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    Carbon Trading Market

    ID: MRFR/CnM/21268-HCR
    111 Pages
    Chitranshi Jaiswal
    October 2025

    Carbon Trading Market Research Report By Carbon Credit Type (Kyoto Credits, CERs/ERs, VERs, CCERs), By Trading Platform (Exchange-based, Over-the-Counter (OTC), Bilateral Contracts, Auction Platforms, Registry-Based Systems), By Application (Compliance, Voluntary Offsetting, Carbon Finance, Risk Management, Speculative Trading), By Carbon Market Type (Cap-and-Trade, Offset-Based, Baseline-and-Credit, Tax-Based), By Methodology (Project-Based, Sector-Based, Jurisdictional, Technology-Based, Nature-Based Solutions) and By Regional (North Ameri...

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    Carbon Trading Market Infographic
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    Carbon Trading Market Summary

    The Global Carbon Trading Market is poised for substantial growth, expanding from 866.04 USD Billion in 2024 to 8309.50 USD Billion by 2035.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Carbon Trading Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 22.82 percent from 2025 to 2035.
    • By 2035, the market valuation is expected to reach approximately 8309.4 USD Billion, indicating robust expansion.
    • in 2024, the market is valued at 866.04 USD Billion, reflecting the increasing importance of carbon trading in global economies.
    • Growing adoption of carbon trading mechanisms due to regulatory pressures is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 866.04 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 8309.50 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 22.82%

    Major Players

    Verra, Gold Standard Foundation, Climate Action Reserve, Australian Carbon Credit Units, American Carbon Registry, Tokyo Cap-and-Trade Program, Shenzhen Carbon Exchange, California Carbon Exchange, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Alberta Carbon Trading System, Quebec Cap-and-Trade Program, European Union Emissions Trading System

    Carbon Trading Market Trends

    The Carbon Trading Market is witnessing a surge in demand due to increasing environmental concerns and government regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Key market drivers include the transition to low-carbon energy sources, the growth of the global economy, and the increasing adoption of carbon pricing mechanisms by various countries.

    Opportunities abound in the carbon trading market, including the development of new technologies for carbon capture and storage, the expansion of carbon trading platforms, and the integration of carbon trading into financial markets. Market trends reveal a shift towards voluntary carbon markets, the emergence of carbon credits as a new asset class, and the growing importance of transparency and traceability in carbon trading transactions.

    Unveiling key market drivers, exploring untapped opportunities, and staying abreast of emerging trends is crucial for businesses seeking to capitalize on the burgeoning carbon trading market. By understanding these dynamics, organizations can contribute to the fight against climate change while unlocking new revenue streams and investment opportunities.

     

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    The global carbon trading market is poised for substantial growth as nations increasingly commit to ambitious climate targets and seek innovative mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

    Carbon Trading Market Drivers

    Regulatory Frameworks

    The establishment of robust regulatory frameworks appears to be a primary driver of the Global Carbon Trading Market Industry. Governments worldwide are increasingly implementing stringent emissions reduction targets, which necessitate the adoption of carbon trading mechanisms. For instance, the European Union Emissions Trading System has set ambitious goals for carbon neutrality by 2050, influencing global standards. This regulatory push is expected to elevate the market's value to approximately 866.0 USD Billion in 2024, as companies seek compliance through trading carbon credits. Such frameworks not only promote accountability but also incentivize investments in cleaner technologies, thereby fostering a more sustainable economy.

    Market Growth Projections

    The Global Carbon Trading Market Industry is projected to experience substantial growth, with estimates indicating a market value of 866.0 USD Billion in 2024 and a staggering 8309.4 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory reflects a compound annual growth rate of 22.82% from 2025 to 2035. Such projections underscore the increasing recognition of carbon trading as a viable mechanism for achieving emissions reduction targets globally. As more countries implement carbon pricing strategies and businesses adopt sustainability practices, the market is likely to expand significantly, driven by both regulatory frameworks and corporate initiatives.

