Sulfuric Acid Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Raw Material (Elemental Sulfur, Pyrite Ores, Base Metal Smelters, Others), By Applications (Fertilizers, Metal Processing, Pulp & Paper, Petroleum Refining, Textile Industry, Automotive, Chemical Manufacturing, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033

Sulfuric Acid Market Size

The global sulfuric acid market size was valued at USD 18.46 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 20.39 million in 2025 to USD 64.58 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period (2025-2033).

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a highly corrosive, colorless, to slightly yellow liquid with strong acidic properties. It is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals, crucial in various applications, including fertilizer production, chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, and wastewater treatment. Most production is dedicated to producing phosphate fertilizers, particularly superphosphates and ammonium sulfate. It is also used in lead-acid batteries, explosives, detergents, and metal processing. Industrially, sulfuric acid is synthesized via contact, where sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is oxidized and absorbed in water to form the acid. The compound’s strong dehydrating properties make it a critical reactant in chemical synthesis and industrial processes.

The global sulfuric acid market is witnessing steady growth, driven by its critical role in fertilizer production, chemical manufacturing, and industrial applications. The increasing demand for phosphate-based fertilizers, particularly in agriculture-dependent economies, significantly fuels market expansion. Additionally, it is widely used in petroleum refining, wastewater treatment, and metal processing industries, further contributing to its rising consumption. The growing need for sustainable energy solutions, including battery storage technologies such as lead-acid batteries for electric vehicles, is also boosting market demand.

Latest Market Trends

Growing demand in the fertilizer industry

Farmers worldwide utilize fertilizers containing three key nutrients to boost the quality and output of fruit and vegetable crops: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Some fertilizers, such as the two-component fertilizers monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP), provide farmers with an effective way to distribute nitrogen and phosphorus to their soils. Sulfuric acid is used in manufacturing both MAP and DAP, and it is then combined with phosphate rock to form phosphoric acid.  Since phosphoric acid production requires energy, an on-site H₂SO₄ plant, a net energy producer, is an essential component of fertilizer production.

• For instance, the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics reports that 9.84 million metric tons of phosphate fertilizer were produced in China in 2022.
• To improve fertilizer efficiency and reduce its environmental impact, Mosaic partnered with the Fertilizer Technology Research Centre (FTRC) in 2020. The goal of this collaboration is to maximize agricultural nutrients' environmental impact while simultaneously enhancing their performance.

Sulfuric Acid Market Growth Factors

Increasing use in other industries

Sulfuric acid is also used in many other industries, such as chemical manufacturing, metal processing, and petroleum refining. The metals sector has seen demand for sulphuric acid grow significantly due to the emergence of copper and nickel leaching technologies. As global economies pledge to boost investments in electrification and renewable energy, a boost in demand is expected to come from battery metals, such as high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) to recover nickel and manufacturing sulfate-based precursors for battery cathodes, with increasing global demand for sulphuric acid.

• The production capacity of electronic-grade sulfuric acid will be further increased through an agreement signed by BASF, Zhejiang Jiahua Energy Chemical Industry Co. Ltd, and its fully-owned subsidiary Zhejiang Jiafu New Material Technology Co. Ltd. By this, there will be a significant growth for  market in July 2021.\

Restraining Factors

Environmental and health concerns

One of the main ingredients in acid rain, which can harm infrastructure, forests, and ecosystems, is H₂SO₄. Stricter rules and restrictions on using and producing sulfuric acid may result from this environmental impact. Sulfuric acid manufacturing can also contribute to air pollution and respiratory issues by releasing sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. This raises manufacturing costs by requiring investment in pollution control technologies. It is hazardous and caustic, so it must be cautiously handled, stored, and transported.  Accidents put communities and employees at risk by causing serious injury and environmental harm.

• The Cooperative Bulk Handling Terminal (Pty) Ltd. (CBHT) has appointed A. Speiser Environmental Consultants (ASEC) to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the construction and operation of the sulphuric acid storage and handling facilities in October 20204.

