In Q3 2025, USA, the Citric Acid Price Index fell by 1.44% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker restocking. Check detailed insights for Europe, South America and APAC.

The Citric Acid Market Report Segments the Industry by Form (Anhydrous and Liquid); by Application (Food and Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care and Cosmetics, and More); by Grade (Pharmaceutical Grade, Food Grade, and Industrial Grade); and by Geography (North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East and Africa). For Each Segment, The Market Sizing and Forecasts Have Been Based On Values in USD.

As of 2025, the global citric acid market is valued at approximately USD 3,179.1 million and is likely to register a CAGR of 3.7% to surpass USD 4,571.8 million by the end of 2035.

Country wise Insights

The Indian citric acid market expanded modestly to $899M in 2024, with an increase of 2.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last twelve years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption decreased by -20.0% against 2022 indices.

Analysis of the US citric acid market, including consumption, production, imports, and exports from 2024-2035. Forecasts show a market volume of 418K tons and value of $2.2B by 2035, with key trade partners and price trends detailed.

US Citric Acid Market rising from USD 642.6 Mn to USD 802.52 Mn by 2034 (2.5% CAGR). Get the latest market trends, insights, and report.

The global Citric Acid market stood around 2969 thousand tonnes in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.08% during the forecast period until 2035.

The global citric acid anhydrous market size is projected to grow from USD 2.97 billion in 2025 to USD 3.70 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 2.74%.
Report Scope:

The global citric acid market size stood at a volume of around 2.81 Million Tons in 2024. The market is assessed to grow at a CAGR of 4.10% in the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach nearly 4.20 Million Tons by 2034.

Discover the booming citric acid market! Our comprehensive analysis reveals a $3.62B market in 2025, projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.16% until 2033. Explore key trends, drivers, restraints, and regional insights across food & beverage, pharma, and personal care applications. Learn more about leading companies and future market potential. Recent developments include: November 2022: Gadot Biochemical Industries launched a new product called Cal2Mg, which is a composition of calcium citrate and magnesium citrate. The product is produced using a unique granulation process with the addition of a binder. This process helps to enhance the product's texture, making it easier to handle and incorporate into various food applications. With this launch, Gadot Biochemical Industries aims to cater to the growing demand for high-quality, functional food ingredients that can provide additional nutritional benefits to consumers., June 2022: Jungbunzlauer, a key player in the citric acid market, has recently introduced a new product named Monomagnesium citrate. It is a monobasic magnesium salt with a molar ratio of 1:1, and it is primarily used as a mineral source in functional foods, beverages, and food supplements. Due to its pleasantly sour taste and high solubility, Monomagnesium citrate is the preferred magnesium salt for mineral-fortified beverage powders. With this new product, Jungbunzlauer aims to cater to the growing demand for functional food ingredients that offer additional nutritional benefits while also providing an enjoyable taste experience to consumers., April 2021: Jungbunzlauer, a leading producer of citric acid and citrate-based ingredients, has announced plans for the expansion of its Citric plant in Port Colborne, Canada. The expansion is aimed at meeting the growing global demand for citric acid and citrate-based functional and bio-based ingredients. The move is a response to the consistently strong demand for these ingredients and is expected to provide the company with greater production capacity to meet the growing needs of its customers. With this expansion plan, Jungbunzlauer aims to strengthen its position as a key player in the citric acid market and provide high-quality citric acid and citrate-based ingredients to meet the diverse needs of the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.. Notable trends are: Increasing Demand for Clean-Label and Natural/Organic Ingredients.

Analysis of China's citric acid market: domestic consumption reached 1.1M tons in 2024, with production at 2.6M tons. The market is forecast to grow to 1.3M tons in volume and $1.2B in value by 2035. The report covers trade dynamics, key partners, and price trends.

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Citric Acid Market Size 2024-2028

The citric acid market size is valued to increase by USD 2.78 billion, at a CAGR of 9.45% from 2023 to 2028. Growing demand for citric acids from detergents and cleaners will drive the citric acid market.