    Technological Advancements

    Technological advancements in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are poised to enhance the Global Carbon Trading Market Industry. Innovations in CCS can lead to more efficient carbon credit generation, making it easier for companies to participate in trading. For instance, advancements in direct air capture technology are enabling firms to remove CO2 from the atmosphere more effectively. This not only supports compliance with regulatory requirements but also increases the availability of carbon credits in the market. As these technologies mature, they may contribute to a compound annual growth rate of 22.82% from 2025 to 2035, reflecting the increasing integration of technology in carbon trading.

    Investment in Renewable Energy

    Investment in renewable energy sources is a crucial driver of the Global Carbon Trading Market Industry. As countries transition towards greener energy solutions, the demand for carbon credits is likely to rise. For example, nations like China and India are investing heavily in solar and wind energy, which can generate carbon credits through emissions reductions. This shift not only supports national energy security but also aligns with global climate goals. The increasing investment in renewables may lead to a more dynamic carbon trading market, potentially reaching a valuation of 8309.4 USD Billion by 2035, as more entities seek to capitalize on the benefits of clean energy.

    Corporate Sustainability Initiatives

    Corporate sustainability initiatives are gaining traction, significantly impacting the Global Carbon Trading Market Industry. Many corporations are committing to net-zero emissions targets, which often involve participation in carbon trading schemes. For example, major companies like Microsoft and Google have pledged to offset their carbon footprints through purchasing carbon credits. This trend is likely to drive market growth, as businesses recognize the financial and reputational benefits of sustainable practices. As a result, the market could expand substantially, with projections indicating a potential value of 8309.4 USD Billion by 2035, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of environmental stewardship.

    Public Awareness and Consumer Demand

    Public awareness regarding climate change and consumer demand for sustainable products are driving forces in the Global Carbon Trading Market Industry. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, companies are compelled to adopt sustainable practices, including engaging in carbon trading. This shift is evident in sectors such as fashion and food, where brands are increasingly transparent about their carbon footprints. The heightened consumer demand for sustainability is likely to encourage more businesses to participate in carbon trading, thereby expanding the market. This trend suggests a potential market growth trajectory that aligns with the projected CAGR of 22.82% from 2025 to 2035.

    Market Segment Insights

    Carbon Trading Market Carbon Credit Type Insights

    Carbon Credit Type is a crucial segment of the Carbon Trading Market, which includes a variety of carbon credits representing different emission reduction or removal methods. Kyoto Credits, CERs/ERs, VERs, and CCERs are the key market segment participants. Kyoto Credits are the oldest type of carbon credits, which originated from the Kyoto Protocol. Since the Kyoto Protocol’s first commitment period has expired, the issuance and trading volume of Kyoto Credits have significantly decreased in the past years. Nevertheless, Kyoto Credits continue to have value in some compliance markets, especially in Japan.

    CERs and ERs are credits obtained under the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol. Such credits represent the emission reductions resulting from projects in developing countries contributing to sustainable development. Having a remarkable share of the carbon market, the market value of CERs/ERs is expected to be bound to USD 2.3 billion in 2024. such value is attributed to an increasing demand for carbon offset projects from corporations and governments. VERs are credits issued by voluntary carbon registries, representing emission reductions from projects conducted outside the CDM.

    VERs have also become considerably popular in recent years due to a growing demand for high-quality carbon offsets and their traceability attribute. The market value of the VERs is expected to reach USD 1.8 billion in 2024, as such potential is deemed to be fueled by an increasing number of corporations setting up net-zero targets and growing carbon markets. CCERs are credits gained under China’s national Carbon Trading Scheme, the biggest carbon market in the world. They are the China-certified emission reductions, representing emission reductions by the Chinese entities.

    Carbon Trading Market Trading Platform Insights

    The Carbon Trading Market is divided into five types of trading platforms, namely Exchange-based, Over-the-Counter, Bilateral Contracts, Auction Platforms, and Registry-Based Systems. Exchange-based platforms are expected to dominate the trading market leading up to a revenue of USD 18.5 Billion with a 12.5% CAGR growth in 2020. Over the Counter platforms are expected to be the second most leading trading market with a revenue of USD 12.2 Billion in 2024 and a 11.8 percent CAGR growth. The other trading markets will have a similar range of revenue flow made by the market.

    The Carbon Trading Market is expected to have rapid growth in the trading of carbon credits due to the large demand-supply between increased supply demand from industrial companies and stringent environmental regulation policies developed by the high-demand government in order to open awareness by promoting climate change.

