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    Sulfuric Acid Market

    ID: MRFR/CnM/1505-CR
    128 Pages
    Priya Nagrale
    September 2023

    Sulfuric Acid Market Research Report Information By Raw Material (Elemental Sulfur, Pyrite Ores, Base Metal Smelters, Others), By Application (Fertilizers, Metal Processing, Petroleum Refining, Chemical Manufacturing, Others) and By Region - Global Forecast to 2035

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    Sulfuric Acid Market Infographic
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    Sulfuric Acid Market Summary

    As per Market Research Future Analysis, the Global Sulfuric Acid Market was valued at USD 17.33 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 74.09 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 14.12% from 2025 to 2035. The market is driven by the extensive use of sulfuric acid in fertilizer production, particularly phosphoric acid for phosphate fertilizers, which constitutes over half of global sulfuric acid consumption. Technological advancements in production processes are enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, making sulfuric acid more accessible across various industries, including agriculture, chemical manufacturing, and petroleum refining.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size USD 17.33 Billion
    2035 Market Size USD 74.09 Billion
    CAGR (2024-2035) 14.12%

    Sulfuric Acid Market Trends

    TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN SULFURIC ACID PRODUCTION

    Innovations in sulfuric acid production processes and new technologies are expected to increase production efficiency and reduce costs, which will make sulfuric acid more accessible and affordable. Some examples of technological advancements in sulfuric acid production include:

    Membrane technology: Membrane technology is being used to separate sulfur dioxide from other gases in the sulfuric acid production process. This technology is more efficient and cost-effective than traditional methods, and it also reduces emissions. Advanced oxidation processes: Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are being developed to convert sulfur dioxide into sulfuric acid without the need for traditional catalysts. This can reduce production costs and improve efficiency. Biotechnology: Biotechnology is being used to produce sulfuric acid using microorganisms, which can reduce costs and emissions compared to traditional methods. Advanced catalysts: Researchers are developing advanced catalysts that can improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of sulfuric acid production. Smart sensors: Smart sensors are being used to monitor and control the sulfuric acid production process in real-time, which can reduce costs and improve efficiency. 3D printing technology: 3D printing technology is used in the production of sulfuric acid by creating catalysts, improving the efficiency and reducing costs.

    Overall, these advancements in technology are helping to make sulfuric acid production more efficient and cost-effective, which is making it more accessible and affordable for various industries.

    The global sulfuric acid market appears to be experiencing a robust demand driven by its critical role in various industrial applications, particularly in fertilizers and chemical manufacturing.

    U.S. Geological Survey

    Sulfuric Acid Market Drivers

    Market Trends and Growth Projections

    The Global Global Sulfuric Acid Market Industry is characterized by notable trends and growth projections. The market is anticipated to grow from 17.3 USD Billion in 2024 to an impressive 74.1 USD Billion by 2035, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate of 14.12% from 2025 to 2035. This growth trajectory indicates a strong demand across various sectors, including agriculture, chemical manufacturing, and energy. As industries evolve and adapt to changing market conditions, the Global Global Sulfuric Acid Market is likely to experience dynamic shifts, driven by both technological advancements and increasing consumption across diverse applications.

    Rising Demand from Fertilizer Production

    The Global Global Sulfuric Acid Market Industry experiences a robust demand surge due to its critical role in fertilizer production, particularly phosphoric acid. As agricultural practices evolve and the need for enhanced crop yields intensifies, sulfuric acid becomes indispensable. In 2024, the market is valued at approximately 17.3 USD Billion, driven by the agricultural sector's expansion. Countries with significant agricultural outputs, such as China and India, are likely to increase their sulfuric acid consumption to meet food security goals. This trend indicates a sustained growth trajectory for the industry, with projections suggesting a market value of 74.1 USD Billion by 2035.

    Growth in Battery Production for Electric Vehicles

    The Global Global Sulfuric Acid Market Industry is poised for growth due to the increasing production of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Sulfuric acid is essential in lead-acid battery manufacturing, which remains a significant component of the EV battery market. As governments worldwide promote sustainable transportation, the demand for lead-acid batteries is likely to rise. This trend aligns with the broader shift towards renewable energy and electric mobility, potentially driving the market value significantly. With the industry's projected growth, the Global Global Sulfuric Acid Market could see substantial contributions from the automotive sector, enhancing its overall market dynamics.

