Global Sulfuric Acid Market 2025-2035

Description

List of Tables

Global Sulfuric Acid Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis by Application (Chemicals Manufacturing, Metal Processing, Textile Industry, Paper & Sugar Industry, Automotive Industry, Fertilizer Industry, and Others), By Manufacturing Processes (Contact Process, Wet Sulfuric Acid Process, and Other), and by Raw Materials (Elemental Sulfur, Pyrite Ore, Base Metal Smelters, and Others) Forecast Period (2025-2035)

Industry Overview

Sulfuric acid market was valued at $17.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $33.3 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period (2025-2035). The market is driven by its use in the fertilizer, chemical, and metal processing industries, with demand increasing due to population growth and the need for higher crop yields. Key growth factors include a rising demand for phosphate fertilizers, industrial growth in emerging economies, and increasing adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices like acid recycling. Restraints include high raw material costs, volatile prices, and the toxicity and handling challenges associated with sulfuric acid.

Market Dynamics

Fertilizer Demand/Agriculture Intensification

The single largest driver is phosphate fertilizer production; sulfuric acid is a primary reagent in the production of phosphoric acid. National food-security programs, higher crop yields, and fertilizer restocking cycles in large agricultural markets (such as China, India, and Brazil) maintain a steady baseline demand and periodically trigger surges in volumes and prices. Several market studies show that fertilizer application captures the biggest share of sulfuric acid consumption.

Industrial and metal-processing growth (including mining and refining)

Sulfuric acid is used for metal pickling, ore processing, and in petroleum refining and chemical intermediates. Expansion or contraction in steel, non-ferrous metals, and refining capacities directly impacts acid consumption. Regions with heavy smelting activity also supply acid as a byproduct, linking feedstock availability to production economics.

Feedstock, environmental regulation, and production economics

The feedstock mix (elemental sulfur vs. pyrite vs. smelter-derived SO2) and tightening environmental controls affect production routes, cost, and availability. Stricter emissions rules and remediation costs can constrain certain low-cost feed routes, influence plant retrofits, and push consolidation -all of which alter local supply and global trade flows. Forecast divergence across consultancies also reflects differing assumptions about how these constraints will be managed.

Market Segmentation

Based on the application, the market is segmented into chemicals manufacturing, metal processing, textile industry, paper & sugar industry, automotive industry, fertilizer industry, and others.
Based on the manufacturing processes, the market is segmented into the contact process, wet sulfuric acid process, and others.
Based on the raw materials, the market is segmented into elemental sulfur, pyrite ore, base metal smelters, and others.

Fertilizer Industry Segment to Grow at a Considerable Market Share

Among all the segments, the fertilizer industry by application dominates the Global Sulfuric Acid Market, accounting for the largest market share in both volume and revenue terms. Sulfuric acid is an essential input in the production of phosphate fertilizers, primarily used to manufacture phosphoric acid, which is further processed into monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), and superphosphate fertilizers. These fertilizers are crucial for maintaining soil fertility and enhancing crop yields, especially in countries with extensive agricultural activities. The growing global population, coupled with the rising demand for food grains, has significantly increased fertilizer consumption across regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa, thereby driving the sulfuric acid market.

In India and China, where agriculture remains a key economic pillar, government initiatives supporting fertilizer subsidies and domestic production expansion further strengthen sulfuric acid demand. Moreover, developing economies are witnessing a shift toward intensive farming practices that depend heavily on sulfur-based fertilizers, making this segment the central growth engine of the market.

Contact Process: A Key Segment in Market Growth

In the global sulfuric acid market, the contact process segment by manufacturing process and the Elemental Sulfur segment by raw material collectively emerge as the key segments driving market growth. These two segments dominate production due to their superior efficiency, lower environmental footprint, and cost-effectiveness compared to alternative methods and raw material sources. The Contact Process, in particular, accounts for the vast majority of global sulfuric acid production, estimated to exceed 80% of total output, as it provides high conversion efficiency and produces acid of greater purity suitable for a wide range of industrial and agricultural applications. This process involves the catalytic oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, followed by absorption in water, making it ideal for large-scale continuous operations. Its flexibility and compatibility with various feedstocks, especially elemental sulfur, further strengthen its dominance. Increasing regulatory emphasis on sustainability and emission control has also favored this process, as modern plants using the Contact Process can incorporate effective SO2 scrubbing systems to meet stringent environmental standards.

Regional Outlook

The global sulfuric acid market is further divided by geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).

