Sulfuric Acid Market by Raw Material (Elemental Sulfur, Base Metal Smelters, Pyrite Ore), Application (Fertilizers, Chemical Manufacturing, Metal Processing, Petroleum Refining, Textiles, and Automotive), and Region - Global Forecast to 2030
The global sulfuric acid market is projected to grow from USD 41.23 billion in 2025 to USD 49.94 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period. Sulfuric acid is an essential industrial chemical used across various sectors because of its strong acidic and dehydrating properties.
Scope of the Report
Years Considered for the Study
2021-2030
Base Year
2024
Forecast Period
2025-2030
Units Considered
Value (USD Million), Volume (Million Tons)
Segments
Raw Material, Grade, Form Type, Process, and Application
Regions covered
North America, Asia Pacific, Western Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, South America, and the Middle East & Africa
It is mainly produced through the contact process using raw materials like elemental sulfur and pyrite ore and is used in fertilizers, metal processing, petroleum refining, textiles, and chemical manufacturing. The sulfuric acid market is steadily growing, driven by increasing demand in chemical manufacturing and petroleum refining. In chemical manufacturing, it plays a crucial role in producing acids and intermediates used in multiple industries, while in petroleum refining, it supports alkylation processes that help create cleaner fuels. The rising need for these downstream products and stricter environmental regulations are key factors fueling market growth.
"In terms of volume, base metal smelters raw material segment to account for second-largest market share during the forecast period"
The base metal smelters segment is expected to hold the second-largest share in the sulfuric acid market by volume during the forecast period, driven by its crucial role in producing key non-ferrous metals such as copper, zinc, and nickel. During the smelting of these sulfur-rich ores, sulfur dioxide gas is released as a by-product. This gas is then recovered and converted into sulfuric acid using established methods like the contact process, which both reduces harmful emissions and creates a valuable industrial chemical. The increase in demand for base metals-supported by their extensive use in construction, electrical infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and renewable energy technologies-has caused a rise in smelting activities worldwide. Additionally, stringent environmental regulations to cut sulfur emissions have compelled smelters to implement sulfur capture technologies, thereby boosting sulfuric acid recovery. This dual advantage of meeting environmental standards and generating acid makes base metal smelters an increasingly important raw material source in the global sulfuric acid market.
"In terms of volume, chemical manufacturing application segment to account for second-largest market share during forecast period"
The chemical manufacturing segment is expected to hold the second-largest share in the sulfuric acid market by volume during the forecast period, mainly because of the acid's key role as a feedstock in producing a wide range of industrial chemicals. Sulfuric acid is widely used in creating compounds such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and various sulfates, which are important intermediates in making detergents, synthetic resins, dyes, pharmaceuticals, pigments, and explosives. As global demand for these chemicals continues to grow-propelled by expanding end-use industries like textiles, healthcare, plastics, and consumer goods-the need for sulfuric acid has increased accordingly. Furthermore, the steady move toward large-scale chemical production in emerging economies, along with stricter environmental regulations requiring controlled chemical processing, is further boosting the growth of this application segment in the sulfuric acid market.
"In terms of volume, Middle East & Africa to account for second-largest market share during forecast period"
The Middle East & Africa is expected to hold the second-largest share by volume in the sulfuric acid market during the forecast period, due to the region's growing industrial base and increased focus on mineral processing and fertilizer production. Countries across the region are investing in mining and metallurgy projects, especially for extracting and refining metals like copper, zinc, and phosphate-processes that need large amounts of sulfuric acid. Additionally, the rising demand for fertilizers to support food security and agricultural productivity, particularly in African economies, further boosts sulfuric acid consumption. The development of new manufacturing and processing facilities, infrastructure growth, and industrial diversification efforts continue to fuel strong demand for sulfuric acid across various sectors.
