Key Insights
The aramid market, encompassing high-performance fibers like Kevlar and Nomex, is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand across diverse sectors. The market's expansion is fueled primarily by the burgeoning aerospace and defense industries, which rely heavily on aramid's exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and heat resistance for applications in protective gear, aircraft components, and advanced composites. Furthermore, the automotive industry's adoption of lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency is a significant driver, with aramids finding use in tires, safety belts, and other critical components. The construction industry also contributes significantly, utilizing aramids in reinforced composites for enhanced structural integrity and durability. While precise market size figures are not provided, considering the robust growth in these key sectors and a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), a reasonable estimate for the 2025 market size would be in the range of $2-3 billion USD. This estimate considers the established players like DuPont and Teijin, alongside emerging Asian manufacturers, contributing to both innovation and competitive pricing.
Looking ahead, several trends will shape the aramid market's trajectory. Increased focus on sustainability will drive demand for recycled and biodegradable aramid alternatives, albeit challenging given the material's inherent properties. Technological advancements leading to improved fiber properties, such as enhanced strength and flexibility, are also expected. However, the market faces restraints such as high raw material costs and fluctuating energy prices, potentially affecting production costs and overall profitability. Competitive intensity among established players and new entrants will further influence market dynamics. Regional variations in growth are anticipated, with mature markets in North America and Europe experiencing steady growth, while emerging economies in Asia are likely to demonstrate higher growth rates due to infrastructure development and increasing industrialization. The forecast period (2025-2033) promises continued expansion for the aramid market, though the exact growth trajectory remains dependent on macroeconomic factors and industry-specific technological breakthroughs.

Aramids Market: A Comprehensive Market Report (2019-2033)
This comprehensive Aramids Market report provides an in-depth analysis of the global aramid fiber market, encompassing market dynamics, growth trends, regional dominance, product landscape, key challenges, emerging opportunities, and key players. The report covers the period from 2019 to 2033, with a focus on the forecast period from 2025 to 2033. The base year for the analysis is 2025. This report is crucial for industry professionals, investors, and anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of this high-growth sector. The report leverages extensive primary and secondary research methodologies to offer actionable insights across the entire value chain. Projected market values are presented in millions of units.
Aramids Market Dynamics & Structure
The aramid market is characterized by moderate concentration, with a few dominant players holding significant market share. Technological innovation is a crucial driver, particularly in developing high-performance fibers with enhanced properties like strength, heat resistance, and chemical stability. Stringent regulatory frameworks related to safety and environmental standards influence manufacturing practices and product development. The market faces competition from alternative materials, including carbon fiber and other high-strength polymers. The end-user demographics are diverse, spanning various industries like aerospace, automotive, protective apparel, and industrial applications. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity has been relatively moderate in recent years, reflecting the consolidation of the industry.
- Market Concentration: Moderate, with top 5 players holding approximately xx% market share (2024).
- Technological Innovation: Key focus on improving strength-to-weight ratio, heat resistance, and cost-effectiveness.
- Regulatory Framework: Stringent safety and environmental regulations impacting manufacturing processes.
- Competitive Substitutes: Carbon fiber, other high-strength polymers pose competitive challenges.
- End-User Demographics: Diversified across aerospace, automotive, protective apparel, and industrial sectors.
- M&A Activity: xx number of significant M&A deals observed between 2019-2024.
Aramids Market Growth Trends & Insights
The global aramids market experienced robust growth during the historical period (2019-2024), driven by increasing demand from key end-use sectors. The market size is projected to reach xx million units by 2025, and exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth is fueled by several factors, including advancements in aramid fiber technology leading to improved performance characteristics, rising demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in various industries, and increasing government investments in infrastructure development across many regions. Furthermore, changing consumer preferences towards durable and high-performance products are bolstering market growth. Technological disruptions, such as the introduction of novel manufacturing processes, are expected to further accelerate market expansion. Market penetration in emerging economies remains significant opportunity for expansion.

Dominant Regions, Countries, or Segments in Aramids Market
The Asia-Pacific region currently dominates the global aramid market, driven by rapid industrialization, robust infrastructure development, and a large manufacturing base. China, in particular, holds a significant market share due to its extensive production capacity and growing demand for aramid fibers across various sectors. North America and Europe also contribute substantially to market growth, driven by aerospace and defense spending, and a focus on advanced material adoption.
- Key Drivers for Asia-Pacific: Rapid industrialization, infrastructure development, growing automotive and textile sectors.
- Key Drivers for North America: Aerospace and defense sector investments, increasing demand for high-performance materials.
- Key Drivers for Europe: Strong focus on advanced materials, stringent safety regulations stimulating demand for protective apparel.
- Market Share: Asia-Pacific holds approximately xx% market share, followed by North America (xx%) and Europe (xx%). Growth potential remains high in emerging economies.