    Industrial Applications and Chemical Manufacturing

    The Global Global Sulfuric Acid Market Industry benefits from diverse industrial applications, particularly in chemical manufacturing. Sulfuric acid serves as a fundamental feedstock for producing various chemicals, including hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. The ongoing industrialization in emerging economies contributes to this demand, as sectors such as textiles, dyes, and pharmaceuticals increasingly rely on sulfuric acid. The anticipated compound annual growth rate of 14.12% from 2025 to 2035 underscores the industry's potential for expansion. As industries continue to innovate and diversify, the reliance on sulfuric acid for chemical processes is expected to grow, further solidifying its market position.

    Technological Advancements in Production Processes

    The Global Global Sulfuric Acid Market Industry is significantly influenced by technological advancements in production processes. Innovations in manufacturing techniques, such as the contact process, enhance efficiency and reduce costs. These advancements enable producers to meet the rising demand while maintaining competitive pricing. As industries seek to optimize their operations, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies is likely to become more prevalent. This trend may contribute to the overall growth of the market, as improved production methods facilitate higher output levels. Consequently, the Global Global Sulfuric Acid Market is expected to benefit from these technological developments, positioning it for sustained growth.

    Environmental Regulations and Sustainable Practices

    The Global Global Sulfuric Acid Market Industry faces evolving environmental regulations that necessitate sustainable practices. As governments implement stricter emissions standards, industries are compelled to adopt cleaner production methods. This shift may lead to increased investments in sulfuric acid production technologies that minimize environmental impact. Companies that prioritize sustainability are likely to gain a competitive edge, potentially influencing market dynamics. The emphasis on eco-friendly practices could reshape the industry landscape, fostering innovation in production techniques. This trend suggests that the Global Global Sulfuric Acid Market will not only grow but also adapt to meet the demands of a more environmentally conscious market.

    Market Segment Insights

    Get more detailed insights about Sulfuric Acid Market Research Report- Forecast to 2032

    Regional Insights

    By Region, the study segments the Sulfuric Acid market into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America. The North America Sulfuric Acid market holds the largest market share and is also anticipated to account for the largest revenue share during the forecast period. The sulfuric acid market in North America is a significant market, driven by the growing demand for sulfuric acid in various industrial applications, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals.

    In the United States, the sulfuric acid market is primarily driven by the increasing use of sulfuric acid in the mining industry. The mining industry uses sulfuric acid to extract valuable metals and minerals from ore, making it an essential component in the production of copper, gold, and other metals. Additionally, the oil and gas industry also use sulfuric acid in the production of gasoline and other fuels, further fueling the market demand.

    The U.S. dominates the sulfuric acid market because of the presence of a large number of manufacturers and increasing demand from various industries such as chemical manufacturing fertilizers, among others. U.S. is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period of 2023 to 2030 due to growing demand for batteries in the automotive industry in the region. In Canada, the sulfuric acid market is mainly driven by the growing demand for fertilizer in the agriculture industry.

    Sulfuric acid is used in the production of fertilizers, and the increasing demand for food and biofuels is driving the growth of the fertilizer industry, and as a result, the demand for sulfuric acid.

    The sulfuric acid market in North America is also influenced by government regulations and policies regarding the use of sulfuric acid in different industries. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has set regulations for the use of sulfuric acid in the mining industry, to reduce the impact on the environment. This has led to the development of new technologies and processes that are more environmentally friendly, and this has helped to drive the market for sulfuric acid in North America.

    Another trend that is influencing the sulfuric acid market in North America is the growing demand for biofuels and renewable energy. The increasing use of biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, has led to the growth of the sulfuric acid market, as sulfuric acid is used in the production of these biofuels.

    October 2021, PVS Chemicals Belgium N.V. (PVS) has started up a new MECS converter and steaming equipment, licensed by DuPont Clean Technologies (DuPont) at its sulfuric acid plant in Gent, Belgium.

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Sulfuric Acid Market grow even more. Demand for sulfuric acid has been consistently growing owing to rapid growth in end-use industries. Substantial growth in population along with shrinking agricultural land across the globe is expected to elevate the demand for fertilizers and agrochemicals. Fertilizer industry is a key consumer of sulfuric acid. Thus, growing demand for fertilizers will eventually boost the growth of sulfuric acid market over the forecast period.

