Trichloromethane Market

Market Overview

The global trichloromethane market size was valued at USD 7.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 9.2 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 2.7% during the forecast period (2024–2022). The usage of trichloromethane as a Lewis acid, anesthetic, and reagent and its employment in the production of other chemicals are anticipated to propel the market throughout the forecasted years. 

Chloroform, also known as trichloromethane, is a colorless chemical molecule with a pungent odor and high density in liquid form. Chloroform is composed of four chloromethanes and one trihalomethane, specifically methyl alcohol. Chloroform exhibits solubility in benzene, metabolites, and acetone. Chloroform undergoes a significant reaction to produce monochlorodifluoromethane, a compound that finds application in the production of Teflon. Trichloromethane sinks in water because it is slightly soluble and denser than water. In most circumstances, it is not flammable, but in particular, it may ignite.

The market is anticipated to be driven by using trichloromethane to produce other chemicals and treat animals for screwworms when paired with other substances over the years. The market is expected to grow in the following years for the use of chloroform as a solvent for the extraction of fats, rubber, greases, artificial silk manufacturing, lacquers, gums, oils, waxes, gutta-percha, resins, floor polishes, and adhesives. Additionally, it is employed in producing polymers, particularly vinyl chloride, alongside other compounds and refrigerants (such as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-22 and fluorocarbon-22). These factors are expected to drive the market during the predicted period. 

Highlights

• Technical grade accounts for the largest market share by grade.
• Solvent holds a significant market share in the application.
• The agrochemical industry influences market growth through end-use.

Market Dynamics

Global Trichloromethane Market Drivers

Solvent Properties of Chloroform and Historical Use of Chloroform

Chloroform possesses good solvent properties, making it helpful in dissolving and extracting certain substances. This property has driven its use in various applications. With its unique solvent properties, Chloroform has historically found applications in multiple industries. However, the use of chloroform as a solvent has significantly declined due to its potential health and environmental hazards. Chloroform is a versatile solvent that can dissolve many organic compounds. It is particularly effective in dissolving fats, oils, resins, waxes, and other non-polar or slightly polar substances.

Chloroform has a long history of use in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and chemical synthesis, contributing to its demand. One of Chloroform's most significant historical uses was as a general anesthetic. In the mid-19th century, it was commonly administered to induce unconsciousness during surgical procedures. The Scottish obstetrician James Young Simpson was one of the pioneers in promoting Chloroform as an anesthetic.

Increase in Demand in the Pharmaceutical Sector and Agrochemical Sector

The utilization of Chloroform across many sectors, coupled with the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry, enhances the demand for the product, hence serving as a critical driver for the trichloromethane market. The chloroform market is propelled by the increasing demand for Chloroform as a reagent in DNA and RNA research and its utilization in bio-labs to avoid the degradation of organic tissues and facilitate long-term preservation. Furthermore, Chloroform possesses remarkable characteristics and is employed to extract antibiotics, vitamins, and tastes, among other substances, augmenting the demand for this compound.

The agrochemical industry is anticipated to experience an increase in chloroform sales due to the growing global population and the consequent rise in demand for food and farm products. The growth of the agrochemical industry is fueling the manufacture of pesticides and insecticides, leading to an increase in the global trichloromethane market by the end of the projected timeframe. In January 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicted Australia's cotton production would increase to 5.5 million 480-pound bales. This represents a growth of 0.2 million bales compared to December 2021 and a significant increase of 2.7 million bales or 96%, compared to January 2021.

Moreover, the worldwide production of coarse grains reached 1,417.2 MMT in 2019 and 1,433.9 MMT in 2020, reflecting a growth of 1.2 percent. The market expansion is being driven by the increased demand for crop protection chemicals, like Chloroform, due to the rising crop yield.

Global Trichloromethane Market Restraints

Availability of Alternatives

Safer alternatives to Chloroform, such as other solvents and anesthetics, have been developed and are widely available. The availability of these alternatives has reduced the demand for Chloroform. Inhalation of chloroform vapor can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and respiratory system irritation. Significant levels of exposure can result in loss of consciousness or potentially fatal outcomes. Following the instructions provided by the manufacturer and collaborating with knowledgeable HVAC experts can offer helpful knowledge and guarantee the implementation of appropriate maintenance procedures.

Furthermore, the market is expected to face challenges in the forecast period due to the absence of advantageous reimbursement scenarios and limited technological adoption in emerging nations. The substantial custom duty imposed on medical equipment and the need for sufficient infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries will also pose challenges.

Government Restrictions on the Use of Chloroform

Chloroform is a synthetic organic substance with multiple applications, including its use as a solvent, reagent, and anesthetic agent in surgical procedures. Utilizing the product can have adverse effects since being exposed to excessive amounts of Chloroform might result in convulsions, fatality, and coma. Furthermore, excessive dosages of Chloroform can lead to the development of cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure, thereby reducing the global demand for Chloroform. Prolonged and intense exposure to it can result in liver malfunction and potentially cause kidney damage over time. Another critical factor that could hinder the growth of chloroform market revenue is the occurrence of health difficulties, such as hepatic damage, resulting from the inhalation of Chloroform.

In addition, inhaling Chloroform at high concentrations of approximately 40,000 ppm primarily affects the central nervous system and can be lethal. Conversely, oral exposure can adversely affect the kidneys, liver, and blood. According to the FDA's study released on February 25, 2022, Chloroform in cosmetic products is banned due to its carcinogenic properties and detrimental effects on human health, potentially impeding market revenue growth. Governments in numerous countries internationally enforce stringent restrictions to control production to mitigate the risks associated with adverse health consequences among citizens.

Global Trichloromethane Market Opportunities

Increasing Automotive Industry

Chloroform produces fluorocarbon-22, a refrigerant utilized in air conditioning systems. Based on data from the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India's domestic car production experienced a CAGR of 2.36 percent from FY16 to FY20, producing 26.36 million vehicles in FY20. Between FY16 and FY20, domestic auto sales' compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was 1.29 percent. In FY20, a total of 21.55 million automobiles were sold. Based on data from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), automobile production in Japan grew in November, with the number of units produced increasing from 667,462 in October to 690,311 in November 2023. Therefore, the growth in automobile manufacturing will require a higher demand for fluorocarbon-22 in producing air conditioners. This, in turn, will catalyze the expansion of the trichloromethane market in the projected timeframe.

Increasing Research Activities 

The market growth is driven by the rising number of research activities in biotechnology, DNA, and RNA, which are focused on various laboratory objectives such as storing organic tissues. It functions as a reagent in purifying RNA, and the extraction procedure is known as guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform. Additionally, it can be utilized as a biological sample to separate DNA, RNA, and proteins. Chloroform enhances the efficacy of phenol in DNA extraction, safeguarding genomic DNA in case of a mishap and facilitating the separation of the aqueous and organic phases. The global demand for chloroform is projected to be driven by its wide range of product uses in various research activities.

Furthermore, the growing demand for chloroform in diverse sectors, including medicines, biotechnology, and advanced agrochemicals, is leading to a surge in the market for chloroform. Additionally, it is employed in the metal industry as a degreasing agent, in the construction sector as a dissolving agent, and as a solvent for producing films, contributing to the market's revenue growth. The market revenue growth is predicted to be driven by the rising demand for HFC refrigerant in refrigeration, building insulation, aerosols, air-conditioning (A.C.), and fire extinguishing systems.

Regional Analysis

The global trichloromethane market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global trichloromethane market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% over the forecast period. This was primarily driven by substantial investments in healthcare facilities, a growing population, and an increasing demand for pharmaceutical products in the region. The growing transportation and construction sector in the area, where chloroform is utilized as a solvent for dissolving other chemicals, contributes significantly to the market's expansion. The growth of the transportation and construction business in the Asia-Pacific region is primarily propelled by the increasing per capita income, changing lifestyle patterns, and the growing population.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.0% over the forecast period. The primary factors contributing to the expansion in income in this area are the escalating expenditure on healthcare and the growing utilization of chloroform to preserve organic tissues. Significant companies are hugely responding to market demand by expanding their projects. For instance, on September 22, 2020, Eurisotop, a subsidiary of Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc. (CIL), responded to the market demand for deuterated chloroform by announcing its most significant expansion project. The company added a second reactor to its production facility, making the CIL Group the world's largest supplier of deuterated chloroform. Deuterated chloroform is a widely used solvent in NMR spectroscopy. This expansion aims to provide higher-quality, higher-purity products to meet growing global demand.

North America is the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. North America has consistently been aware of technological progress. The area is a significant manufacturer and consumer of HVAC systems and construction materials like adhesives, floor polishes, and lacquers. The region is known for its robust chemical production industry. The United States and Canada are the primary revenue drivers in the regional market. The region's revenue growth is propelled by an increasing emphasis on pharmaceutical and medical research and a robust presence of crucial end-users.

Segmental Analysis

The global trichloromethane market is segmented based on grade, application, and end-user.

The market is further segmented by grade into fluorocarbon grade, alcohol stabilized grade, and technical grade. 

The technical grade category held the most significant percentage of revenue and is projected to maintain its market dominance for the entire forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing utilization of chloroform as a chemical intermediate in the chemical industry for producing plastics, pesticides, resins, and dyes.

The fluorocarbon grade segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period. This is attributed to the use of chloroform as a refrigerant in air conditioners. With its precise liquid composition and mild odor, this grade, comprising 99.9% weight and a gravity of 1.481 to 1.485, is used in diverse industries, including polytetrafluoroethylene resin production, fire extinguishers, pesticides, and aircraft fuels. Fluorocarbon-grade chloroform is widely used as a refrigerant in residential and commercial A.C. systems.

The market is divided based on application into solvents, intermediates, reagents, and others. 

The solvent segment held the largest share of the trichloromethane market during the forecast period. Chloroform functions as a solvent, facilitating the dissolution of other compounds. The hydrogen atom bonded to carbon in chloroform (CHCl3) participates in hydrogen bonding. It serves as a solvent in the rubber sector, fire extinguishers, refrigerators, and air conditioners. Chloroform is globally employed as a solvent in pesticide formulations for oils, alkaloids, rubber, waxes, gutta-percha, and resins, serving as a cleansing agent. Additionally, it serves as a solvent for lacquers, floor polishes, and various other substances.

The reagent segment is projected to experience a consistent increase in revenue during the projection period. Chloroform is utilized as a reagent in laboratories, pharmaceuticals, and medical applications due to its chemical features, including its ability to mix well with other substances and its relatively low reactivity with various organic molecules. The utilization of chloroform is increasing in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and biological industries as a reagent and solvent due to its volatility and non-flammability properties. This is anticipated to contribute to the rise of the segment's revenue.

Based on the end user, the trichloromethane market has been categorized into pharmaceutical, agrochemical, chemical industry, and other end-use segments. 

The agrochemical industry segment dominated the global market regarding revenue share in 2023. This results from the growing focus on agrochemical research and the escalating utilization of chloroform in agricultural pesticides.

The chemical industry segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period. Chloroform is a substance that is highly flexible and has numerous applications. It is an excellent solvent for extracting and purifying various chemicals due to its non-polar character, high volatility, and capacity to dissolve different substances. The predecessor of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), formerly extensively utilized as refrigerants in various appliances and industrial settings, is chloroform. Rubber is processed with chloroform to increase its flexibility and resilience. Rubber surfaces are also cleaned and ready for bonding with this method.

Recent Developments

• March 2024: Dow (NYSE: DOW), a global leader in materials science, and Beyond Benign, a nonprofit organization focused on making green chemistry an integral part of education, announced an expanded multi-year collaboration. Building upon a foundation of cooperation, both organizations aim to advance chemistry education by empowering educators with the tools and resources to incorporate green chemistry into higher education curricula.
• March 2024: Dow (NYSE: DOW) announced the intent to invest in ethylene derivatives capacity on the U.S. Gulf Coast, including producing carbonate solvents, critical components to the supply chain of lithium-ion batteries. This investment supports the growth of domestic electric vehicles (E.V.) and energy storage markets. It builds on Dow's successful track record of growth projects, including the recent global alkoxylation capacity expansions expected to come online in the U.S. Gulf Coast and Europe in the next two years.