Global Formic Acid Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by the CMI Team, the global Formic Acid Market is expected to record a CAGR of 9.53% from 2024 to 2033. In 2024, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 2,310 Million. By 2033, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 5,240 Million.

The growing production of poultry protein supports the formic acid market due to its feed preservation and hygiene role. Formic acid is used as a feed preservative, lowering microbial growth and enhancing feed quality, which is crucial in poultry farming to maintain both productivity and health.

As poultry production expands globally to meet rising demands for protein, especially in emerging markets, the demand for formic acid in feed uses rises correspondingly. This trend fuels the growth of the formic acid market, highlighting its indispensable role in ensuring efficient and sustainable poultry farming practices worldwide.

Formic Acid Market – Significant Growth Factors

The Formic Acid Market presents significant growth opportunities due to several factors:

• Rising Demand from the Animal Feed Industry: Formic acid is widely utilized as a preservative and acidifier in animal feed to help prevent the formation of harmful microbes and bacteria. This is especially essential in the cattle business, where preserving feed quality and extending shelf life are critical. The rising global consumption of meat and protein, particularly in developing countries such as China and Brazil, is driving demand for high-quality animal feed, increasing the requirement for formic acid.

• Expansion of the Rubber Industry: Formic acid is used extensively in processing both natural and synthetic rubber. It is used to coagulate latex and in the final synthesis of numerous rubber types, specifically those used to make tires. With rising vehicle ownership and replacement tire demand, the rubber industry is expanding, increasing formic acid use.

• Increased Usage in Agriculture: Formic acid is used in agriculture as a silage preservative, which helps to preserve the nutritional value of livestock feed while also improving food safety. This is especially important in regions focused on high-value agricultural production and food security.

• Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industries: Formic acid is an important intermediary in producing several compounds and medications. It regulates pH levels in chemical reactions and acts as a catalyst in the manufacturing of certain chemicals. The continued development in these industries adds to the growing need for formic acid.

• Eco-Friendly Applications: Formic acid is known for its environmentally favorable characteristics. It is used for de-icing airport runways, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to standard chemicals. This use is gaining popularity, particularly in regions with harsh winters.

• Geographic Market Growth: Asia Pacific has emerged as the largest formic acid market, driven by rising demand in the animal feed and pharmaceutical industries. Europe is also predicted to rise fast, owing to increased demand for livestock feed preservatives.

Formic Acid Market – Partnership, Research and Development, and Launches

The Formic Acid Market has seen several partnership, research and development, and product launches in recent years, with companies seeking to expand their market presence and leverage synergies to improve their product offerings and profitability. Some notable examples of partnership, research and development, and launch in the Formic Acid Market include:

• In May 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific announced a partnership with BRIN to improve research infrastructure and capabilities in Indonesia. The connection will include direct engagements between the two organisations, strengthening their partnership. Thermo Fisher will use its expertise and vast portfolio to assist BRIN in increasing its research competencies and capacity.

• In October 2022, PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG) announced that it had completed the acquisition of Perstorp Holding AB (Perstorp). The acquisition is part of PCG’s plan to increase its footprint in the specialty chemicals market. PCG aims to strengthen its position in Asia Pacific markets by preserving and growing Perstorp’s value and leveraging its knowledge and staff. PCG also intends to support Perstorp’s expansion plans, including the introduction of Project Air, which aims to reduce carbon emissions through the manufacture of sustainable methanol.

• In June 2021, Incipio Group announced a strategic sustainability relationship with Eastman Chemical Company. This collaboration will allow Incipio Group to include recycled materials in its brand portfolio while also pursuing sustainable alternatives that preserve durability, clarity, and performance.

• In May 2022, The Nitto Group emphasizes ESG (Environment, Society, Governance) in its management, committing to carbon neutrality by May 2022. They focus on CO2 capture and storage technologies to reduce emissions. A key project involves producing carbon-negative formic acid from biomass-derived feedstock using CO2 and hydrogen. Nitto’s advanced catalyst enhances production efficiency and lowers costs. This formic acid, used in dairy farming silage, addresses social issues and generates economic value.

• In November 2023, OCOchem, a startup in Richland, Wash., raised $5 million to scale its technology that converts carbon dioxide into chemicals for clean hydrogen, fertilizer, and more. This process offers two climate benefits: it utilizes CO2 captured from industrial waste or directly from the air, and it produces formic acid and other chemicals that can replace fossil fuels in manufacturing.

These partnerships foster innovation and market expansion by pooling resources and expertise, accelerating Formic Acid’s research and development. Collaborative R&D efforts refine production processes and applications, boosting product efficiency and sustainability. Successful launches leverage joint capabilities to introduce enhanced Formic Acid solutions, capturing market share and driving demand through effective marketing and distribution strategies. Together, these elements synergistically support the growth of the Formic Acid market, fostering technological advancement, market penetration, and competitive advantage.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

Formic Acid Market – Significant Threats

The Formic Acid Market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability in the future. Some of these threats include:

• Regulatory Challenges: Formic acid production and consumption can be impacted by environmental rules and chemical usage limitations. Tighter restrictions aimed at decreasing emissions and environmental effects may restrict results or raise compliance costs.