Profile break-up of primary participants for the report:
By Company Type: Tier 1 - 65%, Tier 2 - 20%, and Tier 3 - 15%
By Designation: Directors- 25%, Managers- 30%, and Others - 45%
By Region: North America - 30%, Asia Pacific - 40%, Western Europe - 12%, Central & Eastern Europe - 8%, Middle East & Africa - 7%, and South America - 3%
PhosAgro Group (Russia), Aurubis AG (Germany), Mosaic (US), OCP (Morocco), and Jiangxi Copper Corporation (China) are some of the major players operating in the sulfuric acid market. These players have adopted acquisitions, agreements, joint ventures, and expansions to increase their market share and business revenue.
Research Coverage
The report defines, segments, and projects the sulfuric acid market based on raw material, grade, form type, process, application, and region. It offers detailed insights into the key factors shaping the market's growth, such as drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. It strategically profiles sulfuric acid manufacturers, thoroughly analyzing their market shares and core competencies, and monitors and evaluates competitive developments like acquisitions, agreements, joint ventures, and expansions.
Reasons to Buy the Report
The report is expected to assist market leaders and new entrants by providing them with the most accurate estimates of revenue figures for the sulfuric acid market and its segments. It is also designed to help stakeholders better understand the market's competitive landscape, gather insights to enhance their business positions, and develop effective go-to-market strategies. Additionally, it enables stakeholders to grasp the market's current trends and provides information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.
The report provides insights into the following points:
Analysis of critical drivers (High demand for sulfuric acid in various industries and sectors, and increased use in agriculture sector), restraints (restriction on use of sulfuric acid due to its health and environmental impact, and high import duties and regulations on trade of sulfuric acid), opportunities (increasing use of sulfuric acid in wastewater treatment), and challenges (difficulties involved in transportation of sulfuric acid) influencing the growth of the sulfuric acid market.
Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights into upcoming technologies, research & development activities in the sulfuric acid market.
Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets - the report analyses the sulfuric acid market across varied regions.
Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, various types, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the sulfuric acid market.
Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and product offerings of leading players in the sulfuric acid market, such as PhosAgro Group (Russia), Aurubis AG (Germany), Mosaic (US), OCP (Morocco), and Jiangxi Copper Corporation (China).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 STUDY OBJECTIVES
1.2 MARKET DEFINITION
1.3 STUDY SCOPE
1.3.1 MARKETS COVERED AND REGIONAL SCOPE
1.3.2 INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
1.3.3 YEARS CONSIDERED
1.3.4 CURRENCY CONSIDERED
1.3.5 UNITS CONSIDERED
1.4 STAKEHOLDERS
1.5 SUMMARY OF CHANGES
2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2.1 RESEARCH DATA
2.1.1 SECONDARY DATA
2.1.1.1 Key data from secondary sources
2.1.2 PRIMARY DATA
2.1.2.1 Key data from primary sources
2.1.2.2 List of primary interview participants (demand and supply sides)
2.1.2.3 Key industry insights
