Carbon Dioxide Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Source (Industrial Sources, Natural Sources, Bio-based Sources), By Application (Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), Food & Beverage Industry, Medical Applications, Fire Suppression, Welding and Metal Fabrication, Carbonated Beverages, Agriculture (Greenhouses), Chemical Synthesis), By End-Use Industry (Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Metals & Mining, Chemicals, Agriculture, Electronics) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033

Carbon Dioxide Market Size

The global carbon dioxide (CO₂) market size was valued at USD 77.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 87.3 billion in 2025, reaching USD 217.8 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

The global market comprises mechanisms and platforms facilitating the trading of carbon credits and allowances to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This market includes compliance-based systems like the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) where entities purchase carbon offsets to compensate for their emissions. Carbon credits represent reducing or removing one metric ton of CO₂ or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases. These credits are generated through various projects, including renewable energy initiatives, reforestation, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. The market's primary objective is to provide economic incentives for reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices across industries.

The carbon dioxide market growth is propelled by several factors. The increasing global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions is prompting governments and corporations to adopt carbon pricing mechanisms and invest in carbon offset projects. Implementing policies like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) drives demand for verified carbon credits to avoid trade penalties. Technological advancements in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) and direct air capture (DAC) are expanding the market's supply side. Additionally, initiatives like the Carbon Data Open Protocol (CDOP) and updates to the Science Based Targets (SBTi) standards enhance transparency and credibility in carbon accounting. These developments foster increased participation and investment in carbon markets, reflecting a broader trend towards integrating environmental considerations into economic decision-making.

Carbon Dioxide Market Trends

Advancement in carbon market standards

The global market is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a growing emphasis on enhancing transparency and credibility through advancing carbon market standards. This pivotal trend aims to address concerns around the integrity and effectiveness of carbon markets, fostering greater trust and participation.

• For example, the launch of the Carbon Data Open Protocol (CDOP) in March 2025, involving 30 organisations like Sylvera and S&P Global, seeks to harmonise carbon market data, promoting interoperability and transparency. By aligning with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, CDOP enhances market credibility and legal accountability.

This push towards standardisation, with heightened disclosure obligations and third-party verification, signals a convergence of voluntary and regulatory approaches. Ultimately, this trend compels businesses to adopt robust carbon management strategies, contributing to a more mature and reliable global carbon marketplace.

Carbon Dioxide Market Growth Factor

Integration of carbon pricing mechanisms

Integrating carbon pricing mechanisms is pivotal in expanding the global market. Governments worldwide are implementing policies that assign a cost to carbon emissions, incentivising reductions and generating demand for carbon credits. For instance, the European Union's Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has effectively reduced emissions by 5% in 2024, aligning with its 2030 target of a 62% reduction from 2005 levels.

• For instance, the Australian Energy Markets Commission (AEMC) recommends a carbon price starting at $70 per tonne in 2024, escalating to $420 per tonne by 2050 to achieve net-zero emissions. Such pricing strategies are instrumental in driving investments in low-carbon technologies and practices.

These initiatives underscore a global trend towards embedding carbon pricing into economic systems, thereby stimulating the growth and sophistication of carbon markets.

Market Restraint

Susceptibility to environmental interference

Despite the growth prospects, the carbon dioxide market faces challenges, particularly regarding the reliability and integrity of carbon offset projects. Environmental factors such as natural disasters, changing climate conditions, and land-use changes can compromise the permanence of carbon sequestration efforts. For example, reforestation projects are vulnerable to wildfires and deforestation, which can release stored carbon into the atmosphere, undermining the credibility of associated carbon credits.

Additionally, the complexity of measuring, reporting, and verifying carbon sequestration, especially in soil and forest-based projects, poses significant challenges. Variability in methodologies and a lack of standardised protocols can lead to discrepancies in reported outcomes, affecting market confidence.

To mitigate these issues, robust monitoring systems and third-party verifications are essential. However, implementing such measures increases project costs, potentially making carbon credits less accessible to smaller entities and developing nations. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring carbon markets' environmental integrity and economic viability.

Market Opportunity

Emerging carbon capture technologies and projects

Advancements in carbon capture technologies present significant opportunities for the market. Companies like Climeworks and Deep Sky are at the forefront of developing direct air capture (DAC) facilities, which extract CO₂ directly from the atmosphere for permanent storage.