• Substitute Products: Formic acid competes with other organic acids such as propionic acid, acetic acid and others in various applications. The availability of cheaper or more effective substitutes could reduce demand for formic acid.

• Volatility in Raw Material Prices: Formic acid is usually manufactured from methanol, which comes from natural gas or biomass. Fluctuations in the pricing of these raw materials can have an impact on the overall production cost of formic acid, influencing its market price and profitability.

• Economic Factors: Global economic factors, such as GDP growth rates, inflation, and currency exchange rates, can have an impact on formic acid demand in a variety of industries, including agriculture, leather production, and chemicals.

• Technological Advancements: Advances in chemical synthesis technology or the development of alternative production methods may result in cheaper or more efficient formic acid production, altering the present market dynamics.

• Shifts in Consumer Preferences: Changes in customer preferences for eco-friendly products or sustainable activities may favour or disadvantage formic acid based on its environmental footprint in comparison to alternatives.

• Supply Chain Disruptions: Disruptions in the supply chain caused by geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, or pandemics (such as COVID-19) can reduce the availability of raw materials or finished products, affecting the formic acid market.

• Health and Safety Concerns: Formic acid is a harsh material, and workers who are exposed to it may face health concerns. Stringent health and safety requirements may raise operational costs for producers or prohibit usage in specific applications.

Category-Wise Insights:

By Grade Type

• Grade 85%: Grade 85% Formic Acid is a high-purity formic acid solution composed of 85% formic acid and 15% water. This transparent, colourless liquid is extremely corrosive and used in a variety of industries. In agriculture, it is used as a preservative and antimicrobial in livestock feed. The textile sector uses it for dyeing and finishing processes. It is used to tan leather and to control pH. It also works as a decalcifying agent in cleaning products as well as an agent in chemical production. Its high concentration makes it ideal for applications that require strong acidity and high reactivity.

• Grade 94%: Grade: 94% Formic Acid is a highly concentrated type of formic acid, consisting of 94% pure formic acid and 6% water. This colourless, smelly liquid is primarily used in industrial applications due to its highly acidic characteristics. It acts as both a preservative and an antibacterial agent in feed for livestock, increasing its shelf life and nutritional value. It is used in the textile and leather industries to aid in dying and tanning processes, as well as fabric dye fixing and leather pH correction. It is also used in the production of rubber, as a coagulant, and in different chemical syntheses, including as the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and insecticides, due to its efficacy as a solvent and chemical reagent.

• Grade 99%: Grade 99% formic acid is a high-purity chemical, comprising 99% formic acid and 1% water or other impurities. This highly concentrated formic acid is a colourless, fuming liquid with a pungent odour. It is widely used in various industries due to its strong acidic properties and reducing agent capabilities. In agriculture, it serves as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. The textile industry uses it for dyeing and finishing fabrics. In the leather industry, it’s utilized for tanning and pH regulation. Additionally, formic acid is employed in the production of rubber, in de-icing solutions, and as a laboratory reagent. Its versatility makes it a valuable chemical across multiple sectors.

By Application

• Animal Feed: Formic acid is widely used in animal feed due to its antibacterial qualities, which improve animal health and production. It helps to maintain feed by inhibiting the growth of harmful microbes and moulds, hence increasing shelf life. Furthermore, formic acid improves feed efficiency by increasing nutrient absorption. It is particularly beneficial in chicken and swine diets, reducing pathogen load in the gastrointestinal system and lowering the risk of illness. This promotes weight gain and overall wellness. Formic acid also lowers the pH of feed and water, making it unfavourable for pathogenic bacteria and ensuring the feed’s safety and quality. Its use promotes sustainable farming by minimising the demand for antibiotics.

• Silage: Formic acid is widely used in silage to enhance preservation and fermentation. Its primary application is as a preservative to inhibit undesirable bacterial growth, such as Clostridia, which can spoil the silage. By lowering the pH quickly, formic acid effectively halts harmful microbial activity, ensuring better preservation of nutrients. It also promotes the growth of beneficial lactic acid bacteria, leading to more efficient fermentation. This results in higher quality silage with improved nutritional value and longer storage stability. Additionally, formic acid can help reduce dry matter losses and minimize the risk of mold and mycotoxin formation, ensuring safer feed for livestock. Its use is crucial for maintaining the overall quality and safety of silage.

• Leather tanning: Formic acid is used widely in the leather tanning business. It is generally used in pickling and tanning operations. Formic acid helps to reduce the pH of the hides during pickling, preparing them for the tanning operations that follow. Its exact pH control guarantees that tanning ingredients penetrate the leather similarly, resulting in consistent quality. Formic acid also aids in the deliming process by eliminating lime and other alkaline compounds from hides. It also improves the effectiveness of chrome tanning by increasing chrome absorption and fixing. This results in leather that is stronger, more durable, and less prone to shrinking. Its effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and environmental friendliness make it a popular choice for leather tanning.

