Global Industrial Sulfuric Acid Market Size Likely to Reach at a CAGR of 10.67% By 2033

According to recent market research by the CMI Team, there will be a 10.67% CAGR in the size of the global industrial sulfuric acid market from 2024 to 2033. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 13.79 Billion. By 2033, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 34.34 Billion.

Industrial Sulfuric Acid Market: Growth Factors and Dynamics

• Agricultural Demand: The rising global population necessitates increased agricultural productivity, driving demand for phosphate fertilizers where sulfuric acid is a crucial component. This is particularly significant in emerging economies with expanding agricultural sectors like India and Brazil.

• Chemical Manufacturing Expansion: Sulfuric acid is essential in various chemical manufacturing processes, including detergents, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. These industries’ continued growth and diversification fuel a steady demand for sulfuric acid, particularly in developed regions like North America and Europe.

• Metal Processing Needs: The demand for sulfuric acid in metal processing, especially for purifying non-ferrous metals such as copper and zinc, is increasing due to rising industrial activities and infrastructure projects worldwide. Countries with robust mining activities, like Australia and South Africa, see substantial sulfuric acid consumption.

• Petroleum Refining Applications: Sulfuric acid plays a vital role in refining petroleum and producing high-octane gasoline. The growing global energy consumption and the ongoing expansion of the petroleum sector significantly contribute to market demand, particularly in oil-rich regions like the Middle East.

• Automotive Industry Growth: The production of lead-acid batteries for automotive applications relies heavily on sulfuric acid. As global vehicle production, including electric vehicles that use lead-acid batteries for auxiliary power, continues to rise, so does the demand for sulfuric acid. Major automotive manufacturing hubs such as China, Japan, and Germany are key markets.

• Technological Advancements: Innovations in production processes and sulfuric acid recycling enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. These technological advancements, such as more efficient catalysts and emission control technologies, make sulfuric acid more attractive to various industries, boosting market growth.

• Economic Growth in Emerging Markets: Rapid industrialization and urbanization in emerging markets like China, India, and Brazil drive the demand for sulfuric acid across various applications, from agriculture to industrial manufacturing. These markets are also witnessing increased infrastructure investment, further fueling demand.

• Infrastructure Development: Increased investments in infrastructure projects globally, particularly in developing regions, are spurring the demand for sulfuric acid in construction materials and metal processing. Countries with large-scale infrastructure projects, such as India’s urban development initiatives, see a surge in sulfuric acid consumption.

• Regulatory Support for Sustainable Practices: Government regulations promoting sustainable agricultural practices and industrial processes are boosting the demand for sulfuric acid. Policies encouraging high-efficiency fertilizers and environmentally friendly chemical processes contribute to market growth.

• Rising Demand for Specialty Chemicals: The demand for specialty chemicals, which often require sulfuric acid in their manufacturing processes, is increasing. This is driven by the electronics, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology sectors, where high-purity sulfuric acid is essential.

• Expanding Global Trade: The growth in global trade and international supply chains is facilitating the distribution of sulfuric acid to various industrial hubs. Improved logistics and transportation infrastructure enable more efficient supply chain management, supporting market expansion.

• Investment in Research and Development: Companies are investing heavily in R&D to develop new applications and improve production processes for sulfuric acid. These investments lead to innovations that enhance product quality and expand the utility of sulfuric acid across different industries.

Industrial Sulfuric Acid Market: Plant Launches and Acquisitions

• In January 2024, Coromandel International Ltd. received board approval to establish new phosphoric and sulphuric acid plants at its Kakinada unit in Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of ₹1,029 crore. The new facilities will add 750 tonnes per day (TPD) of phosphoric acid and 1,800 TPD of sulphuric acid within 24 months, enhancing the existing capacity. This initiative aims to reduce import dependence and make Kakinada an integrated facility.

• In October 2023, Coromandel International commissioned a ₹400 crore sulphuric acid plant at its Visakhapatnam complex. With a capacity of 1,650 metric tonnes per day (MTPD), the new plant increases Coromandel’s sulphuric acid capacity to 1.1 million tonnes per annum from 0.6 million tonnes. This investment supports its phosphoric acid and fertilizer production, enhancing backward integration and self-sufficiency.

