EU Carbon Permits fell to 82.64 EUR on December 1, 2025, down 0.74% from the previous day. Over the past month, EU Carbon Permits's price has risen 1.77%, and is up 20.06% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for EU Carbon Permits.

As of April 2025, the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) carbon price was above ** U.S. dollars per metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (USD/tCO₂e). The EU ETS launched in 2005 as a cost-effective way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and was the world's first major international carbon market. The UK was formerly part of the EU ETS, but replaced this with its own system after withdrawing from the EU. As of April 2025, the price of carbon on the UK ETS was almost ** USD/tCO₂e.

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Carbon Credit Market Size 2025-2029

The carbon credit market size is forecast to increase by USD 1,966.3 billion at a CAGR of 32.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to rising emissions in the Earth's atmosphere, which necessitates the need for businesses and individuals to offset their carbon footprint. Booming investment and partnership deals in this market are driving its expansion, with various organizations recognizing the importance of reducing their carbon emissions and contributing to environmental sustainability. However, the fluctuating prices of carbon credits pose a challenge for market participants, as they can impact the profitability of carbon offsetting projects.
To stay competitive, market players must closely monitor carbon credit prices and adapt their strategies accordingly. In summary, the market is witnessing increasing demand due to growing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements, but its growth is influenced by the volatility of carbon credit prices.

What will the Carbon Credit Market Size during the forecast period?

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The market has gained significant traction in recent years as businesses and individuals seek to offset their carbon emissions and contribute to the global decarbonization effort. This market facilitates the buying and selling of carbon credits, which represent the right to emit a specific amount of greenhouse gases. The voluntary carbon market plays a crucial role in this context, enabling organizations to offset their carbon footprint beyond regulatory requirements. Net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions have become a key business objective, driving demand for carbon credits from various sources. Forestry projects are a significant contributor to the market. These projects involve the protection, restoration, or reforestation of forests, which act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Carbon emission reduction projects, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, also contribute to the market. Carbon storage projects, including those focused on geological storage, are another essential component. The market's dynamics are influenced by various factors, including regulatory policies, market prices, and technological advancements. As the world moves towards a low-carbon economy, the demand for carbon credits is expected to continue growing, making it an attractive investment opportunity for businesses and individuals alike.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

End-user

  Power
  Energy
  Transportation
  Industrial
  Others


Type

  Compliance
  Voluntary


Geography

  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  Asia

    China


  North America



  Rest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

The power segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Carbon credits represent financial instruments that enable organizations to invest in emission reduction projects, contributing to the global effort to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. These initiatives, which focus on conservation, biodiversity, and livelihoods, provide a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Additionally, the energy sector, specifically power generation, can benefit significantly from this shift, as renewable energy sources offer a sustainable and non-depleting alternative to coal and natural gas. To achieve the international goal of limiting global temperature rise to 2°C or 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is crucial. Carbon credits facilitate this transition by incentivizing investment in renewable energy projects and reducing the overall carbon footprint.

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The power segment was valued at USD 61.30 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

Europe is estimated to contribute 84% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The European Union (EU) held a significant share of The market in 2023, with countries like the UK and Germany being major buyers. To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the EU established the International Emissions Trading System (ETS) in 2005, which sets the cost of CO2 emissions and uses

The average price of voluntary carbon market (VCM) credits decreased by *** percent in 2024 year-on-year, to **** U.S. dollars per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent. The market value of the VCM totaled just over *** million U.S. dollars that year.

Explore the booming Compliance Carbon Credit Market, projected to hit $0.82 billion with a 14.81% CAGR. Discover key drivers, trends, restraints, and leading companies shaping the future of emissions trading. Recent developments include: April 2024: Regional efforts in the Western United States and Canada are gaining momentum as the urgency of combating climate change increases. Plans to link their carbon markets are being drawn up in California, Quebec, and Washington, which could significantly affect trading dynamics. The three authorities intend to work together to create a more extensive carbon credit market as soon as their proposed alliance takes effect., January 2024: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued proposed guidance on the listing of voluntary carbon credit (VCC) derivatives contracts on designated contract markets for the public to comment on the proposal.. Key drivers for this market are: Regulatory Mandates and Policies, Growing Corporate Sustainability Initiatives. Potential restraints include: Market Complexity and Uncertainty. Notable trends are: Charting the Course of Carbon Pricing: UK-ETS Post-Brexit.