Asia-Pacific Region to Hold a Substantial Growth Rate

In the Asia-Pacific, China dominates the global sulfuric acid market, accounting for the largest share due to its massive fertilizer, chemical, and metal-processing industries. The country's extensive production capacity is supported by integrated facilities linked to non-ferrous metal smelters and large phosphate fertilizer plants, ensuring efficient sulfur recovery and continuous output. Driven by rising agricultural fertilizer demand, rapid industrialization, and strict environmental policies promoting cleaner production technologies like the Contact Process, China has become both the largest producer and consumer of sulfuric acid globally. Major domestic players such as Sinopec, ChemChina, and Hubei Yihua Chemical Industry Co. further strengthen their market leadership, positioning China as the central hub for sulfuric acid supply in the Asia-Pacific region.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies operating in the global sulfuric acid market include Aurubis AG, BASF SE, OCP Group, PhosAgro Group, and The Mosaic Co., among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.

Recent Development

In September 2025, Rohm launched a new sulfuric acid plant in Worms, strengthening its global production network. The plant, which replaces the previous one damaged by a fire in late 2023, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and contributes to the regional supply of MMA. The plant is crucial for the automotive, construction, medical technology, and PMMA industries.
In April 2025, BASF invested in a new semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany, to meet growing demand for advanced semiconductor chip manufacturing in Europe. The facility, which will feature cutting-edge purity capabilities, is expected to start operations by 2027, coinciding with the capacity expansion of key customers. The investment is in the high double-digit million-euro range. The expansion will enhance supply chain reliability for BASF's partners, ensuring a dependable and consistent supply of high-quality semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid produced locally. The plant is located at the heart of BASF's integrated chemical production site.

The Report Covers:

Market value data analysis for 2024 and forecast to 2035.
Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
Key companies operating in the global sulfuric acid market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products and relevant news is also available in the report.
Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
Competitive strategies by identifying 'who-stands-where' in the market.

Product Code: OMR2024062

1. Report Summary

Current Industry Analysis and Growth Potential Outlook
Global Sulfuric Acid Market Sales Analysis - Application | Manufacturing Processes | Raw Materials ($ Million)
Sulfuric Acid Market Sales Performance of Top Countries
1.1. Research Methodology
Primary Research Approach
Secondary Research Approach
1.2. Market Snapshot

2. Market Overview and Insights

2.1. Scope of the Study
2.2. Analyst Insight & Current Market Trends
- 2.2.1. Key Sulfuric Acid Market Trends
- 2.2.2. Market Recommendations
2.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis for the Sulfuric Acid Market
- 2.3.1. Competitive Rivalry
- 2.3.2. Threat of New Entrants
- 2.3.3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 2.3.4. Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 2.3.5. Threat of Substitutes

3. Market Determinants

3.1. Market Drivers
- 3.1.1. Drivers For Global Sulfuric Acid Market: Impact Analysis
3.2. Market Pain Points and Challenges
- 3.2.1. Restraints For Global Sulfuric Acid Market: Impact Analysis
3.3. Market Opportunities
- 3.3.1. Opportunities For Global Sulfuric Acid Market: Impact Analysis

4. Competitive Landscape

4.1. Competitive Dashboard - Sulfuric Acid Market Revenue and Share by Manufacturers
Sulfuric Acid Product Comparison Analysis
Top Market Player Ranking Matrix
4.2. Key Company Analysis
- 4.2.1. Aurubis AG
  - 4.2.1.1. Overview
  - 4.2.1.2. Product Portfolio
  - 4.2.1.3. Financial Analysis
  - 4.2.1.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.1.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.2. BASF SE
  - 4.2.2.1. Overview
  - 4.2.2.2. Product Portfolio
  - 4.2.2.3. Financial Analysis
  - 4.2.2.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.2.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.3. OCP Group
  - 4.2.3.1. Overview
  - 4.2.3.2. Product Portfolio
  - 4.2.3.3. Financial Analysis
  - 4.2.3.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.3.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.4. PhosAgro Group
  - 4.2.4.1. Overview
  - 4.2.4.2. Product Portfolio
  - 4.2.4.3. Financial Analysis
  - 4.2.4.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.4.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.5. The Mosaic Co.
  - 4.2.5.1. Overview
  - 4.2.5.2. Product Portfolio
  - 4.2.5.3. Financial Analysis
  - 4.2.5.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.5.5. Business Strategy
4.3. Top Winning Strategies by Market Players
- 4.3.1. Merger and Acquisition
- 4.3.2. Product Launch
- 4.3.3. Partnership And Collaboration

5. Global Sulfuric Acid Market Sales Analysis by Application ($ Million)

5.1. Chemicals Manufacturing
5.2. Metal Processing
5.3. Textile Industry
5.4. Paper & Sugar Industry
5.5. Automotive Industry
5.6. Fertilizer Industry
5.7. Other (Power Generation)