    Carbon Trading Market Application Insights

    The Carbon Trading Market is segmented into various applications, including Compliance, Voluntary Offsetting, Carbon Finance, Risk Management, and Speculative Trading. Among these segments, Compliance is expected to account for the largest share of the market in 2023, with a valuation of USD 345.23 billion. This dominance is attributed to the increasing adoption of carbon pricing mechanisms by governments worldwide to meet their emission reduction targets. Voluntary Offsetting is another significant application segment, driven by the growing demand from corporations and individuals seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.

    Carbon Finance facilitates investments in emission reduction projects in developing countries, contributing to sustainable development while generating carbon credits. Risk Management and Speculative Trading segments play a smaller role in the market, providing hedging and investment opportunities related to carbon prices.

    Carbon Trading Market Carbon Market Type Insights

    The Carbon Trading Market can be segmented by Carbon Market Type into Cap-and-Trade, Offset-Based, Baseline-and-Credit, and Tax-Based. Among these, the Cap-and-Trade segment held the largest market share of around 80% in 2023. This is due to the increasing adoption of cap-and-trade systems by governments worldwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Offset-Based segment is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for carbon credits from corporations looking to offset their emissions.

    The Baseline-and-Credit segment is also expected to grow due to the emergence of new technologies that can accurately measure and track carbon emissions.

    The Tax-Based segment is expected to remain relatively small but is likely to grow as governments implement carbon taxes to discourage emissions. Overall, the Carbon Trading Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 22.82% from 2025 to 2035, reaching a valuation of approximately USD 8309.50 billion by 2035.

    Carbon Trading Market Methodology Insights

    The Carbon Trading Market is segmented based on methodology into Project-Based, Sector-Based, Jurisdictional, Technology-Based, and Nature-Based Solutions. Project-based carbon trading involves the trading of carbon credits generated from specific projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sector-based carbon trading focuses on reducing emissions from specific sectors, such as power generation or transportation. Jurisdictional carbon trading involves the trading of carbon credits generated by governments or other jurisdictions that have implemented policies to reduce emissions.

    Technology-based carbon trading involves the trading of carbon credits generated from the adoption of specific technologies that reduce emissions. Nature-based solutions carbon trading involves the trading of carbon credits generated from projects that protect or enhance natural ecosystems, which can absorb and store carbon dioxide.

    Get more detailed insights about Carbon Trading Market Research Report — Global Forecast till 2035

    Regional Insights

    The Carbon Trading Market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA. North America is the largest regional segment, accounting for a significant share of the Carbon Trading Market revenue. The region has a well-established carbon trading infrastructure and a growing number of participants. Europe is the second-largest regional segment, followed by APAC, South America, and MEA. The APAC region is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for carbon credits from China and India.

    South America and MEA are also expected to see growth in the carbon trading market but at a slower pace than APAC. Overall, the Carbon Trading Market is expected to grow at a steady pace in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for carbon credits and the implementation of new carbon trading regulations.

    Carbon Trading Market Regional Insights

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    The Carbon Trading Market industry is highly competitive, and players are always investing in R to increase their capabilities and stay ahead of the pack. Development in the industry includes partnerships, mergers and acquisitions to increase the market data and develop new products based on the advances in technology, which includes the use of computers during the 1970s. Leading Carbon Trading Market players are emulating new approaches to develop new e-commerce solutions. Further, politics may give way to new entrants within the next twenty years.

    In this regard, top players in the industry will keep accessing the new playfield within their environment. For the next couple of years, there will be a blend of existing players and new entrants with enhanced solutions for customers.

    At the moment, a leading competitor in this space is Verra. This company provides all types of programs and methodologies for quantifying and verifying GHG emission reduction. This is applicable for transactions of credits and activities benefiting various companies, entities and project developers. Verra’s programs and methodologies are accessed by governments, corporations and project developers. The standard schemes and mechanisms developed by Verra vary from country to country as they are customized to suit their purposes at an affordable price. Furthermore, the contracts and transaction safeguards are transparent, accountable and credible in terms of environmental integrity.