Market Opportunity

Increasing use in wastewater treatment

An essential component of wastewater treatment is sulfuric acid. H₂SO₄ is the most common chemical used to restore wastewater's pH level to normal. Wastewater treatment is a procedure done for environmental protection. In addition to neutralizing pH levels, sulfuric acid aids in the removal of solid particles such as ferric chloride, polymers, and alums. Additionally, it eliminates disease-transmitting germs and avoids and manages the unpleasant odor present in wastewater. H₂SO₄ is used in chemical treatment to separate sludge and water.

• The Journal of Water Research published a study stating that sulphuric acid eliminates 99% of the waterborne bacteria they tested. Bell Chem is a water treatment ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL, with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific: Dominant region with robust market growth

Asia-Pacific leads the global sulfuric acid market, driven by rapid industrialization, agricultural expansion, and a strong presence of chemical manufacturers. Countries like China, India, and Japan have high H₂SO₄ consumption due to its extensive use in fertilizers, metal processing, and chemical synthesis. The region’s increasing sulfur recovery efforts and regulatory initiatives also shape the market’s long-term sustainability.

• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Asia-Pacific's agricultural production increased by 80% over the last 20 years, highlighting a growing need for fertilizers, the most extensive application of sulfuric acid.

Moreover, rising investments in battery manufacturing and renewable energy sectors, especially in China and South Korea, further boost demand for use in lead-acid batteries. Major market players focus on capacity expansion, strategic partnerships, and environmental compliance to strengthen their presence in this dominant region.

Middle East: Rapid expansion fueled by emerging markets

The Middle East is emerging as a key region in the global sulfuric acid market, primarily due to its strong phosphate fertilizer industry, petrochemical sector, and mining activities. The region is experiencing significant economic diversification, with governments investing heavily in industrial infrastructure and chemical production.

Furthermore, the Middle East’s phosphate fertilizer industry is growing rapidly, driven by population expansion and increasing food demand. The region is a global leader in phosphate-based fertilizers, requiring large quantities of sulfuric acid. The oil & gas sector remains a crucial consumer, utilizing it in hydrocarbon refining, desulfurization, and petrochemical synthesis. Sulfuric acid is also vital in metal extraction, particularly for copper, zinc, and aluminum, further fueling demand in the region’s expanding mining industry.

Countries Insights

• India: India is witnessing surging demand due to its booming agriculture sector and growing chemical industry. The government regulates sulfuric acid production and usage to enhance quality standards and sustainability. In February 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) launched a public consultation on the revised standard, seeking feedback from industry stakeholders. This move aims to improve production processes and ensure compliance with global safety norms.
• United States: The U.S. market is maturing, with companies focusing on strategic mergers, acquisitions, and divestments to optimize market positions. Automotive batteries, fertilizers, and metal processing industries fuel the demand. In July 2024, Veolia North America announced the divestment of its Regeneration Services unit, which includes its business. This marks a shift in market strategies as companies focus on core business operations and sustainability.
• Brazil: Brazil is heavily investing in domestic production to reduce dependency on imports and support its agriculture and chemical industries. In January 2023, Unigel RI (Unigel), one of Latin America’s largest chemical companies, partnered with MECS, Inc. to construct a new sulfur-burning sulfuric acid plant in Bahia. This plant aims to replace imports and meet domestic chemical processing needs.
• Egypt & Ethiopia: The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region invests in production to support fertilizers, metal processing, and industrial applications. In October 2021, Nuberg EPC secured contracts to develop two sulfuric acid plants in Gamasa City, Egypt, and Oromia, Ethiopia. A 500 metric ton per day (mtpd) sulfuric acid plant with a 5 MW rating STG set in Egypt. These investments will support the region’s growing fertilizer and aluminum industries.
• Belgium: Europe is a leading region in production technology, with companies focusing on efficiency improvements and emission control. In October 2021, PVS Chemicals Belgium N.V. installed a new MECS converter and steaming equipment at its Gent sulfuric acid plant. This upgrade replaced two parallel converter trains, increasing sulfuric acid production capacity to over 300 mtpd while reducing environmental impact.
• China: China’s market is driven by its chemical industry growth, semiconductor manufacturing, and agricultural sector. In July 2021, BASF, Zhejiang Jiahua Energy Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., and Zhejiang Jiafu New Material Technology Co. Ltd. collaborated to expand electronic-grade sulfuric acid production. This expansion supports China’s semiconductor industry, which requires high-purity for cleaning and etching processes.