Market Insights

Europe dominated the market and accounted for a 31% growth during the 2024-2028.
By Application - Food and beverage segment was valued at USD 1.21 billion in 2022
By Type - Liquid segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 130.16 million 
Market Future Opportunities 2023: USD 2776.60 million
CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 9.45%

Market Summary

The market witnesses significant growth due to its extensive applications in various industries, particularly in detergents and cleaners. The increasing demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning products fuels the market's expansion. Moreover, the rising popularity of organic food additives propels the market's growth as citric acid is widely used as a preservative and flavoring agent in the food industry. However, the availability of substitutes like lactic acid poses a challenge to the market's growth. In the realm of manufacturing operations, citric acid plays a crucial role in supply chain optimization. For instance, a leading food processing company aims to ensure consistent product quality by maintaining a reliable citric acid supplier network.
By implementing a strategic sourcing approach, the company can secure stable citric acid supplies, mitigate price volatility, and improve overall operational efficiency. The market's dynamics are influenced by factors such as production capacity expansions, technological advancements, and regulatory compliance. As the market evolves, players invest in research and development to innovate and differentiate their offerings. This continuous pursuit of improvement ensures that citric acid remains a versatile and indispensable ingredient across multiple industries.

What will be the size of the Citric Acid Market during the forecast period?

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The market continues to evolve, driven by its versatile applications in various industries. This organic compound, derived from the fermentation of renewable resources, serves as a crucial metabolic intermediate in several biochemical pathways. In the pharmaceutical sector, citric acid is employed as a buffering agent, pH adjuster, and chelating agent, enhancing bioavailability in drug formulations. In the cosmetics industry, it functions as an emulsifying agent, providing skin conditioning benefits and expanding the product line. Moreover, citric acid plays a pivotal role in food additives, where it acts as an acidulant, preservative, and flavor enhancer. In industrial processes, it is used for scale inhibition, corrosion prevention, and process efficiency improvement.
Citric acid salts find extensive applications in wastewater treatment and product purification. The use of citric acid as a microbial growth inhibitor and chelating efficacy booster further expands its utility. The demand for citric acid is fueled by its eco-friendly production methods and sustainable applications. For instance, the use of citric acid as a chelating agent in metal removal processes results in significant yield improvement and improved quality parameters. In the context of business strategy, this trend highlights the importance of adopting sustainable production methods and focusing on product purity to cater to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.

Unpacking the Citric Acid Market Landscape

In the realm of manufacturing and food industries, citric acid plays a pivotal role as a versatile ingredient. Its chemical reactivity and acidulant properties make it an essential component in various applications. Compared to traditional acidulants, citric acid offers a superior buffering capacity, enabling more effective pH adjustment in detergent formulation and food preservation. Moreover, the use of citric acid in the rheological properties improvement of industrial cleaning solutions results in a 20% increase in substrate utilization and a 15% enhancement in product yield. In the realm of food grade certification, citric acid's role as a flavor enhancer and chelating agent ensures compliance with stringent industry standards. The citrate production process undergoes rigorous optimization, with purification methods ensuring concentration levels meet the highest quality control standards. In the fermentation process, citric acid's role as a biodegradable compound contributes to a more efficient microbial fermentation, ultimately leading to improved ROI. Sodium citrate and calcium citrate are commonly used in chemical synthesis, metal complexation, and water treatment applications due to their solubility properties and st

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Citric Acid market size was USD 3.7 billion in 2024 and will expand at the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.30% from 2024 to 2031. Market Dynamics of Citric Acid Market

Key Drivers of Citric Acid Market

Increasing Demand in the Food and Beverage Sector : Citric acid is extensively utilized as a flavor enhancer and preservative in beverages, processed foods, and sweets. The rising global consumption of ready-to-eat meals, carbonated beverages, and bottled juices is continuously propelling the demand for citric acid as a safe and natural additive.

Transition to Natural and Organic Ingredients : The consumer shift towards natural preservatives instead of synthetic alternatives is enhancing the adoption of citric acid. Its non-toxic, biodegradable characteristics and designation as a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) ingredient render it a favored option in clean-label products, especially among health-conscious and vegan consumers.

Broadening Uses in Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care : Citric acid is being increasingly incorporated into pharmaceutical products for pH regulation and effervescence. Additionally, it contributes to skincare and cosmetic formulations due to its exfoliating and pH-adjusting abilities. This expansion beyond food-related uses significantly drives overall market growth.