• Textile dyeing: Formic acid is widely used in textile dyeing for its role in pH regulation and fabric treatment. As a strong organic acid, it adjusts the pH of dye baths, ensuring optimal dye uptake and colour consistency. It acts as a mordant, enhancing dye fixation on fibres, especially in wool and silk dyeing processes. Formic acid also helps in the removal of excess dye, improving colourfastness and fabric quality. Additionally, it is employed in neutralizing alkaline residues post-dyeing, preventing fabric damage and maintaining softness. Its biodegradability and lower environmental impact make it a preferable choice over other acids in sustainable textile processing.

By End-Users

• Agriculture: Formic acid is mainly used in agriculture as a preservative and antibacterial agent in cattle feed. It helps to preserve the nutritional value of silage and hay by avoiding spoiling and reducing the growth of dangerous bacteria and bacteria. This results in higher feed quality, which improves animal health and productivity. Additionally, formic acid is used in beekeeping to manage varroa mite infestations, which pose a significant threat to bee colonies. Its antibacterial characteristics make it valuable for cleaning equipment and improving farm hygiene. Formic acid helps to improve cattle health and agricultural efficiency by lowering microbial load in feed and the environment.

• Pharmaceutical: Formic acid is utilized in the pharmaceutical industry primarily as a preservative and antibacterial agent. Its antimicrobial properties make it effective in prolonging the shelf life of various pharmaceutical products. Additionally, formic acid is used in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including those for anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications. It serves as a reagent in the production of certain drug intermediates and helps in the formulation of drug substances where pH control is critical. Furthermore, formic acid’s ability to facilitate the hydrolysis of complex molecules makes it valuable in research and development processes, aiding in the production of innovative pharmaceuticals and ensuring the stability and efficacy of the final products.

Report Scope

Formic Acid Market – Regional Analysis

The Formic Acid Market is segmented into various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Here is a brief overview of each region:

• North America: The Key trends driving the growth of the formic acid market in North America include its increasing use as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed, growing demand in agriculture for silage and animal feed preservation, rising applications in leather and textile industries for tanning and dyeing processes, and the shift towards eco-friendly and sustainable chemicals in various industrial processes. Additionally, the expanding pharmaceutical and food processing sectors also bolster the market’s expansion.

• Europe: The growth of the Formic Acid market in Europe is supported by several key factors. These include increasing demand from end-use industries such as agriculture, leather, and textiles due to its diverse applications as a preservative, pH adjuster, and antibacterial agent. Additionally, stringent regulations favouring sustainable and eco-friendly products have boosted its adoption. Moreover, ongoing research and development efforts aimed at enhancing production efficiency and expanding application scope are further driving market expansion in the region.

• Asia-Pacific: The Formic Acid market in Asia-Pacific is buoyed by several key trends. Increasing demand in agriculture for feed preservation and pest control drives growth, alongside its use in leather and textile industries. Rising environmental concerns favour formic acid’s role as a green alternative in industrial processes. Additionally, the region’s robust manufacturing sector and expanding applications in pharmaceuticals and rubber production further propel market expansion. Regulatory support for sustainable practices and technological advancements in production methods are also contributing factors in its increasing adoption across Asia-Pacific.

• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa): In the LAMEA region, the growth of the Formic Acid market is supported by factors such as increasing industrial applications in agriculture and leather industries, rising demand for preservatives and antibacterial agents, and expanding animal feed additives sector. Additionally, advancements in production technologies and government initiatives promoting sustainable agricultural practices further drive market expansion.

Competitive Landscape – Formic Acid Market

The Formic Acid Market is highly competitive, with a large number of manufacturers and retailers operating globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• BASF SE
• Celanese Corporation
• Chongqing Chuandong Chemical (Group) Co. Ltd.
• Eastman Chemical Company
• Feicheng Acid Chemicals Co. Ltd.
• Fleurchem Inc.
• Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. (GNFC)
• Kemira Oyj
• LUXI Group Co. Ltd.
• Perstorp Holding AB
• Yara International ASA
• Perstorp,
• Eastman Chemical Company
• Anhui Asahi Kasei Chemical
• Shandong Acid Technology Co.
• Others

These companies operate in the market through various strategies such as partnership, research and development, and launches.

New players in the Formic Acid market focus on strategic partnerships with raw material suppliers, leveraging advanced production technologies for cost efficiency, and targeting niche applications such as pharmaceuticals and green chemistry to carve out market share swiftly. Key players in the Formic Acid market employ strategies such as product innovation to develop eco-friendly formulations, expanding production capacities to meet growing demand and strategic partnerships for market penetration and geographical expansion.

The Formic Acid Market is segmented as follows:

By Grade Type

• Grade 85%
• Grade 94%
• Grade 99%
• Others

By Application

• Animal Feed
• Silage
• Leather tanning
• Textile dyeing

By End-Users

• Agriculture
• Pharmaceutical
• Others

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