Sulfuric Acid Market Segmentation Analysis

By Raw Materials

The sulpfur segment captures the largest market share. Petroleum refineries and natural gas activities are the primary sources of elemental sulfur recovery. The fertilizer and manufacturing sectors greatly depend on sulfur, one of the most vital industrial raw materials. One of the most commonly used raw materials in the production of H₂SO₄ is elemental sulfur. Thus, throughout the projected period, the demand for this segment is anticipated to increase due to the growth in demand for sulfuric acid across several industries.

By Applications

Fertilizer segments accounted for the most significant market revenue. The production of phosphate fertilizers, including ammonium sulfate and superphosphate of lime, uses between 50 and 60 percent H₂SO₄. In the processing plant, it is a crucial raw material that combines with phosphate rock to produce phosphoric acid and phosphogypsum. All high-grade phosphate fertilizers are made with phosphoric acid as an intermediate product. The demand for fertilizers is predicted to rise quickly due to farmers' increasing need for higher yields and the shrinking amount of fertile land available for agricultural practices due to increasing urbanization. These are a few of the elements that will propel the segment's market.

Company Market Share

Major companies in the market include The Mosaic Company and BASF SE, among others. These players have adopted joint ventures, new product launches, and new product developments as significant strategies to consolidate their position in the market. Major companies concentrate on technological advancements, capacity development, mergers and acquisitions, and business expansion through strategic partnerships to increase visibility and solidify their position in the worldwide sulfuric acid market.

The Mosaic Company: An emerging player in the market

The Mosaic Company is one of the top manufacturers and distributors of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients, crucial ingredients in agricultural fertilizers. It is involved in all stages of the value chain, from the extraction of raw materials to the manufacturing and distribution of final goods. They assist farmers in producing the food the world needs, serving clients in about 40 countries, mainly in the agricultural sector. Mosaic has a sizable presence in Brazil with Mosaic Fertilizantes, mines, and production facilities for potash and phosphate. Their goods are employed in manufacturing fertilizers, animal feed components, and other industrial processes.

Recent Developments

• August 2024- DMCC Speciality Chemicals Limited has commissioned a 500 TPD sulphuric acid plant of The Andhra Sugar Ltd. at Saggonda, Andhra Pradesh.  The plant was successfully commissioned in March 2024, and GTR was conducted in May 2024 by DMCC Speciality Chemicals Ltd.
• July 2024- OCP S.A. has provided a notice of award to Worley Chemetics for its three greenfield sulfuric acid plants located at OCP’s Mzinda Phosphate Hub (MPH) in Morocco. The notice of award is subject to the signing of the contract.  Under the agreement, Worley Chemetics will supply proprietary sulfuric acid technology, processes, and equipment and provide detailed engineering, procurement, and advisory site services.
• January 2024- Aarti Industries Limited (AIL) has revealed a nine-year extended supply agreement with a global company specializing in pesticide products and solutions, presenting Aarti Industries with a revenue opportunity of approximately INR 300 crore (USD 361 million) over the duration and reinforcing its sulfuric acid portfolio.

Analyst Opinion

As per our analyst, the global sulfuric acid market is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising fertilizer demand, expanding industrial applications, and increasing metal processing activities. Fertilizers remain the dominant application, with Asia Pacific leading the market due to its agriculture-driven economy, followed by the Middle East, where sulfuric acid plays a crucial role in phosphate fertilizer production and petrochemical refining.

However, stringent environmental regulations, concerns over hazardous handling, and rising sustainability demands pose challenges to market expansion. Companies like Mosaic, BASF, and PVS Chemicals are investing in technological advancements, cleaner production methods, and recycling initiatives to mitigate environmental impact. Additionally, wastewater treatment and high-purity sulfuric acid for battery manufacturing present emerging opportunities, making sustainability a key focus for future growth.