    Similarly, rapid growth of the metal industry along with rising popularity of sulfuric acid as an extremely strong acid expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for the sulfuric acid manufacturers. The use of metals is increasing swiftly, owing to the substantial rise in demand from certain end-use industries including automotive, construction, and various others.

    The global sulfuric acid industry is highly fragmented. The key players operating in the Sulfuric Acid Market include BASF SE (Germany), OCP Group S.A (Morocco)., The Mosaic Company (US), Nouryon (Netherland), PVS Chemicals Inc (US), Aurubis (Germany), Ineos Enterprises Limited (UK), Oriental Carbon & Chemicals Ltd. (India), Amal Ltd. (India), Dexo Fine Chem Pvt. Ltd. (India) and many more. The market players are focused on investing in research & development and adopting strategic growth initiatives such as expansion, product launches, agreement, partnership, acquisition, and merger to strengthen their market position and capture a large customer base.

    These players have adopted strategies such as joint ventures, and expansions to enhance their business revenue and market share. Expansion of production units globally is the key strategy adopted by these players to cater to the increasing demand for sulfuric acid. Several companies are following investment and expansion strategies to strengthen their production capacities and penetrate into the emerging markets. An increase in the number of H2SO4 manufacturers & suppliers is projected to boost market growth over the forecast period.

    Induron Protective Coatings announced the release of Novasafe, their newest product, in 2023. Novasafe is a thick-film, ceramic-filled, furfuryl modified novolac epoxy that is resistant to the worst conditions seen in treatment facilities. In comparison to typical epoxies, Novasafe's formulation chemistry is unique in the market and allows it to perform what treatment plant operators need in the most harsh settings with one fewer layer and a thinner film than polyurethane/polyurea. Novasafe's special resin and filler package allows it to achieve this.

    In 2019, the completion of LANXESS's sulfuric acid plant in Leverkusen, which is not only the company's oldest manufacturing site but also one of the most advanced in Europe. This location has been producing chemicals for 125 years that are still required in many facets of production and daily life.

    In Jiaxing, China, BASF opened a new electronic-grade sulfuric acid (H2SO4) plant in 2018 to cater to the nation's expanding semiconductor manufacturing sector. The plant has begun its expansion phase to double its production capacity before the facility is finished, driven by the increased demand from customers.

    BASF SE: BASF SE (BASF) is one of the leading chemical producers in the world. Its portfolio is organized into six segments, namely, chemicals, materials, industrial solutions, surface technologies, nutrition & care, and agricultural solutions. The company has an extensive regional presence. It has subsidiaries and joint ventures in more than 80 countries and operates 390 production sites in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, and Africa. BASF has customers across more than 190 countries and supplies products to a range of industries. BASF's Catalysts division is the world's leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts.

    The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products, including advanced battery materials. The company operates four sulfuric acid plants at its headquarters in Ludwigshafen, in Germany, where the latest catalyst technologies are used.

    OCP Group: OCP Group is one of the world’s largest custodian and supplier of phosphate-based fertilizers and associated products for soil health and a leader in applied science and education. Its mission is to provide customized plant nutrition solutions for healthy food production. OCP Group is a fertiliser company engaged in the extraction and distribution of phosphate-based fertiliser products. Founded in 1920, OCP Group is 95% owned by the state of Morocco, with 25% of the country’s total exports being OCP Group’s phosphates.

    The company’s leading market position is helped by having access to more than 70% of the world's phosphate reserves. OCP Group facilitates more than 30 subsidiaries and joint ventures and serves more than 160 client groups across five continents.

    Key Companies in the Sulfuric Acid Market market include

    Industry Developments

    • Q4 2024: Closure of Simplot's Lathrop, California, sulphur burner reduces US west coast supply Simplot closed its Lathrop, California, sulphur burner at the beginning of 2024, significantly reducing baseline sulfuric acid supply on the US west coast and contributing to a 35% year-on-year increase in deliveries to the region through October 2024.
    • Q4 2024: Teck's Trail Operations in British Columbia faces reduced output after fire Teck Resources' Trail Operations facility in British Columbia experienced a fire in September 2024, leading to technical issues and a 13.3% reduction in zinc production outlook for the year, with expectations of continued reduced sulfuric acid output into at least the first half of 2025.
    • Q4 2024: Rio Tinto's Kennecott smelter in Utah to continue lower output into 2025 Rio Tinto's Kennecott smelter in Utah is expected to maintain reduced sulfuric acid output into 2025 due to lower copper ore quality and decreased copper concentrate production, prompting the company to purchase additional concentrate from third-party suppliers.