• In June 2023, Sumitomo Corporation expanded its market presence and function in the U.S. sulfuric acid business by acquiring Saconix LLC. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance Sumitomo’s supply chain capabilities and strengthen its position in the sulfuric acid market. Saconix LLC, known for its robust distribution network and strong customer base, will enable Sumitomo to serve its clients better and meet the growing demand for sulfuric acid in various industries. This move aligns with Sumitomo’s commitment to expanding its chemical business and providing integrated solutions to its customers.

Report Scope

Industrial Sulfuric Acid Market: COVID-19 Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the Industrial Sulfuric Acid Market, with the industry experiencing positive and negative effects. Here are some of the key impacts:

• Disruption in International Trade and Businesses: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted international trade and businesses, significantly affecting the Industrial Sulfuric Acid Market. Governments have imposed restrictions on the transit of people and goods, leading to disruptions in supply chains and manufacturing processes, impacting sulfuric acid production and distribution.

• Demand Fluctuations: The pandemic led to disruptions in various sectors, including agriculture, chemical manufacturing, and petroleum refining, which are major consumers of sulfuric acid. Lockdown measures, supply chain disruptions, and reduced industrial activities resulted in a slowdown in manufacturing activities across these sectors. Many ongoing projects were delayed or put on hold due to uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, reducing demand for sulfuric acid.

• Regulatory Framework and Market Restraints: The regulatory framework surrounding the use of sulfuric acid has been influenced by the pandemic, with potential changes in safety standards and regulations affecting market operations. Economic uncertainties resulting from the pandemic have posed challenges such as high costs, technical limitations, and a lack of skilled workforce, restraining market growth.

• Operational Challenges: Implementing health and safety protocols in manufacturing facilities added operational challenges and increased production costs. Labor shortages and workforce disruptions, including illness-related absences and quarantine measures, affected production capacities and efficiency in the Industrial Sulfuric Acid Market.

• Adaptive Strategies and Focus on Innovation: Companies adopted remote work arrangements, digitalized sales and marketing efforts, and diversified supply chain sources to mitigate the pandemic’s impact. Some firms directed efforts towards innovating production processes, integrating advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in sulfuric acid production.

• Technological Advancements: Ongoing advancements in sulfuric acid production technology, such as improved process controls, AI-based management systems, and enhanced connectivity, are opening doors to new applications and expanding the market potential for sulfuric acid. These innovations are aimed at improving operational efficiency and product quality.

• Automation Push: The pandemic highlighted the importance of automation in manufacturing and industrial environments to minimize reliance on human labor. This could have led to a slight increase in demand for automated sulfuric acid production systems in specific applications that remained operational during lockdowns.

• Focus on Sustainability: The market is also increasingly emphasizing sustainability, with manufacturers developing eco-friendly production methods that use less energy and reduce waste. This trend aligns with the increasing industrial and regulatory focus on environmentally responsible practices.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a mixed impact on the Industrial sulfuric Acid Market, with some challenges and opportunities arising from the pandemic.

List of the prominent players in the Industrial Sulfuric Acid Market:

• BASF SE
• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• DuPont
• The Mosaic Company
• Chemtrade Logistics Inc.
• Southern States Chemical
• PVS Chemicals
• Aditya Birla Group
• Khaitan Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited
• Aurubis AG
• Eco Services Operations LLC
• Vale Fertilizantes S.A.
• Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.
• Agrium Inc.
• Oxbow Corporation
• Honeywell International Inc.
• KMG Chemicals
• Stepan Company
• Tessenderlo Group
• Ineos Enterprises Limited
• Others

The Industrial Sulfuric Acid Market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Concentrated Sulfuric Acid
• Tower/Glover Acid
• Battery Acid
• Others

By Application

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

By End Use Industry

• Agriculture
• Chemicals
• Metals & Mining
• Petroleum
• Automotive
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America