Sulphuric Acid Market Outlook - Supply and Demand Analysis 2025-2034

Sulphuric Acid Market

Sulphuric acid, also known as dihydrogen sulphate, is a strong mineral acid which is widely used to produce fertilisers and other chemicals, in iron and steel production, in petroleum refining, and several other applications. A conjugate acid of hydrogen sulphate, it is colorless and corrosive in nature. Its excellent oxidising and dehydrating properties make it suitable as a catalyst in various reactions.

Global Supply/Demand Outlook

The global sulphuric acid market stood at a volume of around 297,400 KT in 2023. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.50% between 2025 and 2034 to reach a volume of about 340,060 KT by 2032. Around 60% of the sulphuric acid produced is consumed by the fertiliser sector. Sulphuric acid is commonly used in the production of phosphate fertilisers like superphosphate of lime and ammonium sulphate The market is driven by the growing demand for nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilisers from the agricultural sector. Besides, the growing global population contributes to the rising demand for food and enhances the consumption of fertiliser on a global scale.

The global capacity of sulphuric acid was about 360,000 KT in the year 2023. It is estimated to reach 400,000 KT by 2032. The Asia Pacific region holds the major share of sulphuric acid capacities, representing around more than 50% of the global production capacity. North America and Europe are other significant regions.

Regional Market Analysis

In terms of consumption, the Asia Pacific leads the market with nearly 44% of the market share whereas in terms of capacity, Asia Pacific holds more than 50%. The region’s large population and the increasing need to improve agricultural productivity to meet the growing food demands necessitate the use of fertiliser and soil improvement solutions. Additionally, in China, its demand as an industrial chemical is expected to increase due to its growing use is in the production of explosives, dyes, glue, other acids, wood preservatives, and automobile batteries.

Key Market Players

BASF SE is the leading sulphuric acid producer globally. The company’s sulfuric acid production plants are made using sophisticated technology, boasting lowest SO2 emissions.

Other major manufacturers of sulphuric acid are The Mosaic Company, OCP Group, Nutrien, INEOS Group Ltd., DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Akzo Nobel N.V., Solvay S.A., Aurubis AG, Avantor Performance Materials LLC, Linde plc, Kanto Chemical Co., Inc., and Qingdao Hisea Chem Co., Ltd.

Key Questions Answered in the Report:

• What are the high-growth opportunities and markets for sulphuric acid by application and region?

• Which segments and regions are projected to grow at a faster pace and why in the sulphuric acid market?

• What is the nameplate capacity of sulphuric acid by region from 2018 to 2032?

• How does the plant capacity utilisation of sulphuric acid vary by region between 2018 and 2034?

• Who are the major players in the sulphuric acid market by capacity and region?

• What major plant shutdowns and expansions have occurred in the sulphuric acid market in the last year and the last quarter?

• What major plant shutdowns and expansions are planned in the sulphuric acid market over the next year and quarters?

• How did export and import dynamics of sulphuric acid vary by region in terms of value between 2018 and 2023?

• How did export and import dynamics of sulphuric acid vary by region in terms of volume between 2018 and 2023?

• What impacts have shutdowns, force majeure events, and plant closures had on demand and pricing of sulphuric acid?

• What are the environmental considerations and regulatory impacts affecting the sulphuric acid market?

• What technological innovations are having an impact on the production and application of sulphuric acid?

• What are the key trends and innovations in the sulphuric acid market?

• What are the challenges and opportunities faced by sulphuric acid manufacturers?

• What are the potential risks and barriers to entry for new players in the sulphuric acid market?

• What strategic investments and expansions have major players made in the sulphuric acid market?

• How are geopolitical factors and international trade policies affecting the global sulphuric acid market?

• What are the price trends for sulphuric acid, and how are they expected to change?

• How does the supply chain of sulphuric acid operate, and what are its key components?