    The second leading competitor in this space is the Gold Standard Foundation. It offers a very robust level of certification for carbon projects. It issues certification based on whether a project passes through a stringent certification and verification process. It issues its label certification based on whether a project advances sustainable development, additionality and social and environmental quality. These features of this standard raise it to a level mark of recognition as a standard. It transacts in different projects in various sectors, which include renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation.

    Key Companies in the Carbon Trading Market market include

    Industry Developments

    • Q2 2025: Carbon pricing revenues exceeded $100 billion in 2024, says World Bank report The World Bank announced that global carbon pricing revenues surpassed $100 billion in 2024, with over half of the revenue allocated to environment, infrastructure, and development projects. The number of carbon pricing instruments in operation worldwide increased to 80, with new and expanded emissions trading systems (ETSs) contributing to the growth.
    • Q1 2025: The Intercontinental Exchange’s (ICE) Endex Energy exchange announced plans to launch a futures product for ETS2 in May 2025 ICE Endex Energy exchange revealed it will launch a futures product for the EU's new ETS2 carbon market in May 2025, enabling market participants to hedge and pre-purchase allowances ahead of the market's full launch in 2027.
    • Q1 2025: In just the first quarter of 2025, investors put over $1 billion into carbon capture startups CarbonCredits.com reported that over $1 billion was invested in carbon capture startups in Q1 2025, reflecting strong investor interest and financial support for carbon credit projects and technologies.
    • Q4 2024: Shell was the world's largest user of carbon credits in 2024, a year in which fossil fuel companies dominated the voluntary carbon market Shell used 14.1 million carbon credits in 2024, making it the largest buyer globally, with other major purchasers including Eni, Engie, Woodside Energy, and PetroChina, highlighting the dominance of fossil fuel companies in the voluntary carbon market.
    • Q4 2024: Carbon pricing now covers around 28% of global emissions The World Bank's 2025 State and Trends of Carbon Pricing report stated that by the end of 2024, about 28% of global greenhouse gas emissions were covered by a direct carbon price, with jurisdictions representing two-thirds of global GDP adopting carbon taxes or emissions trading systems.
    • Q4 2024: In 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy committed $2.5 billion to boost carbon credit projects The U.S. Department of Energy announced a $2.5 billion commitment in 2024 to support and expand carbon credit projects, aiming to accelerate the growth of the carbon credit market and finance green initiatives.

    In May 2024, ClearBlue presented a new version of the CORSIA Supply and Demand Outlook Report, disclosing the market dynamics for airlines in the participating countries. This report forecasts the supply, demand and price levels of carbon products, which assists various entities within the carbon markets.

    Blue also observed in January 2024 that the California-Quebec carbon market is likely to continue to perform well, unlike the rest of the markets, and predicted that the California Carbon Allowance (CCA) prices would not go beyond $68.45/metric ton by the end of the year which would depend on the California Nevada border emissions’ reduction targets set by CARB.

    In March 2024, it was noted that there is a growing emphasis both internationally and within California and Quebec on the use of carbon credits. This trend has prompted a greater number of initiatives aimed at incorporating carbon credits into sustainability policies amongst various businesses. Deploying carbon credits in sustainability strategies is becoming a necessity for businesses. The problems and tensions of achieving these targets necessitate an expansion of the voluntary carbon market, which will use accurate knowledge, trusted principles and dependable agents.

    In tandem, Washington State’s cap-and-invest program continued on the development path that the state’s regulatory changes tilted market price dynamics. In January 2024, the California-Quebec shared cap-and-trade program celebrated a decade with new initiatives specifically directed towards the allowance oversupply to provide some support to carbon credit prices.

    September 2023: According to EY, another trend is linked to changes in the Australian carbon market, which reflect responses to revisions in the Safeguard Mechanism. These sorts of changes are expected to increase the demand for Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). As per EY’s forecasts on the changes to the price of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), the price will double in the next 12 years, so Australian businesses should expect shifts in the carbon market.

    Future Outlook

    Carbon Trading Market Future Outlook

    The Global Carbon Trading Market is projected to grow at a 22.82% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and increasing corporate sustainability commitments.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Develop innovative carbon offset projects targeting emerging markets. Leverage blockchain technology for transparent carbon credit transactions. Create comprehensive carbon management software for businesses to track emissions.