• For instance, Climeworks' Mammoth plant in Iceland, operational since May 2024, can capture up to 36,000 tons of CO₂ annually, utilising geothermal energy.
• Similarly, Deep Sky is developing carbon capture campuses in Canada, each projected to sequester 200,000–300,000 tons of CO₂ per year through in-situ mineralisation.

These projects contribute to emission reduction goals and generate high-quality carbon credits, attracting investments from corporations aiming to offset their carbon footprints.  The scalability and technological innovation in carbon capture and storage (CCS) offer a pathway to meet increasing demand for carbon offsets, particularly from hard-to-abate sectors. As regulatory frameworks evolve to support CCS initiatives, these technologies are poised to play a pivotal role in the expansion and diversification of the carbon dioxide market.

Regional Analysis

North America continues to lead the global carbon dioxide market due to its extensive industrial base, mature carbon capture infrastructure, and progressive regulatory frameworks. The U.S. remains at the forefront, with the Department of Energy investing USD 3.5 billion in four regional Direct Air Capture (DAC) hubs announced in 2024, each designed to capture over 1 million metric tons of CO₂ annually. Companies like Climeworks and CarbonCapture Inc. are building facilities in Texas and Louisiana, leveraging federal support through the 45Q tax credit. These developments and the emergence of voluntary carbon markets and corporate net-zero pledges underscore North America’s leadership in CO₂ supply and sequestration capabilities.

• The U.S. remains a mature and technologically advanced market for carbon dioxide, driven by its diversified industrial base and progressive environmental policies. CO₂ is extensively used across the food and beverage, chemical, oil recovery, and healthcare sectors. Recent developments reflect a strong emphasis on carbon capture. Furthermore, federal incentives such as the 45Q tax credit and the Department of Energy’s Carbon Negative Shot are accelerating carbon removal and storage innovation. Voluntary carbon markets are also growing as corporations commit to net-zero goals. With widespread industrial adoption and strong government backing, the U.S. is expected to remain a global leader in CO₂ utilisation and sequestration.
• Canada’s carbon dioxide marketis shaped by its stance on climate change and carbon pricing mechanisms. The federal carbon tax, which is set to rise to CAD 170 per ton by 2030, incentivises industries to invest in CO₂ mitigation and utilisation technologies. Provinces like Alberta are spearheading CO₂ infrastructure through initiatives such as the Carbon Trunk Line, which transports captured CO₂ to enhanced oil recovery sites. The Canadian government supports direct air and bioenergy innovation with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). These developments, public-private partnerships, and strong academic involvement make Canada a steadily advancing player in the global CO₂ market.

Europe: Fastest-growing region

Europe is witnessing rapid growth in its CO₂ market, fueled by stringent climate policies, cross-border collaborations, and the expansion of carbon pricing mechanisms. The EU’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) remains a key driver, with allowance prices forecasted to reach €111.14 per ton by 2027, incentivising carbon capture and low-carbon innovation. The Carbon Connect Delta Program, launched in 2024 between Belgium and the Netherlands, aims to capture, transport, and store 6.5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2030 via cross-border infrastructure. Germany, France, and the UK are also scaling up industrial decarbonisation through incentives for CO₂ reuse in synthetic fuels and chemicals. With growing investment in DAC and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), Europe is establishing itself as a global hub for carbon innovation and policy leadership.

• Germany’s CO₂ marketis largely driven by its commitment to sustainability, industrial decarbonisation, and the transition to a circular economy. The country actively promotes Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU), particularly in the cement, steel, and chemicals industries. Germany is also part of Northern Lights, a trans-European CO₂ transport and storage initiative. The government’s recent update to the Carbon Management Strategy provides regulatory clarity and funding to scale up CCS and CCU infrastructure. Furthermore, the CO₂ market in Germany is supported by the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), where rising carbon prices drive innovation and adoption. These initiatives reinforce Germany's position as a carbon innovation hub in Europe.
• France is accelerating its efforts to reduce carbon emissions through policy initiatives, industrial adaptation, and technology adoption. The country’s strong industrial and agricultural base ensures consistent demand for CO₂ in processes like food preservation, water treatment, and horticulture. France’s national Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC) and its alignment with the EU Green Deal provide regulatory support for CO₂ capture, storage, and reuse. Investments in hydrogen production and energy storage also create synergies for CO₂ utilisation. As part of its net-zero roadmap, France encourages public-private partnerships to develop circular carbon solutions, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable CO₂ management.

Asia-Pacific Market Trends

Asia-Pacific is emerging as a dynamic growth engine for the CO₂ market, underpinned by industrial expansion, regulatory reforms, and investment in carbon trading. In 2025, China expanded its national emissions trading system (ETS) to include the steel, cement, and aluminium sectors, covering over 60% of the country’s emissions. This mandates more than 1,500 companies to procure carbon credits, significantly deepening market participation. Japan and South Korea are ramping up CCS pilot projects and carbon trading exchanges, with Japan's GX League supporting corporate decarbonisation via voluntary markets. The region’s growing emphasis on carbon pricing and compliance mechanisms, combined with foreign investment in infrastructure, is setting the stage for Asia-Pacific to become a central force in the evolving global CO₂ economy.

• China has one of the largest and most complex carbon dioxide markets due to its scale of industrial activity and evolving climate policies. CO₂ is widely used in greenhouse farming, metal processing, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Companies like Sinopec and CNPC are investing in CCS pilot projects in Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang. Additionally, municipal programs are promoting CO₂ capture from waste-to-energy plants. As regulations tighten and the ETS matures, China is poised to become a major emitter and a key innovator in the global CO₂ ecosystem.
• India’s carbon dioxide market is expanding rapidly, driven by industrialisation, population growth, and food security demands. CO₂ is extensively used in greenhouse farming, cold storage, and food and beverage carbonation. In 2024, India announced plans to implement a carbon credit trading scheme, starting with the power and cement sectors. The move aims to incentivise low-carbon technologies, including carbon capture from industrial flue gases. With increasing emphasis on sustainability and international cooperation, India’s role in the global CO₂ market is expected to grow significantly, particularly in affordable and scalable carbon solutions for emerging economies.

Source Insights

Industrial sources are the primary contributors to the carbon dioxide market, owing to high-volume emissions from sectors such as cement, steel, petroleum refining, and chemical manufacturing. These industries emit CO₂ as an unavoidable by-product of high-temperature processes. With growing global emphasis on decarbonisation, many industrial players are turning to carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) solutions to curb emissions. These developments reduce environmental impacts and create new market pathways for captured CO₂ in enhanced oil recovery and synthetic fuels. Emerging technologies, such as point-source carbon capture retrofits, are expected to further expand the role of industrial CO₂ in both compliance and voluntary carbon markets.

Application Insights

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) remains the dominant application for carbon dioxide, particularly in regions with mature oil fields like North America and the Middle East. In EOR, CO₂ is injected into depleted reservoirs to mobilise trapped oil, improving extraction rates by up to 60%. This maximises resource recovery and allows for long-term geological sequestration of CO₂, making it a dual-purpose strategy. The economic viability of EOR is further enhanced by the U.S. 45q tax credit, which incentivises CO₂ utilisation and storage. Emerging projects in the Middle East, such as ADNOC’s Al Reyadah facility in the UAE, reflect the global scale-up of CO₂-EOR efforts. EOR is expected to maintain its lead in industrial CO₂ applications as carbon pricing rises.

End-Use Insights

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) remains the dominant application for carbon dioxide, particularly in regions with mature oil fields like North America and the Middle East. In EOR, CO₂ is injected into depleted reservoirs to mobilise trapped oil, improving extraction rates by up to 60%. This maximises resource recovery and allows for long-term geological sequestration of CO₂, making it a dual-purpose strategy. The economic viability of EOR is further enhanced by the U.S. 45q tax credit, which incentivises CO₂ utilisation and storage. Emerging projects in the Middle East, such as ADNOC’s Al Reyadah facility in the UAE, reflect the global scale-up of CO₂-EOR efforts. As carbon pricing rises, EOR is expected to maintain its lead in industrial CO₂ applications.

Recent Developments

• January 2025 - Through its subsidiary 1PointFive, Occidental is constructing the STRATOS Direct Air Capture (DAC) facility in Texas, designed to capture 500,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually. The captured CO₂ will be utilised for enhanced oil recovery and stored underground, contributing to net-negative emissions.

Analyst Opinion

As per our analyst, the global carbon dioxide market is poised for substantial growth, driven by its diverse applications across industries and increasing emphasis on sustainable practices. The food and beverage industry's demand for carbonation and preservation, agriculture's need for enhanced plant growth, and the healthcare sector's utilisation of CO₂ in medical procedures contribute significantly to market expansion. Moreover, advancements in carbon capture and storage technologies, supported by governmental policies and investments, are expected to propel the market further. Companies focusing on innovation, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships will be well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the CO₂ market.