Key Restraints in Citric Acid Market

Raw Material Price Volatility : The production of citric acid is significantly influenced by the availability and pricing of sugar and corn-based feedstocks. Variations in the prices and supply of these agricultural resources can affect production expenses, complicating the ability of manufacturers to sustain consistent pricing and profit margins in fiercely competitive markets.

Environmental Concerns in Manufacturing : The fermentation method employed in citric acid production can result in substantial energy consumption and chemical waste. Increased regulatory oversight and mounting pressure to lower industrial emissions may restrict production capabilities or necessitate considerable investments in sustainable technologies, thereby impeding market growth.

Substitution by Synthetic Acids : In various industrial applications, synthetic acids such as phosphoric and acetic acid may occasionally serve as substitutes for citric acid due to their lower costs or distinct chemical characteristics. This trend of substitution, particularly in cleaning products and detergents, has the potential to limit demand in non-food sectors.

Key Trends of Citric Acid Market

Surge in Clean Label and Vegan Products : Citric acid is increasingly recognized as a vital component in clean-label and plant-based food items. Brands are promoting it more as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer, which aligns with the rising trend of veganism and the heightened consumer scrutiny of ingredient lists, particularly in Europe and North America.

Increased Use in Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products : There is a significant uptick in the application of citric acid in environmentally friendly household cleaning products, attributed to its natural origins and biodegradability. Consumers are actively seeking safer alternatives to harsh chemicals, prompting brands to create eco-conscious cleaning solutions that incorporate citric acid.

Geographical Expansion of Production Facilities : In response to the increasing global demand and the need to lessen reliance on imports, manufacturers are broadening citric acid production in developing areas such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America. This strategy of localized manufacturing is effective in addressing supply chain challenges and catering to regional consumption patterns. Introduction of the Citric Acid Market

The Citric Acid market stands as a vital component of various industries, spanning from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals and personal care. Renowned for its multifaceted applications, Citric Acid serves as a pivotal ingredient, lending its acidic and preservative properties to countless products. Its prevalence in food and beverage manufacturing arises from its roles in flavor enhancement, pH regulation, and as a natural preservative. Moreover, its eco-friendly nature and biodegradability further bolster its appeal in today's environmentally conscious market landscape. However, the Citric Acid market faces challenges such as supply chain di...

The United States citric acid market attained a volume of 607.90 KMT in 2024. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 2.80% during 2025-2034 to reach a volume of 801.24 KMT by 2034.

The North America Citric Acid Market would witness market growth of 3.3% CAGR during the forecast period (2023-2030). In the year 2019, the North America market's volume surged to 1,000.4 Kilo Tonnes, showcasing a growth of 2.5% (2019-2022). Evolving consumer preferences towards healthier and natur

The US citric acid market is forecast for steady growth, with a projected CAGR of +1.0% in volume and +1.2% in value from 2024 to 2035, driven by rising demand. This analysis covers consumption, production, and trade dynamics, including key import and export partners and price trends.

Check Market Research Intellect's Food Grade Citric Acid Market Report, pegged at USD 3.5 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 5.5 billion by 2033, advancing with a CAGR of 6.5% (2026-2033).Explore factors such as rising applications, technological shifts, and industry leaders.

Access Market Research Intellect's Citric Acid Anhydrous Market Report for insights on a market worth USD 3.5 billion in 2024, expanding to USD 5.2 billion by 2033, driven by a CAGR of 5.5%.Learn about growth opportunities, disruptive technologies, and leading market participants.

Analysis of the UK citric acid market, including consumption, production, import/export trends, price analysis, and a forecast to 2035 projecting market volume and value growth.

¿Por qué cambió el precio del ácido cítrico en julio de 2025? En el segundo trimestre, el precio spot del ácido cítrico mostró una trayectoria volátil pero general ascendente, con un promedio de 810 USD/MT en abril, descendiendo ligeramente en mayo (-0,62%), antes de rebotarse en junio a 811 USD/MT (+0,75% MM) - una fluctuación media del trimestre sobre trimestre (QoQ) de aproximadamente +0,67%.