    By 2035, the market is expected to be robust, reflecting substantial growth and increased global participation.

    Market Segmentation

    Carbon Trading Market Regional Outlook

    • North America
    • Europe
    • South America
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East and Africa

    Carbon Trading Market Application Outlook

    • {""=>["Cap-and-Trade"
    • "Offset-Based"
    • "Baseline-and-Credit"
    • "Tax-Based"]}

    Carbon Trading Market Methodology Outlook

    • {""=>["North America"
    • "Europe"
    • "South America"
    • "Asia Pacific"
    • "Middle East and Africa"]}

    Carbon Trading Market Trading Platform Outlook

    • {""=>["Compliance"
    • "Voluntary Offsetting"
    • "Carbon Finance"
    • "Risk Management"
    • "Speculative Trading"]}

    Carbon Trading Market Carbon Credit Type Outlook

    • {""=>["Exchange-based"
    • "Over-the-Counter (OTC)"
    • "Bilateral Contracts"
    • "Auction Platforms"
    • "Registry-Based Systems"]}

    Carbon Trading Market Carbon Market Type Outlook

    • {""=>["Project-Based"
    • "Sector-Based"
    • "Jurisdictional"
    • "Technology-Based"
    • "Nature-Based Solutions"]}

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/MetricDetails
    Market Size 2024866.04 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 20251,063.68 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 20358309.50 (USD Billion)
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)22.82% (2025 - 2035)
    Report CoverageRevenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Base Year2024
    Market Forecast Period2025 - 2035
    Historical Data2020 - 2024
    Market Forecast UnitsUSD Billion
    Key Companies ProfiledClimate Action Reserve, Gold Standard, American Carbon Registry, Tokyo CapandTrade Program, Shenzhen Carbon Exchange, California Carbon Exchange, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Alberta Carbon Trading System, Quebec CapandTrade Program, Australian Carbon Credit Units, Puro. earth, Western Climate Initiative, European Union Emissions Trading System, Verra
    Segments CoveredCarbon Credit Type, Trading Platform, Application, Carbon Market Type, Methodology, Regional
    Key Market OpportunitiesExpanding corporate commitments to carbon neutrality Growing demand for carbon credits Development of new carbon capture and storage technologies Increasing investor interest in carbon markets Policy support for carbon pricing
    Key Market DynamicsIncreasing demand for carbon credits Government regulations and policies Technological advancements Growing investment in renewable energy Rising awareness of climate change
    Countries CoveredNorth America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA

    FAQs

    What is the expected market size of the Carbon Trading Market in 2024?

    The Carbon Trading Market is projected to reach an overall valuation of 866.04 Billion USD in 2024.

    What is the expected growth rate of the Carbon Trading Market from 2025 to 2034?

    The Carbon Trading Market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 22.82% from 2025 to 2034.

    What are the key drivers of the Carbon Trading Market?

    The growth of the Carbon Trading Market is primarily driven by increasing government regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, rising corporate sustainability initiatives, and technological advancements in carbon capture and storage.

    What are the major regions contributing to the Carbon Trading Market?

    The major regions contributing to the Carbon Trading Market include Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East Africa.

    Who are the key competitors in the Carbon Trading Market?

    The key competitors in the Carbon Trading Market include Shell, BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and TotalEnergies.

    What are the major applications of carbon trading?

    The major applications of carbon trading include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, and enhancing energy efficiency.

    What are the challenges faced by the Carbon Trading Market?

    The Carbon Trading Market faces challenges such as price volatility, lack of harmonization across different jurisdictions, and concerns over the effectiveness of carbon credits.

    How is the Carbon Trading Market expected to evolve in the future?

    The Carbon Trading Market is expected to continue growing in the future, driven by increasing demand for carbon credits and the adoption of more stringent environmental regulations.

    What are the key trends shaping the Carbon Trading Market?

    The key trends shaping the Carbon Trading Market include the rise of voluntary carbon markets, the development of new carbon capture technologies, and the increasing adoption of carbon pricing mechanisms.

    What is the impact of the Carbon Trading Market on the environment?

    The Carbon Trading Market plays a vital role in mitigating climate change by providing economic incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices.

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