The global Sulfuric Acid Market Study analyzes and forecasts the market size across 6 regions and 24 countries for diverse segments -By Raw Material (Elemental Sulfur, Pyrite Ores, Base Metal Smelters, Others), By Application (Fertilizers, Metal Processing, Pulp & Paper, Petroleum Refining, Textile Industry, Automotive, Chemical Manufacturing, Others).
Sulfuric acid, one of the most widely used industrial chemicals, maintains its significance across various sectors in 2024. This strong mineral acid, produced through the contact process involving sulfur dioxide, oxygen, and water vapor, serves as a key ingredient in the production of fertilizers, chemicals, metals, batteries, and wastewater treatment. In the fertilizer industry, sulfuric acid is used to produce phosphoric acid, a primary component in phosphate fertilizers essential for agricultural productivity. Additionally, sulfuric acid plays a crucial role in metal processing, where it is employed for pickling, electroplating, and ore leaching processes. Further, in the automotive industry, sulfuric acid is utilized in lead-acid batteries for vehicles, providing reliable energy storage solutions. With its diverse applications and importance in various industrial processes, the market for sulfuric acid remains robust, driven by economic growth, urbanization, and industrialization worldwide.
The market report analyses the leading companies in the industry including AURUBIS AG, BASF SE, Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund, Elessent Clean Technologies Inc, KMG Chemicals Inc, Lanxess AG, Mitsubishi shoji Chemicals Corp, Nouryon, OCP Group, PHOSAGRO, PVS Chemicals Inc, Qatar Acids Company, The Mosaic Company, and others.
A significant trend in the sulfuric acid market is the growing demand for industrial chemicals and fertilizers across various sectors. This trend is driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and agricultural intensification, which increase the need for sulfuric acid in the production of fertilizers, chemicals, metals, and pharmaceuticals. Sulfuric acid is a key raw material in the manufacturing of phosphate-based fertilizers, such as ammonium phosphate and triple superphosphate, which are essential for improving crop yields and ensuring food security. Additionally, sulfuric acid is used in chemical processes such as petroleum refining, wastewater treatment, and metal extraction, where it serves as a catalyst, reactant, or pH adjuster. As industries continue to expand and modernize, the demand for sulfuric acid as a versatile industrial chemical is expected to remain strong.
The primary driver for the sulfuric acid market is the growth in construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing industries, which require sulfuric acid for various applications in production processes. Sulfuric acid is used in the manufacturing of construction materials such as cement, plasterboard, and ceramics, where it acts as a catalyst or curing agent. Additionally, sulfuric acid is essential in metal processing industries for pickling, electroplating, and metal surface treatment to remove rust, scale, and contaminants. Moreover, sulfuric acid plays a vital role in battery manufacturing for lead-acid batteries used in automotive, industrial, and renewable energy applications. As economies develop and industrialization continues, the demand for sulfuric acid in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects is expected to increase, driving market growth.
A significant opportunity for the sulfuric acid market lies in expansion into renewable energy and environmental remediation applications, where sulfuric acid can be used for energy storage and pollution control purposes. With the global focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, there is a growing interest in energy storage technologies such as lead-acid batteries and vanadium redox flow batteries, which rely on sulfuric acid as an electrolyte. Additionally, sulfuric acid can be used in environmental remediation projects to neutralize acidic wastewater, treat mine drainage, and remove pollutants from air and water sources. By offering sulfuric acid solutions tailored to renewable energy storage and environmental remediation applications, manufacturers can capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable solutions and position themselves as key players in the transition towards a cleaner and greener future.
Within the Sulfuric Acid Market segmented by raw material, the Elemental Sulfur segment is the largest, driven by its widespread availability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of extraction compared to other raw materials. Elemental sulfur, a by-product of various industrial processes such as oil refining and natural gas processing, serves as a primary feedstock for sulfuric acid production. Moreover, elemental sulfur can also be sourced from sulfur mines and recovered from sour gas streams. Its abundant availability and relatively low cost make elemental sulfur the preferred choice for sulfuric acid manufacturers worldwide. Additionally, advancements in sulfur recovery technologies and environmental regulations promoting the utilization of sulfur-containing waste streams further bolster the dominance of the Elemental Sulfur segment in the sulfuric acid market. As industries such as chemicals, fertilizers, and metals processing continue to drive the demand for sulfuric acid, the Elemental Sulfur segment maintains its leading position, ensuring a stable supply chain and cost-efficient production of this essential industrial chemical.
Within the Sulfuric Acid Market segmented by application, the Fertilizers segment is the fastest-growing, driven by the increasing demand for agricultural products and the expansion of the global fertilizer industry. Sulfuric acid is a key component in the production of phosphate and potash fertilizers, where it is used in the manufacturing process to convert raw materials into soluble forms that are easily absorbed by plants. As global population growth and changing dietary patterns lead to greater demand for food production, the need for fertilizers rises accordingly. Additionally, the adoption of modern agricultural practices and the growing trend towards sustainable farming techniques further contribute to the demand for sulfuric acid in fertilizer manufacturing. Moreover, sulfuric acid plays a vital role in improving soil fertility and crop yield, thereby supporting food security and agricultural sustainability. As the agriculture sector continues to evolve to meet the challenges of feeding a growing population, the Fertilizers segment is expected to maintain its rapid growth trajectory, driving expansion in the sulfuric acid market.
By Raw Material
Elemental Sulfur
Pyrite Ores
Base Metal Smelters
Others
By Application
Fertilizers
Metal Processing
Pulp & Paper
Petroleum Refining
Textile Industry
Automotive
Chemical Manufacturing
Others
Countries Analyzed
North America (US, Canada, Mexico)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Rest of Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East, South Africa, Egypt, Rest of Africa)
AURUBIS AG
BASF SE
Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund
Elessent Clean Technologies Inc
KMG Chemicals Inc
Lanxess AG
Mitsubishi shoji Chemicals Corp
Nouryon
OCP Group
PHOSAGRO
PVS Chemicals Inc
Qatar Acids Company
The Mosaic Company
*- List Not Exhaustive
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction to 2024 Sulfuric Acid Market
1.1 Market Overview
1.2 Quick Facts
1.3 Scope/Objective of the Study
1.4 Market Definition
1.5 Countries and Regions Covered
1.6 Units, Currency, and Conversions
1.7 Industry Value Chain
2 Research Methodology
2.1 Market Size Estimation
2.2 Sources and Research Methodology
2.3 Data Triangulation
2.4 Assumptions and Limitations
3 Executive Summary
3.1 Global Sulfuric Acid Market Size Outlook, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.2 Sulfuric Acid Market Outlook by Type, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.3 Sulfuric Acid Market Outlook by Product, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.4 Sulfuric Acid Market Outlook by Application, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
3.5 Sulfuric Acid Market Outlook by Key Countries, $ Million, 2021 to 2032
4 Market Dynamics
4.1 Key Driving Forces of Sulfuric Acid Industry
4.2 Key Market Trends in Sulfuric Acid Industry
4.3 Potential Opportunities in Sulfuric Acid Industry
4.4 Key Challenges in Sulfuric Acid Industry
5 Market Factor Analysis
5.1 Value Chain Analysis
5.2 Competitive Landscape
5.2.1 Global Sulfuric Acid Market Share by Company (%), 2023
5.2.2 Product Offerings by Company
5.3 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
5.4 Pricing Analysis and Outlook
6 Growth Outlook Across Scenarios
6.1 Growth Analysis-Case Scenario Definitions
6.2 Low Growth Scenario Forecasts
6.3 Reference Growth Scenario Forecasts
6.4 High Growth Scenario Forecasts
7 Global Sulfuric Acid Market Outlook by Segments
7.1 Sulfuric Acid Market Outlook by Segments, $ Million, 2021- 2032
By Raw Material
Elemental Sulfur
Pyrite Ores
Base Metal Smelters
Others
By Application
Fertilizers
Metal Processing
Pulp & Paper
Petroleum Refining
Textile Industry
Automotive
Chemical Manufacturing
Others
8 North America Sulfuric Acid Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
8.1 Introduction to North America Sulfuric Acid Markets in 2024
8.2 North America Sulfuric Acid Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
8.2.1 United States
8.2.2 Canada
8.2.3 Mexico
8.3 North America Sulfuric Acid Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Raw Material
Elemental Sulfur
Pyrite Ores
Base Metal Smelters
Others
By Application
Fertilizers
Metal Processing
Pulp & Paper
Petroleum Refining
Textile Industry
Automotive
Chemical Manufacturing
Others
9 Europe Sulfuric Acid Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
9.1 Introduction to Europe Sulfuric Acid Markets in 2024
9.2 Europe Sulfuric Acid Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
9.2.1 Germany
9.2.2 France
9.2.3 Spain
9.2.4 United Kingdom
9.2.4 Italy
9.2.5 Russia
9.2.6 Norway
9.2.7 Rest of Europe
9.3 Europe Sulfuric Acid Market Size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Raw Material
Elemental Sulfur
Pyrite Ores
Base Metal Smelters
Others
By Application
Fertilizers
Metal Processing
Pulp & Paper
Petroleum Refining
Textile Industry
Automotive
Chemical Manufacturing
Others
10 Asia Pacific Sulfuric Acid Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
10.1 Introduction to Asia Pacific Sulfuric Acid Markets in 2024
10.2 Asia Pacific Sulfuric Acid Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
10.2.1 China
10.2.2 India
10.2.3 Japan
10.2.4 South Korea
10.2.5 Indonesia
10.2.6 Malaysia
10.2.7 Australia
10.2.8 Rest of Asia Pacific
10.3 Asia Pacific Sulfuric Acid Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Raw Material
Elemental Sulfur
Pyrite Ores
Base Metal Smelters
Others
By Application
Fertilizers
Metal Processing
Pulp & Paper
Petroleum Refining
Textile Industry
Automotive
Chemical Manufacturing
Others
11 South America Sulfuric Acid Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
11.1 Introduction to South America Sulfuric Acid Markets in 2024
11.2 South America Sulfuric Acid Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
11.2.1 Brazil
11.2.2 Argentina
11.2.3 Rest of South America
11.3 South America Sulfuric Acid Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Raw Material
Elemental Sulfur
Pyrite Ores
Base Metal Smelters
Others
By Application
Fertilizers
Metal Processing
Pulp & Paper
Petroleum Refining
Textile Industry
Automotive
Chemical Manufacturing
Others
12 Middle East and Africa Sulfuric Acid Market Analysis and Outlook To 2032
12.1 Introduction to Middle East and Africa Sulfuric Acid Markets in 2024
12.2 Middle East and Africa Sulfuric Acid Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2032
12.2.1 Saudi Arabia
12.2.2 UAE
12.2.3 Oman
12.2.4 Rest of Middle East
12.2.5 Egypt
12.2.6 Nigeria
12.2.7 South Africa
12.2.8 Rest of Africa
12.3 Middle East and Africa Sulfuric Acid Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2032
By Raw Material
Elemental Sulfur
Pyrite Ores
Base Metal Smelters
Others
By Application
Fertilizers
Metal Processing
Pulp & Paper
Petroleum Refining
Textile Industry
Automotive
Chemical Manufacturing
Others
13 Company Profiles
13.1 Company Snapshot
13.2 SWOT Profiles
13.3 Products and Services
13.4 Recent Developments
13.5 Financial Profile
AURUBIS AG
BASF SE
Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund
Elessent Clean Technologies Inc
KMG Chemicals Inc
Lanxess AG
Mitsubishi shoji Chemicals Corp
Nouryon
OCP Group
PHOSAGRO
PVS Chemicals Inc
Qatar Acids Company
The Mosaic Company
14 Appendix
14.1 Customization Offerings
14.2 Subscription Services
14.3 Related Reports
14.4 Publisher Expertise
By Raw Material
Elemental Sulfur
Pyrite Ores
Base Metal Smelters
Others
By Application
Fertilizers
Metal Processing
Pulp & Paper
Petroleum Refining
Textile Industry
Automotive
Chemical Manufacturing
Others
Countries Analyzed
North America (US, Canada, Mexico)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Rest of Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East, South Africa, Egypt, Rest of Africa)
Global Sulfuric Acid Market Size is valued at $14.6 Billion in 2024 and is forecast to register a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% to reach $20.4 Billion by 2032.
Emerging Markets across Asia Pacific, Europe, and Americas present robust growth prospects.
AURUBIS AG, BASF SE, Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund, Elessent Clean Technologies Inc, KMG Chemicals Inc, Lanxess AG, Mitsubishi shoji Chemicals Corp, Nouryon, OCP Group, PHOSAGRO, PVS Chemicals Inc, Qatar Acids Company, The Mosaic Company
Base Year- 2023; Estimated Year- 2024; Historic Period- 2018-2023; Forecast period- 2024 to 2032; Currency: Revenue (USD); Volume