Voluntary Carbon Credit Trading Market size was valued at USD 2.97 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 31.81 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 34.5% from 2024 to 2031.

The Voluntary Carbon Credit Trading Market is driven by several factors, including the increasing global focus on climate change mitigation, the growing demand for corporate climate action, and the need to offset carbon emissions. The rise of carbon pricing mechanisms and the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions are fueling the demand for carbon credits. Additionally, the development of robust and transparent carbon credit trading platforms, coupled with advancements in technology, are enabling efficient and secure carbon credit transactions. Furthermore, the increasing participation of corporations, financial institutions, and governments in the carbon market is driving its growth and maturity.

The Compliance Carbon Credit Market, valued at $820 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by escalating global efforts to mitigate climate change and meet stringent emission reduction targets. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.81% from 2025 to 2033 indicates a significant expansion of the market, reaching an estimated value exceeding $3 billion by 2033. Key drivers include the increasing implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms (e.g., carbon taxes, emissions trading schemes) across various jurisdictions, coupled with growing corporate sustainability initiatives and investor pressure to reduce carbon footprints. The market's segmentation reveals considerable opportunities across renewable energy projects (solar, wind), forestry and land use (afforestation, reforestation), energy efficiency improvements in industries, and sustainable transportation solutions. North America and Europe are expected to dominate the market initially, given established regulatory frameworks and robust corporate engagement. However, Asia-Pacific is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by increasing industrialization and government support for carbon reduction policies in key markets like China and India. While the market faces restraints like fluctuating carbon prices and complexities in verifying and monitoring carbon credits, the overall outlook remains positive. Continued technological advancements in carbon accounting, the emergence of new carbon offsetting projects, and heightened awareness among businesses and consumers about climate change will contribute to sustained market expansion. The leading players in this market, including Carbon Trust, ClimateCare, and others, are strategically positioning themselves to capitalize on this growth by investing in project development, carbon credit verification, and innovative carbon management solutions. The increasing demand for high-quality and verifiable carbon credits will shape the competitive landscape, requiring companies to enhance transparency and operational efficiency. Recent developments include: April 2024: Regional efforts in the Western United States and Canada are gaining momentum as the urgency of combating climate change increases. Plans to link their carbon markets are being drawn up in California, Quebec, and Washington, which could significantly affect trading dynamics. The three authorities intend to work together to create a more extensive carbon credit market as soon as their proposed alliance takes effect., January 2024: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued proposed guidance on the listing of voluntary carbon credit (VCC) derivatives contracts on designated contract markets for the public to comment on the proposal.. Key drivers for this market are: Regulatory Mandates and Policies, Growing Corporate Sustainability Initiatives. Potential restraints include: Regulatory Mandates and Policies, Growing Corporate Sustainability Initiatives. Notable trends are: Charting the Course of Carbon Pricing: UK-ETS Post-Brexit.

Discover the booming carbon credit market! Explore its size, growth projections (CAGR), key drivers, trends, and challenges. Learn about top companies and regional market shares in this comprehensive analysis of the carbon offsetting industry's future from 2025 to 2033.

The Carbon Offsets Market size was valued at USD 938.75 USD Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2222.23 USD Billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.1 % during the forecast period. Recent developments include: August 2023 – The Doha-based Global Carbon Council announced plans to list its carbon credits on the MENA exchanges platform. This initiative is expected to increase the number of carbon offset investors and boost the number of active carbon emission projects in the Middle East region.. Key drivers for this market are: Strict Government Regulations to Neutralize Carbon Emissions by 2050 Have Boosted the Market. Potential restraints include: Limited Awareness of the Carbon Offsetting and Low Carbon Credit Scores in Multiple Countries May Hamper Market Growth . Notable trends are: Increasing Adoption of Carbon Offsets by Voluntary Projects is the Emerging Trend in the Market.

The carbon offset/carbon credit market size is projected to grow from USD 681 billion in 2025 to USD 6,231 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 24.7%, during the forecast period till 2035

Carbon Credit Market Outlook

As per our latest research, the global carbon credit market size reached USD 978.6 billion in 2024, reflecting robust growth driven by tightening environmental regulations and a surge in corporate net-zero commitments. The market is expected to expand at a compelling CAGR of 18.7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 5,246.1 billion by 2033. This remarkable growth trajectory is fueled by increasing demand for carbon offsetting solutions, expansion of both compliance and voluntary carbon markets, and growing investments in sustainable development projects worldwide. The convergence of regulatory mandates and voluntary climate action is fundamentally reshaping the carbon credit landscape, making it a pivotal component in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

The primary growth factor propelling the carbon credit market is the escalating stringency of environmental regulations across major economies. Governments and regulatory bodies in regions such as the European Union, North America, and Asia Pacific are implementing ambitious emissions reduction targets, often supported by cap-and-trade systems and carbon pricing mechanisms. These policies create a robust compliance-driven demand for carbon credits, compelling industries to invest in emissions offset projects or purchase credits to meet regulatory obligations. Additionally, the integration of carbon pricing into national strategies, such as the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and ChinaÂ’s national carbon market, is significantly expanding the addressable market for carbon credits, further accelerating market growth.

Another significant driver is the proliferation of voluntary carbon markets, underpinned by a surge in corporate climate pledges and the growing influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing. Corporations, particularly in sectors with hard-to-abate emissions, are increasingly leveraging voluntary carbon credits to achieve net-zero or carbon-neutral goals. This trend is further amplified by consumer and investor demand for sustainable business practices, compelling companies to offset residual emissions through verified carbon projects. The development of innovative project types, such as nature-based solutions and technology-driven carbon removal, is expanding the scope and diversity of available credits, attracting a broader spectrum of participants and investors into the market.

Technological advancements and digitization are also playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the carbon credit market. Blockchain technology, digital monitoring, and verification platforms are enhancing transparency, traceability, and trust in carbon credit transactions. These innovations are streamlining the issuance, trading, and retirement of credits, reducing transaction costs, and mitigating risks associated with double counting or fraud. As a result, both compliance and voluntary markets are witnessing increased participation from institutional investors, financial intermediaries, and new market entrants, further driving market liquidity and scalability.

From a regional perspective, Europe continues to hold the largest share of the global carbon credit market, accounting for over 40% of the total value in 2024, owing to its mature regulatory framework and ambitious climate policies. North America follows closely, with significant growth anticipated due to the expansion of state-level carbon trading programs and corporate climate action. Asia Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, propelled by the launch of ChinaÂ’s national carbon market and increasing participation from countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing rising activity, primarily in nature-based projects and renewable energy, as governments and private sector entities seek to capitalize on emerging carbon finance opportunities.

The concept of Blue Carbon Credit is gaining traction as a vital component in the fight against climate change. These credits are derived from projects that protect and restore coastal and marine ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes, which are highly effective at sequestering carbon dioxide. As awareness of the importance of marine ecosystems grows, blue carbon projects are

The price of emissions allowances (EUA) traded on the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) exceed 100 euros per metric ton of CO₂ for the first time in February 2023. Although average annual EUA prices have increased significantly since the 2018 reform of the EU-ETS, they fell ** percent year-on-year in 2024 to ** euros. What is the EU-ETS? The EU-ETS became the world’s first carbon market in 2005. The scheme was introduced as a way of limiting GHG emissions from polluting installations by putting a price on carbon, thus incentivizing entities to reduce their emissions. A fixed number of emissions allowances are put on the market each year, which can be traded between companies. The number of available allowances is reduced each year. The EU-ETS is now in its fourth phase (2021 to 2030). Carbon price comparisons The EU ETS has one of the highest average annual carbon prices worldwide, averaging ** U.S. dollars as of April 2025. In comparison, prices for UK ETS carbon credits averaged 57 U.S. dollars during same period, while those under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in the United States averaged just ** U.S. dollars.

Discover the booming carbon credit trading market! Learn about its projected $1.2 billion value by 2033, key drivers, regional trends, and major players. Explore insights into carbon offsetting, ESG initiatives, and the future of sustainable business.

The global trading of carbon credits market, currently valued at $1803 million (2025), is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21% from 2025 to 2033. This surge is primarily driven by increasing governmental regulations aimed at mitigating climate change, coupled with growing corporate social responsibility initiatives and a rising awareness among consumers regarding their environmental footprint. The personal application segment is witnessing significant traction, driven by individual efforts to offset their carbon emissions through voluntary carbon market participation. Simultaneously, the enterprise segment is expanding rapidly, fueled by companies seeking to meet their sustainability targets and comply with evolving emission reduction mandates. Within the types of carbon credits traded, forestry and renewable energy projects dominate the market, reflecting the significant role of nature-based solutions and clean energy transition in carbon emission reduction strategies. However, the market faces restraints, including the complexity of carbon credit verification and standardization, as well as concerns about the effectiveness and potential for double counting of emission reductions. The diverse regional landscape showcases North America and Europe as leading markets, benefiting from established regulatory frameworks and robust investor interest. Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific are also exhibiting substantial growth potential, presenting both opportunities and challenges relating to infrastructure development and policy implementation. The future growth trajectory will largely depend on the strengthening of international carbon markets, technological advancements in carbon accounting and monitoring, and the continued evolution of regulatory landscapes worldwide. The market is segmented across various applications (personal and enterprise) and types of projects (forestry, renewable energy, landfill methane, and others). The significant players in this dynamic market include South Pole Group, Aera Group, Terrapass, and several other established companies globally. The market's growth is closely tied to the expanding awareness of climate change and the increasing pressure on businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. Future market expansion will likely be influenced by technological advancements in carbon accounting, the development of more robust and transparent verification systems, and a global harmonization of carbon credit standards. Government policies and regulations play a crucial role in shaping market dynamics, influencing investment flows and driving adoption rates across various sectors.

Discover the booming carbon credit trading market! Learn about its $150 billion 2025 valuation, 15-20% CAGR, key players, and future trends. Explore market segmentation, regional analysis, and the challenges impacting this rapidly evolving sector.

Discover the booming carbon credit trading market! Learn about its $150 billion valuation, 15% CAGR, key drivers, and challenges. Explore regional market shares and leading companies shaping this crucial climate solution. Invest in a sustainable future.

The booming voluntary carbon market is projected to reach $4.6 billion by 2033, driven by corporate sustainability and growing consumer awareness. Explore market trends, key players (South Pole Group, EcoAct, etc.), and regional growth in this in-depth analysis of carbon credits, including forestry, renewable energy, and waste disposal projects. Invest in a sustainable future.

Prices for EU Carbon Permits including live quotes, historical charts and news. EU Carbon Permits was last updated by Trading Economics this December 2 of 2025.

The global carbon credits market is experiencing a period of unprecedented expansion, driven by intensifying regulatory pressure and a surge in corporate climate commitments. With a projected valuation of over $6.4 trillion by 2033, the market is shifting from a niche mechanism to a central pillar of global decarbonization strategy. Europe, powered by its established Emissions Trading System, currently dominates the landscape, but the fastest growth is occurring in the Asia-Pacific region as nations like China and India develop their own carbon pricing frameworks. This transition is marked by a growing demand for high-quality, verifiable credits, particularly from nature-based solutions and innovative carbon removal technologies. The increasing sophistication of the market, including the use of blockchain for transparency, underscores its critical role in financing the transition to a low-carbon economy, although challenges related to standardization and quality assurance remain.

Key strategic insights from our comprehensive analysis reveal:

Europe's unparalleled dominance, spearheaded by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), accounts for approximately 88.7% of the global market value in 2025, making it the central hub for compliance-driven carbon trading and price discovery.
The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the market's primary growth engine, exhibiting the highest regional CAGR of 46.269%. This rapid expansion is fueled by the implementation of national carbon markets, particularly in China, and a vast potential for renewable energy and forestry-based offset projects.
A significant market-wide flight to quality is underway, with increasing investor and corporate preference for high-integrity carbon credits that offer verifiable, permanent emission reductions and additional co-benefits, such as biodiversity and community development.

Global Market Overview & Dynamics of Carbon Credits Market Analysis The global carbon credits market is on a trajectory of exponential growth, poised to expand from $119.872 Billion in 2021 to an estimated $6460.75 Billion by 2033, reflecting an impressive CAGR of 39.411%. This dynamic growth is a direct consequence of the global imperative to address climate change, translating into robust regulatory frameworks and voluntary corporate action. The market is bifurcated into compliance markets, driven by government mandates like Emissions Trading Systems (ETS), and voluntary markets, where organizations purchase credits to meet their own sustainability goals. While Europe's mature compliance market currently represents the lion's share, rapid development in Asia and North America signals a future with more geographically diverse and interconnected carbon pricing mechanisms. Global Carbon Credits Market Drivers

Strengthening Climate Policies and Regulations: The proliferation of national and regional Emissions Trading Systems (ETS) and carbon taxes, inspired by international frameworks like the Paris Agreement, legally mandates industries to reduce emissions, creating consistent demand for carbon credits.
Surge in Corporate Net-Zero Commitments: A growing wave of corporations are voluntarily setting ambitious decarbonization targets, driving significant demand in the voluntary carbon market (VCM) as they seek high-quality offsets to neutralize unavoidable emissions.
Investor and Stakeholder Pressure: Increasing pressure from investors, consumers, and civil society is compelling companies to demonstrate credible climate action, making investment in carbon credits a key component of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies.

Global Carbon Credits Market Trends

Integration of Technology for Transparency: The adoption of blockchain and other digital technologies is enhancing the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of carbon projects, improving transparency and helping to prevent issues like double-counting.
Growing Demand for Carbon Removal Credits: There is a distinct shift in preference from emission reduction/avoidance credits towards carbon removal credits (e.g., direct air capture, biochar, reforestation), which are seen as essential for achieving net-zero goals.
Focus on Co-Benefits and Project Quality: Buyers are increasingly prioritizing carbon credits from projects that deliver additional social and environmental co-benefits, such as biodiversity protection, improved local livelihoods, and clean water access, oft...

The voluntary carbon credit market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a market size of $1715.5 million in 2025, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.9%. This expansion is fueled by increasing corporate commitments to net-zero emissions targets and growing consumer awareness of climate change. Key drivers include stringent environmental regulations, heightened investor interest in sustainable investments, and the rising demand for credible carbon offsetting solutions across diverse sectors like renewable energy, waste management, and forestry. The market is segmented by application (personal and enterprise) and type of credit (forest, renewable energy, waste disposal, and others), reflecting the diverse sources of carbon reductions and the varied needs of buyers. North America and Europe currently dominate the market, but significant growth opportunities exist in rapidly developing economies in Asia-Pacific and other regions as sustainability initiatives gain traction globally. The increasing availability of high-quality carbon credits, alongside advancements in verification and monitoring technologies, will further propel market expansion. However, challenges remain, including concerns about the accuracy and permanence of carbon offsets and the need for standardized methodologies to ensure market integrity and transparency. Competition among numerous players, ranging from established consultancies to smaller specialized firms, is intensifying, driving innovation and potentially lowering prices. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued market expansion, driven by factors such as increasing government support for carbon markets, improved technology for carbon credit generation and tracking, and the growing adoption of carbon pricing mechanisms. The market's evolution will likely be shaped by ongoing debates around carbon credit methodologies, the need for greater transparency and accountability, and the integration of carbon credits into broader sustainability strategies. While uncertainties remain, the long-term outlook for the voluntary carbon credit market remains positive, with strong potential for sustained growth and wider adoption across various sectors and geographies. The increasing demand for credible and impactful offsetting solutions, combined with ongoing technological advancements, will continue to redefine the landscape of this dynamic market.