Global Sulfuric Acid Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report By Raw Material (Elemental Sulfur, Base Metal Smelters, Pyrite Ore and Others), By Application, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2023 - 2030

Global Sulfuric Acid Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report By Raw Material (Elemental Sulfur, Base Metal Smelters, Pyrite Ore and Others), By Application, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2023 - 2030

The Global Sulfuric Acid Market size is expected to reach $17.9 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 3.7% CAGR during the forecast period. In the year 2022, the market attained a volume of 70,813.7 kilo tonnes, experiencing a growth of 3.5% (2019-2022).

Sulfuric acid is widely used for the production of various types of fertilizers. Hence, the fertilizers segment will register more than 49% share in the market by 2030. This growth is attributed to the fact that sulfuric acid is commonly used in producing fertilizers due to its acidic solid properties and capacity to break down raw materials and create the necessary nutrients for plant growth. The process involves combining sulfuric acid with other substances, such as ammonia, to create ammonium sulfate and other nitrogen and phosphate-based fertilizers. Some of the factors impacting the market are High demand across industries, expanding use of sulfuric acid in agriculture, and associated health and environmental concerns.

The high demand for sulfuric acid across various industries can be attributed to its versatility and essential role in numerous chemical processes. One of the most significant uses of sulfuric acid is in the agriculture sector for producing fertilizers like ammonium sulfate and superphosphate of lime. Some newer types of lead-acid batteries, designed for start-stop or mild hybrid systems, also require sulfuric acid. Thus, due to the important role that sulfuric acid plays in various industries, it is expected to maintain its growth throughout the forecast period. Sulfuric acid is a key component in agricultural practices, serving multiple functions that help improve soil fertility, adjust pH levels, and facilitate the production of fertilizers. Its multi-faceted role makes it an indispensable chemical in modern agriculture. Given its various applications, sulfuric acid plays a pivotal role in modern agriculture. Its usage helps improve soil quality, enhance nutrient availability, and increase crop yields, making it essential for global food production. Therefore, the expanding use of sulfuric acid in this industry is propelling the growth of the market.

However, sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive and reactive substance that poses several health and environmental risks. Its use and handling require strict precautions to protect workers, communities, and the environment. Direct contact with sulfuric acid can cause severe burns and irritation. Agencies like the EPA in the United States regulate the emissions and disposal of sulfuric acid and its byproducts to protect the environment. These associated concerns, therefore, increase the level of difficulty in working with sulfuric acid. Hence, such factors can hamper the growth of the market in the coming years.

Raw Material Outlook

Based on raw material, the market is segmented into elemental sulfur, base metal smelters, pyrite ore, and others. The pyrite ore segment acquired a significant revenue share in the market in 2022. This mineral resource produces sulfuric acid, specifically when elemental sulfur is not easily accessible. To manufacture sulfuric acid, pyrite undergoes the "contact process," where sulfur dioxide gas is oxidized to sulfur trioxide, which then dissolves in water to produce sulfuric acid. While pyrite is vital in multiple industrial applications, using it as a raw material for sulfuric acid production poses environmental hazards. Thus, the critical objective is the optimal utilization of pyrite while preventing its harmful ecological consequences.

Application Outlook

On the basis of application, the market is divided into fertilizers, chemical manufacturing, metal processing, petroleum refining, textile industry, automotive, pulp & paper, and others. In 2022, the textile industry segment recorded a substantial revenue share in the market. One of the primary uses of sulfuric acid in the textile industry is as a catalyst in dyeing natural fibers, such as wool, silk, and cotton. It activates the dye molecule, making it more likely to bond with the fibers, improving the colorfastness and dye uptake of the fabric. This process is commonly known as acid dyeing. In addition, sulfuric acid is used to prepare synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon.

Regional Outlook

Based on the region, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. The Asia Pacific region dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2022. This growth is attributed to increasing strategic developments, such as the setting up of production plants owing to the booming chemical industry and ease of availability of raw materials for sulfuric acid production. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Asia Pacific is one of the largest producers of agricultural commodities and is anticipated to account for more than half of global agricultural product and fish output by 2030. The region's arable land is shrinking, and food demand is rising due to the growing population.

The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include The Mosaic Company, Akzo Nobel N.V., BASF SE, Solvay SA, PVS Chemical Solution, INEOS Group Holdings S.A. (Bilcare Research), and Nutrien Limited

Scope of the Study

Market Segments covered in the Report:

By Raw Material (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Million, 2019-2030)

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

By Application (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Million, 2019-2030)

• Fertilizers
• Chemical Manufacturing
• Metal Processing
• Textile Industry
• Petroleum Refining
• Automotive
• Pulp & Paper
• Others

By Geography (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Million, 2019-2030)

• North America
• US
• Mexico
• Canada
• Rest of North America
• Europe
• Russia
• France
• Germany
• UK
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Thailand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Japan
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America, Middle East and Africa (LAMEA)
• Brazil
• Argentina
• South Africa
• Nigeria
• Morocco
• Chile
• Rest of LAMEA

Companies Profiled

• The Mosaic Company
• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• BASF SE
• Solvay SA
• PVS Chemical Solution
• INEOS Group Holdings S.A. (Bilcare Research)
• Nutrien Limited

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