6. Global Sulfuric Acid Market Sales Analysis by Manufacturing Processes ($ Million)

6.1. Contact Process
6.2. Wet Sulfuric Acid Process
6.3. Other (Metabisulfite Method and More)

7. Global Sulfuric Acid Market Sales Analysis by Raw Materials ($ Million)

7.1. Elemental Sulfur
7.2. Pyrite Ore
7.3. Base Metal Smelters
7.4. Others

8. Regional Analysis

8.1. North American Sulfuric Acid Market Sales Analysis - Application | Manufacturing Processes | Raw Materials ($ Million)
Macroeconomic Factors for North America
- 8.1.1. United States
- 8.1.2. Canada
8.2. European Sulfuric Acid Market Sales Analysis - Application | Manufacturing Processes | Raw Materials ($ Million)
Macroeconomic Factors for Europe
- 8.2.1. UK
- 8.2.2. Germany
- 8.2.3. Italy
- 8.2.4. Spain
- 8.2.5. France
- 8.2.6. Russia
- 8.2.7. Rest of Europe
8.3. Asia-Pacific Sulfuric Acid Market Sales Analysis - Application | Manufacturing Processes | Raw Materials ($ Million)
Macroeconomic Factors for Asia-Pacific
- 8.3.1. China
- 8.3.2. Japan
- 8.3.3. South Korea
- 8.3.4. India
- 8.3.5. Australia & New Zealand
- 8.3.6. ASEAN Countries (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, And Other)
- 8.3.7. Rest of Asia-Pacific
8.4. Rest of the World Sulfuric Acid Market Sales Analysis - Application | Manufacturing Processes | Raw Materials ($ Million)
Macroeconomic Factors for the Rest of the World
- 8.4.1. Latin America
- 8.4.2. Middle East and Africa

9. Company Profiles

9.1. Aarti Industries Ltd.
- 9.1.1. Quick Facts
- 9.1.2. Company Overview
- 9.1.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.1.4. Business Strategies
9.2. Amal Ltd.
- 9.2.1. Quick Facts
- 9.2.2. Company Overview
- 9.2.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.2.4. Business Strategies
9.3. Aurubis AG
- 9.3.1. Quick Facts
- 9.3.2. Company Overview
- 9.3.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.3.4. Business Strategies
9.4. BASF SE
- 9.4.1. Quick Facts
- 9.4.2. Company Overview
- 9.4.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.4.4. Business Strategies
9.5. Boliden Group
- 9.5.1. Quick Facts
- 9.5.2. Company Overview
- 9.5.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.5.4. Business Strategies
9.6. Chemtrade Logistics
- 9.6.1. Quick Facts
- 9.6.2. Company Overview
- 9.6.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.6.4. Business Strategies
9.7. Chung Hwa Chemical Industrial Works
- 9.7.1. Quick Facts
- 9.7.2. Company Overview
- 9.7.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.7.4. Business Strategies
9.8. DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
- 9.8.1. Quick Facts
- 9.8.2. Company Overview
- 9.8.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.8.4. Business Strategies
9.9. GRUPO MEXICO
- 9.9.1. Quick Facts
- 9.9.2. Company Overview
- 9.9.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.9.4. Business Strategies
9.10. Hindustan Zinc
- 9.10.1. Quick Facts
- 9.10.2. Company Overview
- 9.10.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.10.4. Business Strategies
9.11. INEOS Group
- 9.11.1. Quick Facts
- 9.11.2. Company Overview
- 9.11.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.11.4. Business Strategies
9.12. Jiangxi Copper Corp.
- 9.12.1. Quick Facts
- 9.12.2. Company Overview
- 9.12.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.12.4. Business Strategies
9.13. Kanto Kagaku
- 9.13.1. Quick Facts
- 9.13.2. Company Overview
- 9.13.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.13.4. Business Strategies
9.14. Mosaic Co.
- 9.14.1. Quick Facts
- 9.14.2. Company Overview
- 9.14.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.14.4. Business Strategies
9.15. Nouryon / AkzoNobel-related units
- 9.15.1. Quick Facts
- 9.15.2. Company Overview
- 9.15.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.15.4. Business Strategies
9.16. Panoli Intermediates
- 9.16.1. Quick Facts
- 9.16.2. Company Overview
- 9.16.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.16.4. Business Strategies
9.17. PhosAgro Group / OCP
- 9.17.1. Quick Facts
- 9.17.2. Company Overview
- 9.17.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.17.4. Business Strategies
9.18. Vale
- 9.18.1. Quick Facts
- 9.18.2. Company Overview
- 9.18.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.18.4. Business Strategies
9.19. WeylChem
- 9.19.1. Quick Facts
- 9.19.2. Company Overview
- 9.19.3. Product Portfolio
- 9.19.4. Business Strategies