products)

• Chemical anti-corrosion equipment

Pipes/fittings: For conveying high-purity acids, alkalis, and organic solvents (such as chemical conveying systems in chip factories).

Tank linings, valves, and pump bodies: used in chemical, pharmaceutical, and electroplating plants.

• Semiconductor industry:

Ultra-high purity pipeline system: Liquid transportation in wet etching and cleaning processes in chip manufacturing.

Wafer carriers and ventilation pipes: Take advantage of their low precipitation and corrosion resistance.

• Water treatment:

Aeration pipes for membrane bioreactors (MBR) : resistant to pollution and long service life.

Support material for seawater desalination filter membranes.

• Food and Pharmaceutical: FDA-certified pipes and containers for handling high-purity liquids.

Iii. Market Trends and Challenges

Production capacity is concentrated in China, but high-end products rely on imports

China is a major global producer of PVDF (especially battery grade), but Europe and the United States still control some high-end grades (such as foreign enterprises like Arkema and Solvay).

The overseas demand for high-performance PVDF (such as high purity and low metal impurities) still relies on domestic or Japanese and American suppliers.

2. Environmental protection alternative pressure

The EU REACH regulation does not impose direct restrictions on fluoropolymers for the time being, but some countries are concerned about the potential risks of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl compounds), which may affect the long-term application of PVDF.

3. Price fluctuations

From 2022 to 2024, the price of PVDF soared due to the explosive demand for batteries. Recently, it has slightly declined with the expansion of production capacity, but the prices of high-end products remain firm.

Iv. Suggested Focus Points

1. Key overseas enterprises:

Arkema (France), Solvay (Belgium), and 3M (USA) dominate the high-end PVDF market.

Kureha of Japan is one of the core suppliers of battery binder PVDF.

2. Risks of alternative technologies

The lithium battery field is developing fluorine-free binders (such as SBR and PAA), but PVDF cannot be replaced in the short term.

Summary

The demand for PVDF abroad shows the characteristics of "high-end and new energy-driven". Batteries and photovoltaic are the main drivers of growth, while semi-finished products such as plates, rods and tubes maintain stable demand in traditional fields like semiconductors and chemicals. If it involves international trade or technological cooperation, it is recommended to pay close attention to the production capacity layout and patent technologies of enterprises in Europe, America and Japan.