Aramids Market Product Landscape
The aramid market offers a diverse range of products, including para-aramids and meta-aramids, each with unique properties tailored to specific applications. Para-aramids are known for their exceptional strength and high heat resistance, while meta-aramids are characterized by their superior balance of strength, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Continuous innovation focuses on enhancing these properties, improving processing capabilities, and expanding application possibilities. The development of new hybrid materials and functionalized aramids further diversifies the product landscape.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Aramids Market
Key Drivers:
- Increasing demand from the aerospace and defense industries for high-strength, lightweight materials.
- Growing adoption in the automotive sector for safety applications and lightweighting initiatives.
- Rising demand for protective apparel in various industries.
- Government investments in infrastructure projects driving demand.
Key Challenges:
- Fluctuations in raw material prices impacting manufacturing costs.
- Stringent environmental regulations imposing compliance challenges.
- Intense competition among manufacturers, particularly in pricing pressures.
- Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical factors.
Emerging Opportunities in Aramids Market
- Expanding applications in renewable energy technologies (wind turbines, solar panels).
- Growing demand for high-performance composites in construction and infrastructure.
- Potential for use in advanced electronics and medical devices.
- Development of sustainable and biodegradable aramid alternatives.
Growth Accelerators in the Aramids Market Industry
Technological advancements are driving long-term growth, particularly in developing high-performance aramid fibers with enhanced properties. Strategic partnerships and collaborations among industry players, alongside aggressive market expansion strategies, particularly in developing countries, are further propelling growth. The focus on developing sustainable and eco-friendly aramid production methods is also emerging as a key growth accelerator.
Key Players Shaping the Aramids Market Market
- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation
- DuPont
- Huvis Corp
- Hyosung Advanced Materials
- JSC "Kamenskvolokno"
- Kolon Industries Inc
- Taekwang Industrial Co Ltd
- Teijin Limited
- X-FIPER New Material Co Ltd
- Yantai Tayho Advanced Materials Co Ltd
Notable Milestones in Aramids Market Sector
- November 2021: Yantai Tayho Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. launched a new meta-aramid industrialization project utilizing cutting-edge third-generation technology.
- November 2020: Teijin announced a 25% expansion of its aramid production capacity, aiming to increase global sales.
- April 2020: Yantai Tayho Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. successfully launched the trial production of Taparan para-aramid, boosting high-performance fiber supply.
In-Depth Aramids Market Market Outlook
The future of the aramid market is bright, driven by continuous technological innovation, increasing demand from diverse sectors, and expanding applications. Strategic partnerships, focused R&D efforts, and exploration of new markets present significant opportunities for growth and profitability. The market is poised for sustained expansion, driven by factors like lightweighting initiatives, growing demand for high-strength materials, and a focus on sustainable solutions.
Aramids Market Segmentation
-
1. End User Industry
- 1.1. Aerospace
- 1.2. Automotive
- 1.3. Electrical and Electronics
- 1.4. Industrial and Machinery
- 1.5. Other End-user Industries
Aramids Market Segmentation By Geography
-
1. North America
- 1.1. United States
- 1.2. Canada
- 1.3. Mexico
-
2. South America
- 2.1. Brazil
- 2.2. Argentina
- 2.3. Rest of South America
-
3. Europe
- 3.1. United Kingdom
- 3.2. Germany
- 3.3. France
- 3.4. Italy
- 3.5. Spain
- 3.6. Russia
- 3.7. Benelux
- 3.8. Nordics
- 3.9. Rest of Europe
-
4. Middle East & Africa
- 4.1. Turkey
- 4.2. Israel
- 4.3. GCC
- 4.4. North Africa
- 4.5. South Africa
- 4.6. Rest of Middle East & Africa
-
5. Asia Pacific
- 5.1. China
- 5.2. India
- 5.3. Japan
- 5.4. South Korea
- 5.5. ASEAN
- 5.6. Oceania
- 5.7. Rest of Asia Pacific

Aramids Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of % from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Global Aramids Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User Industry
- 5.1.1. Aerospace
- 5.1.2. Automotive
- 5.1.3. Electrical and Electronics
- 5.1.4. Industrial and Machinery
- 5.1.5. Other End-user Industries
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.2.1. North America
- 5.2.2. South America
- 5.2.3. Europe
- 5.2.4. Middle East & Africa
- 5.2.5. Asia Pacific
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User Industry
- 6. North America Aramids Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User Industry
- 6.1.1. Aerospace
- 6.1.2. Automotive
- 6.1.3. Electrical and Electronics
- 6.1.4. Industrial and Machinery
- 6.1.5. Other End-user Industries
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User Industry
- 7. South America Aramids Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User Industry
- 7.1.1. Aerospace
- 7.1.2. Automotive
- 7.1.3. Electrical and Electronics
- 7.1.4. Industrial and Machinery
- 7.1.5. Other End-user Industries
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User Industry
- 8. Europe Aramids Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User Industry
- 8.1.1. Aerospace
- 8.1.2. Automotive
- 8.1.3. Electrical and Electronics
- 8.1.4. Industrial and Machinery
- 8.1.5. Other End-user Industries
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User Industry
- 9. Middle East & Africa Aramids Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User Industry
- 9.1.1. Aerospace
- 9.1.2. Automotive
- 9.1.3. Electrical and Electronics
- 9.1.4. Industrial and Machinery
- 9.1.5. Other End-user Industries
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User Industry
- 10. Asia Pacific Aramids Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User Industry
- 10.1.1. Aerospace
- 10.1.2. Automotive
- 10.1.3. Electrical and Electronics
- 10.1.4. Industrial and Machinery
- 10.1.5. Other End-user Industries
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User Industry
- 11. Competitive Analysis
- 11.1. Global Market Share Analysis 2024
- 11.2. Company Profiles
- 11.2.1 China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation
- 11.2.1.1. Overview
- 11.2.1.2. Products
- 11.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.2 DuPont
- 11.2.2.1. Overview
- 11.2.2.2. Products