    Future Outlook

    Sulfuric Acid Market Future Outlook

    The Global Sulfuric Acid Market is projected to grow at a 14.12% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by industrial demand, battery production, and environmental regulations.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Invest in advanced production technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Explore partnerships with battery manufacturers to supply sulfuric acid for energy storage solutions. Develop eco-friendly sulfuric acid alternatives to meet regulatory demands and consumer preferences.

    By 2035, the market is expected to exhibit robust growth, positioning itself as a key player in global industrial applications.

    Market Segmentation

    Sulfuric Acid Regional Outlook

    • {"North America"=>["US"
    • "Canada"]}
    • {"Europe"=>["Germany"
    • "France"
    • "UK"
    • "Italy"
    • "Spain"
    • "Russia"
    • "Rest of Europe"]}
    • {"Asia-Pacific"=>["China"
    • "Japan"
    • "India"
    • "Australia & New zealand"
    • "Rest of Asia-Pacific"]}
    • {"Middle East & Africa"=>["GCC"
    • "Rest of Middle East & Africa"]}
    • {"Latin America"=>["Brazil"
    • "Mexico"
    • "Argentina"
    • "Rest of Latin America"]}

    Sulfuric Acid Application Outlook

    • Fertilizers
    • Metal Processing
    • Petroleum Refining
    • Chemical Manufacturing
    • Others

    Sulfuric Acid Raw Material Outlook

    • Elemental Sulfur
    • Pyrite Ores
    • Base Metal Smelters
    • Others

    Report Scope

    Attribute/Metric Details
    Market Size 2024 USD 17.33 billion
    Market Size 2035 74.09
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 14.12% (2025 - 2035)
    Base Year 2024
    Forecast Period 2025 - 2035
    Historical Data 2019 & 2021
    Forecast Units Value (USD Billion), Volume (Kilo Tons)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Segments Covered Raw Material, Application and Region
    Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America
    Countries Covered The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, India, Australia & New zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, GCC, and others.
    Key Companies Profiled BASF SE (Germany), The Mosaic Company (US), Nouryon (Netherland), PVS Chemicals Inc, Aurubis, Ineos Enterprises Limited, Oriental Carbon & Chemicals Ltd., Amal Ltd., and Dexo Fine Chem Pvt. Ltd.
    Key Market Opportunities ·       Technological advancements in sulfuric acid production
    Key Market Dynamics ·       Expansion of global phosphate fertilizers industry to increase consumption of sulfuric acid
    Market Size 2025 19.78

    Market Highlights

    Author
    Priya Nagrale
    Senior Research Analyst

    With an experience of over five years in market research industry (Chemicals & Materials domain), I gather and analyze market data from diverse sources to produce results, which are then presented back to a client. Also, provide recommendations based on the findings. As a Senior Research Analyst, I perform quality checks (QC) for market estimations, QC for reports, and handle queries and work extensively on client customizations. Also, handle the responsibilities of client proposals, report planning, report finalization, and execution

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    FAQs

    How much is the Sulfuric Acid Market?

    Sulfuric Acid Market Size was valued at USD 15.9 billion in 2023

    What is the growth rate of the Sulfuric Acid Market?

    The market is predicted to accrue revenues at a CAGR of 14.1% from 2024 - 2032.

    Which region held the largest market share in the Sulfuric Acid Market?

    Asia Pacific had the largest share in the global market

    Who are the key players in the Sulfuric Acid Market?

    BASF SE (Germany), OCP Group S.A (Morocco)., The Mosaic Company (US), Nouryon (Netherland), PVS Chemicals Inc (US), Aurubis, Ineos Enterprises Limited (UK), Oriental Carbon & Chemicals Ltd. (India), Amal Ltd. (India), Dexo Fine Chem Pvt. Ltd. (India)

    Which Raw Material led the Sulfuric Acid Market?

    Element Sulfur had the largest share in the global market.

    Which Application had the largest market share in the Sulfuric Acid Market?

    The Fertilizers category dominated the market in 2023.

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