2.1.2.4 Breakdown of interviews with experts
2.2 MATRIX CONSIDERED FOR DEMAND-SIDE ANALYSIS
2.3 MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION
2.3.1 BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
2.3.2 TOP-DOWN APPROACH
2.3.2.1 Calculations for supply-side analysis
2.4 GROWTH FORECAST
2.5 DATA TRIANGULATION
2.6 RESEARCH ASSUMPTIONS
2.7 RESEARCH LIMITATIONS
2.8 RISK ASSESSMENT
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4 PREMIUM INSIGHTS
4.1 ATTRACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAYERS IN SULFURIC ACID MARKET
4.2 SULFURIC ACID MARKET, BY REGION
4.3 SULFURIC ACID MARKET, BY APPLICATION
4.4 SULFURIC ACID MARKET, BY RAW MATERIAL
4.5 SULFURIC ACID MARKET, BY KEY COUNTRY
5 MARKET OVERVIEW
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 MARKET DYNAMICS
5.2.1 DRIVERS
5.2.1.1 Strong demand for sulfuric acid in numerous applications
5.2.1.2 Increased usage of sulfuric acid in agricultural sector
5.2.2 RESTRAINTS
5.2.2.1 Restriction on use of sulfuric acid due to health and environmental concerns
5.2.2.2 High import duties and regulations on trade of sulfuric acid
5.2.3 OPPORTUNITIES
5.2.3.1 Increasing use of sulfuric acid in wastewater treatment
5.2.4 CHALLENGES
5.2.4.1 Difficulties associated with transportation
6 INDUSTRY TRENDS
6.1 GLOBAL MACROECONOMIC OUTLOOK
6.2 SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS
6.2.1 RAW MATERIAL SUPPLY
6.2.2 SULFURIC ACID PRODUCTION
6.2.3 PRODUCT TYPES
6.2.4 DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
6.2.5 END-USE INDUSTRIES
6.3 ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS
6.4 PORTER'S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS
6.4.1 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS
6.4.2 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS
6.4.3 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS
6.4.4 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES
6.4.5 INTENSITY OF COMPETITIVE RIVALRY
6.5 KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND BUYING CRITERIA
6.5.1 KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN BUYING PROCESS
6.5.2 BUYING CRITERIA
6.6 PRICING ANALYSIS
6.6.1 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE TREND OF SULFURIC ACID, BY REGION, 2022-2024
6.6.2 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE TREND FOR TECHNICAL GRADE, BY KEY PLAYER, 2024
6.7 TARIFF AND REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
6.7.1 TARIFF ANALYSIS
6.7.2 REGULATORY BODIES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
6.7.3 STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
6.8 KEY CONFERENCES AND EVENTS, 2025-2026
6.9 PATENT ANALYSIS
6.9.1 METHODOLOGY
6.10 TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS
6.10.1 KEY TECHNOLOGIES
6.10.1.1 Wet Gas Sulfuric Acid (WSA) technology
6.10.2 ADJACENT TECHNOLOGIES
6.10.2.1 GORE SO2 Control System
6.11 CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
6.11.1 ENHANCING SUSTAINABILITY AND EFFICIENCY THROUGH SULFURIC ACID REGENERATION
6.11.2 BASF STRENGTHENS EUROPE'S SEMICONDUCTOR SUPPLY CHAIN WITH NEW HIGH-PURITY SULFURIC ACID PLANT
6.12 TRADE DATA
6.12.1 IMPORT SCENARIO (HS CODE 280700)
6.12.2 EXPORT SCENARIO (HS CODE 280700)
6.13 TRENDS/DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMER BUSINESS
6.14 INVESTMENT AND FUNDING SCENARIO
6.15 IMPACT OF GENERATIVE AI ON SULFURIC ACID MARKET
6.15.1 INTRODUCTION
6.15.2 OPTIMIZING SULFURIC ACID PRODUCTION
6.15.3 ENABLING PRECISION AGRICULTURE
6.15.4 STREAMLINING SUPPLY CHAIN
6.15.5 MINIMIZING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
6.16 IMPACT OF US TARIFF ON SULFURIC ACID MARKET
6.16.1 KEY TARIFF RATES IMPACTING MARKET
6.16.2 PRICE IMPACT ANALYSIS
6.16.3 KEY IMPACT ON VARIOUS REGIONS
6.16.3.1 US
6.16.3.2 Europe
6.16.3.3 Asia Pacific
6.16.4 IMPACT ON END-USE INDUSTRIES OF SULFURIC ACID
6.16.4.1 Metal processing
6.16.4.2 Pulp & paper
6.16.4.3 Petroleum refining
6.16.4.4 Textiles
6.16.4.5 Automotive
6.16.4.6 Chemical manufacturing
7 SULFURIC ACID MARKET, BY FORM TYPE
7.1 INTRODUCTION
7.2 CONCENTRATED SULFURIC ACID
7.2.1 WIDE-RANGING APPLICABILITY TO ACCELERATE MARKET GROWTH
7.3 TOWER/GLOVER ACID
7.3.1 SUSTAINED USE OF TRADITIONAL ACID PRODUCTION SETUPS AND SPECIFIC INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES TO BOOST MARKET
7.4 CHAMBER/FERTILIZER ACID
7.4.1 GROWING DEMAND TO SUPPORT GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY TO PROPEL MARKET
7.5 BATTERY ACID
7.5.1 SUSTAINED DEMAND FOR LEAD-ACID BATTERIES IN CONVENTIONAL AND BACKUP POWER APPLICATIONS TO DRIVE MARKET
7.6 66 DEGREE BAUME SULFURIC ACID
7.6.1 REQUIREMENT FOR STANDARDIZED AND QUALITY-CONTROLLED ACID FORMS IN INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING TO FUEL MARKET
7.7 DILUTE SULFURIC ACID
7.7.1 RISING SAFETY AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS TO PROPEL MARKET
8 SULFURIC ACID MARKET, BY GRADE
8.1 INTRODUCTION
8.2 TECHNICAL GRADE
8.2.1 RISING DEMAND IN KEY INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES SUCH AS FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING TO ACCELERATE MARKET GROWTH
8.3 BATTERY GRADE
8.3.1 GROWING PRODUCTION AND ADOPTION OF LEAD-ACID BATTERIES IN AUTOMOTIVE, INDUSTRIAL, AND BACKUP POWER APPLICATIONS TO FUEL MARKET
8.4 CP GRADE (CHEMICALLY PURE)
8.4.1 INCREASING NEED FOR ULTRA-PURE CHEMICAL INPUTS IN HIGH-PRECISION SECTORS TO DRIVE MARKET
9 SULFURIC ACID MARKET, BY PROCESS
9.1 INTRODUCTION
9.2 CONTACT PROCESS
9.2.1 WIDESPREAD INDUSTRIAL ACCEPTANCE AND OPERATIONAL RELIABILITY TO ACCELERATE MARKET GROWTH
9.3 DOUBLE CONTACT DOUBLE ABSORPTION (DCDA)
9.3.1 INCREASING EMPHASIS ON ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY TO FUEL MARKET
10 SULFURIC ACID MARKET, BY RAW MATERIAL
10.1 INTRODUCTION
10.2 ELEMENTAL SULFUR
10.2.1 ABUNDANT SUPPLY FROM OIL AND GAS REFINING TO ACCELERATE MARKET GROWTH
10.3 PYRITE ORE
10.3.1 LOCAL AVAILABILITY IN MINING REGIONS TO FUEL MARKET
10.4 BASE METAL SMELTERS
10.4.1 INCREASING ENFORCEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND INDUSTRY PUSH FOR CLEANER OPERATIONS TO DRIVE MARKET
10.5 OTHER RAW MATERIALS
11 SULFURIC ACID MARKET, BY APPLICATION
11.1 INTRODUCTION
11.2 FERTILIZERS
11.2.1 INCREASING DEMAND DRIVEN BY GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY CONCERNS AND INTENSIFIED AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES TO ACCELERATE MARKET
11.3 METAL PROCESSING
11.3.1 RISING DEMAND FOR BASE AND PRECIOUS METALS DRIVEN BY INDUSTRIAL GROWTH AND CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION TO FUEL MARKET
11.4 PULP & PAPER
11.4.1 RISING DEMAND FOR PACKAGING AND HYGIENE PRODUCTS TO DRIVE MARKET
11.5 PETROLEUM REFINING
11.5.1 INCREASING DEMAND FOR HIGH-OCTANE, LOW-EMISSION FUELS TO BOOST MARKET
11.6 TEXTILE
11.6.1 RISING PRODUCTION IN EMERGING ECONOMIES AND INCREASING DEMAND FOR HIGH-QUALITY AND FUNCTIONAL FABRICS TO FUEL MARKET
11.7 AUTOMOTIVE
11.7.1 SUSTAINED DEMAND FOR LEAD-ACID BATTERIES IN CONVENTIONAL AND HYBRID VEHICLES TO FUEL MARKET
11.8 CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING
11.8.1 INCREASING PRODUCTION OF DIVERSE INDUSTRIAL AND SPECIALTY CHEMICALS TO PROPEL MARKET
11.9 OTHER APPLICATIONS
12 SULFURIC ACID MARKET, BY REGION
12.1 INTRODUCTION
12.2 ASIA PACIFIC
12.2.1 CHINA
12.2.1.1 Significant fertilizer production to meet vast demand from agriculture to drive market
12.2.2 JAPAN
12.2.2.1 Demand from electronics, food processing, and precision metal treatment sectors to boost market
12.2.3 INDIA
12.2.3.1 Rising fertilizer production aligned with growing agricultural sector to fuel market
12.2.4 INDONESIA
12.2.4.1 Increasing fertilizer production and mineral processing to boost market
12.2.5 SOUTH KOREA
12.2.5.1 Expanding demand in semiconductors, battery, and electronics sectors to drive market
12.2.6 REST OF ASIA PACIFIC
12.3 NORTH AMERICA
12.3.1 US
12.3.1.1 Large-scale agricultural exports increasing demand for fertilizer to fuel market growth
12.3.2 CANADA
12.3.2.1 Robust fertilizer production and large-scale agricultural exports to propel market
12.3.3 MEXICO
12.3.3.1 Strong agricultural activity and rising demand for phosphate-based fertilizers to fuel market growth
12.4 WESTERN EUROPE
12.4.1 GERMANY
12.4.1.1 Strong chemical manufacturing and automotive sectors to fuel market
12.4.2 ITALY
12.4.2.1 Growth of chemical, textile, and automotive sectors to boost market
12.4.3 FRANCE
12.4.3.1 Rising manufacture of chemicals and automotive to drive demand
12.4.4 UK
12.4.4.1 Focus on chemical manufacturing, battery production, and industrial environmental compliance to drive market
12.4.5 SPAIN
12.4.5.1 Extensive agricultural production and high demand for fertilizers to drive market
12.4.6 REST OF WESTERN EUROPE
12.5 CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE
12.5.1 RUSSIA
12.5.1.1 Large-scale fertilizer production and integrated chemical industry to fuel market
12.5.2 TURKIYE
12.5.2.1 Expanding agricultural base and chemical industry to propel market
12.5.3 REST OF CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE
12.6 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
12.6.1 GCC COUNTRIES
12.6.1.1 Saudi Arabia
12.6.1.1.1 Demand from chemical manufacturing and petroleum refining industries to drive market
12.6.1.2 UAE
12.6.1.2.1 Robust demand from petroleum refining and industrial chemical manufacturing to propel market growth
12.6.1.3 Rest of GCC countries
12.6.2 MOROCCO
12.6.2.1 Largest phosphate reserves to boost fertilizer production
12.6.3 REST OF MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
12.7 SOUTH AMERICA
12.7.1 BRAZIL
12.7.1.1 Large-scale fertilizer production and agricultural output to propel market
12.7.2 ARGENTINA
12.7.2.1 Production of phosphate-based fertilizers to meet major crop nutrient requirements to fuel market
12.7.3 CHILE
12.7.3.1 Demand for petroleum refining and chemical manufacturing to drive market
12.7.4 REST OF SOUTH AMERICA
13 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
13.1 INTRODUCTION
13.2 KEY PLAYER STRATEGIES/RIGHT TO WIN
13.3 REVENUE ANALYSIS
13.3.1 TOP 5 PLAYERS' REVENUE ANALYSIS, 2020-2024
13.4 MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS
13.4.1 RANKING OF KEY MARKET PLAYERS, 2024
13.4.2 MARKET SHARE OF KEY PLAYERS, 2024
13.5 BRAND/PRODUCT COMPARISON
13.6 COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX: KEY PLAYERS, 2024
13.6.1 STARS
13.6.2 EMERGING LEADERS
13.6.3 PERVASIVE PLAYERS
13.6.4 PARTICIPANTS
13.6.5 COMPANY FOOTPRINT: KEY PLAYERS, 2024
13.6.5.1 Company footprint
13.6.5.2 Region footprint
13.6.5.3 Application footprint
13.6.5.4 Grade footprint
13.6.5.5 Raw material footprint
13.7 COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX: STARTUPS/SMES, 2024