- 11.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.3 Huvis Corp
- 11.2.3.1. Overview
- 11.2.3.2. Products
- 11.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.4 Hyosung Advanced Materials
- 11.2.4.1. Overview
- 11.2.4.2. Products
- 11.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.5 JSC "Kamenskvolokno"
- 11.2.5.1. Overview
- 11.2.5.2. Products
- 11.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.6 Kolon Industries Inc
- 11.2.6.1. Overview
- 11.2.6.2. Products
- 11.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.7 Taekwang Industrial Co Ltd
- 11.2.7.1. Overview
- 11.2.7.2. Products
- 11.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.8 Teijin Limited
- 11.2.8.1. Overview
- 11.2.8.2. Products
- 11.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.9 X-FIPER New Material Co Ltd
- 11.2.9.1. Overview
- 11.2.9.2. Products
- 11.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.10 Yantai Tayho Advanced Materials Co Ltd
- 11.2.10.1. Overview
- 11.2.10.2. Products
- 11.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.1 China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global Aramids Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Region 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Aramids Market Revenue (Million), by End User Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 3: North America Aramids Market Revenue Share (%), by End User Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 4: North America Aramids Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 5: North America Aramids Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 6: South America Aramids Market Revenue (Million), by End User Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 7: South America Aramids Market Revenue Share (%), by End User Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 8: South America Aramids Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 9: South America Aramids Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 10: Europe Aramids Market Revenue (Million), by End User Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 11: Europe Aramids Market Revenue Share (%), by End User Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 12: Europe Aramids Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 13: Europe Aramids Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 14: Middle East & Africa Aramids Market Revenue (Million), by End User Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 15: Middle East & Africa Aramids Market Revenue Share (%), by End User Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 16: Middle East & Africa Aramids Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 17: Middle East & Africa Aramids Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 18: Asia Pacific Aramids Market Revenue (Million), by End User Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 19: Asia Pacific Aramids Market Revenue Share (%), by End User Industry 2024 & 2032
- Figure 20: Asia Pacific Aramids Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 21: Asia Pacific Aramids Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: United States Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Canada Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Mexico Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Brazil Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Argentina Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Rest of South America Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: United Kingdom Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Germany Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: France Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Italy Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Spain Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Russia Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Benelux Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Nordics Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Rest of Europe Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: Turkey Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: Israel Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: GCC Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: North Africa Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: South Africa Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: Rest of Middle East & Africa Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User Industry 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: Global Aramids Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: China Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: India Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: Japan Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: South Korea Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: ASEAN Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: Oceania Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: Rest of Asia Pacific Aramids Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Aramids Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately N/A%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Aramids Market?
Key companies in the market include China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, DuPont, Huvis Corp, Hyosung Advanced Materials, JSC "Kamenskvolokno", Kolon Industries Inc, Taekwang Industrial Co Ltd, Teijin Limited, X-FIPER New Material Co Ltd, Yantai Tayho Advanced Materials Co Ltd.
3. What are the main segments of the Aramids Market?
The market segments include End User Industry.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
N/A
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
N/A
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
November 2021: A new project of Newstar meta-aramid industrialization was put into production by Yantai Tayho Advanced Materials Co.,Ltd. The project makes use of third-generation meta-aramid manufacturing technology, which is at the forefront of the international market.November 2020: Teijin announced plans to expand its production capacity of Aramids by 25% and increase its sales volume across locations.April 2020: Yantai Tayho Advanced Materials Co.,Ltd. has successfully launched the trial production of Taparan para-aramid. The increase in capacity due to quality upgrading contributes to the increasing demand for high performance fiber both domestically and globally.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 3800, USD 4500, and USD 5800 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Aramids Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Aramids Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Aramids Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Aramids Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence