Dicalcium Phosphate Market

Market Overview

The global dicalcium phosphate market size was valued at USD 806.21 million in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 964.34 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 2.01% during the forecast period (2023–2031). The worldwide surging prevalence of bone diseases boosts the global dicalcium phosphate market. The flourishing geriatric population further enhances the incidence of these diseases. As dicalcium phosphate contains calcium and phosphate ions, it is widely used in bone growth and development. This is expected to drive the global dicalcium phosphate market.

Dicalcium phosphate, denoted by the chemical formula CaHPO4, is the dihydrate of calcium phosphate. The prefix "di" is derived from the fact that two protons are eliminated during the formation of the HPO42– anion from phosphoric acid, H3PO4. Calcium monohydrogen phosphate or dibasic calcium phosphate are variant names for this compound.

Dibasic calcium phosphate finds primary application as a dietary supplement in noodle products, prepared breakfast cereals, dog treats, and enriched flour. Certain pharmaceutical preparations, including those designed to eradicate body odor, utilize it as a tableting agent. Several dietary calcium supplements, including Bonexcin, also contain dibasic calcium phosphate. It is a component of the poultry diet.

Market Dynamics

Global Dicalcium Phosphate Market Drivers:

Growth in the Prevalence of Bone Diseases

Many factors, including genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and medical influences, can give rise to bone diseases. In recent years, the adoption of changing lifestyles, lack of physical activity, and rise in alcohol consumption are a few factors leading to the rise in bone diseases. Osteoporosis is the most dominant bone disease in humans, accounting for a significant public health problem. It is estimated that 200 million people around the globe have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes more than two million fractures yearly, and the number continues to grow.

Furthermore, according to the available data, approximately 30% of women in both Europe and the United States exhibit symptoms of osteoporosis. Similarly, projections indicate that an estimated 40% of post-menopausal women and 30% of men may encounter an osteoporotic fracture at some point throughout their remaining lifespan. Dicalcium phosphate is a compound that includes calcium and phosphate ions and plays a crucial role in bone growth and development. It is often utilized as a dietary supplement to support these processes. Therefore, the surging prevalence of bone diseases is expected to drive the global dicalcium phosphate market growth.

Growing Geriatric Population

The geriatric population worldwide is growing rapidly due to the remarkable increase in life expectancies and easy access to medical innovations. According to a report released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs population division, there were 727 million people over 65 in 2020. The report also projected this number to reach 1.5 billion by 2050.

Additionally, the rising aging population faces several age-associated health concerns, with bone health being the most common. The risk of developing bone diseases increases with age. For instance, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exhibits a prevalence rate of approximately 1% among the general population. However, it is more frequent among individuals in their 50s and 60s and more prevalent in women than men. Therefore, the surging geriatric population will lead to bone disease growth, fueling the global market expansion.

Global Dicalcium Phosphate Market Restraint:

Volatility in Raw Material Prices

Primarily, dicalcium phosphate is extracted from the limited natural resource phosphate rock. Diverse factors, including environmental concerns, geopolitical tensions, and extraction regulations, can impact the cost and accessibility of phosphate rock. The supply and cost of raw materials utilized in the manufacturing process of dicalcium phosphate are subject to fluctuations due to the influence of these dynamic elements.

Furthermore, manufacturers and consumers of dicalcium phosphate are confronted with difficulties due to the volatility of raw material costs. Unexpected surges in production expenses pose an intrinsic peril for manufacturers, as they can potentially diminish their profit margins. These aspects are anticipated to have a negative impact on the market during the forecast period.

Global Dicalcium Phosphate Market Opportunities:

Growing Demand from Animal Feed Industry

The positive impacts of dicalcium phosphates on bone development, animal growth, and fertility drive increased demand within the animal feed industry. These phosphates aid in treating infertility resulting from a mineral deficiency in the diet. In addition to increasing milk production and calcium homeostasis, dicalcium phosphates fortify resistance to mastitis and ruminal disorders. Therefore, these positive effects of dicalcium phosphate enhance animal health and meat quality.

Furthermore, with the rising global population, there is an increase in meat consumption globally. According to FAO projections, global chicken, pigmeat, beef, and sheepmeat consumption is expected to increase by 15%, 11%, 10%, and 15%, respectively, by 2032. It is further anticipated that there is a 2% increase in worldwide meat consumption when measured per capita. Therefore, with the rise in meat consumption, the market for nutritional supplements, such as dicalcium phosphate, has experienced a substantial rise due to its role in promoting the health and productivity of animals.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global dicalcium phosphate market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America is the most significant global dicalcium phosphate market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. North America's advanced and well-developed livestock industry includes aquaculture, poultry, and cattle. In these sectors, dicalcium phosphate, an essential feed additive, is extensively applied to promote animal health, growth, and nutrition. The pervasive adoption of this product in North America can be attributed to its effectiveness in improving animal performance and satisfying the increasing need for premium animal feed. In addition, the North American region is growing significantly due to rising meat consumption. For instance, according to a statistic published by Statista, North America had the highest per capita meat consumption between 2020 and 2022, with an average of 78.6 kilograms per person.

Furthermore, continuous efforts are made in advanced animal nutrition research to optimize animal productivity and enhance feed formulations. The implementation of these inventive methodologies and the area's dedication to technological progress serve to reinforce the acceptance of commodities such as dicalcium phosphate, thereby consolidating North America's dominance in the international marketplace.

In Europe, the expanding prevalence of sustainable agriculture and organic farming is driving the dicalcium phosphate market. For instance, the European Green Deal embodies the European Union's aspiration to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a sustainable economy. In this context, European agriculture, as well as the food systems in Europe as a whole, are significantly improving their environmental impact by conserving finite resources and preventing detrimental effects on biodiversity. This is expected to boost the market growth. In addition, the surging population in the region is expected to drive the dicalcium phosphate market growth. For instance, the percentage of people over 50 comprises approximately 34% of the total population in Europe. This percentage is expected to increase by nearly 10% over the next 20 years. This aging population would require supplements to enhance bone health, contributing to the high demand for market growth.

In Asia-Pacific, the dicalcium phosphate market is escalating at a significant pace on account of its substantial livestock population, expanding disposable income, and large population. The escalating market demand for livestock and dairy products, specifically in nations such as China and India, drives the requirement for dicalcium phosphate and other animal feed additives. For instance, in the Asia-Pacific region, the total sales of poultry meat increased by 12.13% in 2019 and by 5.56% annually from 2016 to 2021. Asia's demand for chicken meat will continue to rise, reaching 154 million metric tons by 2031. Hence, the growth of the livestock industry demands high-quality animal feed, which is ultimately expected to boost the dicalcium phosphate market in the region.

Segmental Analysis

The global dicalcium phosphate market is segmented by process and application.

Based on the process, the global dicalcium phosphate market is divided into phosphoric acid and hydrochloric acid. 

Phosphoric acid is the principal phosphate source in the dicalcium phosphate manufacturing process. Phosphoric acid, which is required for the synthesis of dicalcium phosphate, is typically extracted from phosphate rock via an acidulation procedure involving sulfuric acid. Phosphoric acid solution contains numerous impurities that must be eliminated to meet quality standards. Following purification, the phosphoric acid is reacted with a calcium source. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) may serve as this source.

Phosphoric acid and the calcium source undergo a chemical reaction that produces dicalcium phosphate (CaHPO4) precipitation, which is amenable to separation from the residual solution. The filtration process is employed to separate the dicalcium phosphate precipitate from the liquid phase. Subsequently, it is conventionally subjected to desiccation and washing processes to obtain a refined, crystalline powder. Additional processing stages, such as purification for pharmaceutical applications or granulation for use in animal feed, may be required, depending on the intended application.

Based on application, the global dicalcium phosphate market is segmented into animal feed, fertilizers, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and others.

Dicalcium phosphate is utilized in fertilizers for various purposes and has numerous applications in the agricultural sector. Dicalcium phosphate serves as a calcium and phosphorus source for vital plant nutrients. Calcium is essential for developing roots, cell wall integrity, and overall plant health. Phosphorus is vital for the storage and transfer of energy within plants, as well as for the promotion of fruiting flowering and overall growth.

Additionally, dicalcium phosphate can enhance the pH of acidic soils through amendment. By functioning as a liming agent, it decreases the soil's acidity, thereby enhancing its suitability for a diverse array of crops. Similarly, dicalcium phosphate finds application in controlled-release or slow-release fertilizers, which release nutrients progressively and for an extended duration. Keeping calcium and phosphorus supplies consistent for plants diminishes the likelihood of nutrient leaching and runoff.

Recent Developments

• May 2023- John Deere and Yara International joined forces to launch a partnership combining Yara's agronomic expertise with John Deere's precision technology and advanced machinery. The partnership will enable farmers to increase yields and optimize fertilizer use, helping them contribute to the ambition of the European Union's Farm to Fork Strategy.
• October 2023- Yara Growth Ventures AS, Navigator Holdings Ltd. ("Navigator"), and Yara International ASA announced that they each acquired a 14.5% stake in the Norwegian startup Azane Fuel Solutions AS ("Azane").