Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Citric Acid in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

Why did the Citric Acid Price Change in July 2025? Q2 Citric acid spot price displayed a volatile but overall upward trajectory, with prices averaging 810 USD/MT in April, dipping slightly in May (-0.62%), before rebounding in June to 811 USD/MT (+0.75% MoM)—an average quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) fluctuation of approximately +0.67%.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Citric Acid (Powder) in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

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 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 Million.

The Indian citric acid market rose slightly to $897M in 2024, with an increase of 2.4% against the previous year. In general, 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-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption decreased by -20.1% against 2022 indices.

Global Citric Acid market size is expected to reach $5.37 billion by 2029 at 4.5%, citric acid market growth driven by increasing need for food safety

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.

In 2024, the Australian citric acid market decreased by -1.2% to $24M, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, consumption recorded pronounced growth. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $41M. From 2023 to 2024, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

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Citric Acid Market Size 2024-2028

The citric acid market size is forecast to increase by USD 2.78 billion at a CAGR of 9.45% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increasing demand for citric acid in the detergent and cleaner industry. This sector's expansion is attributed to the rising consumer preference for eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning products. Furthermore, the trend toward organic food additives is boosting the market, as citric acid is extensively used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in various food applications. However, the availability of substitutes such as lactic acid poses a challenge to market growth. Producers must differentiate themselves by focusing on product innovation, cost competitiveness, and sustainable production methods to maintain market share and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Companies seeking to navigate this landscape effectively should closely monitor consumer preferences, regulatory developments, and technological advancements to stay ahead of the competition.

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

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In the dynamic and evolving the market, various sectors continue to adopt this versatile compound for its numerous applications. Food security and economic factors drive the demand for citric acid as a process optimization tool in the production of functional foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. The market's continuous unfolding is marked by regulatory compliance, ensuring ph control and technology adoption. Food additives, natural ingredients, and regulatory changes shape the market landscape, with innovation pipeline and consumer needs at the forefront. Flavor enhancers and safety standards are crucial considerations, while renewable resources and microbial fermentation contribute to sustainability initiatives. Product innovation, carbon footprint, and pricing strategies are essential elements of competitive advantage, with quality assurance and research and development at the heart of supply chain efficiency improvements.
International standards and value proposition are key factors in global trade, as the market navigates supply chain disruptions, water conservation, and waste management. Brand loyalty and political factors influence the market, with cost optimization and energy efficiency essential for long-term success. The citric acid cycle's role as a buffering agent and acidity regulator further highlights its importance in various industries. Chelating agents and product differentiation cater to health and wellness trends, while circular economy and sustainability initiatives shape the future of this dynamic market. Shelf life and waste management remain critical concerns, as the market adapts to evolving consumer trends and international regulations.

How is this Citric Acid Industry segmented?

The citric acid industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Application

  Food and beverage
  Pharmaceuticals and personal care products
  Detergents and cleaners
  Others


Type

  Liquid
  Anhydrous


Distribution Channel

  Direct Sales
  Distributors
  Online


End-use Industry

  Industrial
  Household


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    Egypt
    KSA
    Oman
    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Argentina
    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Application Insights

The food and beverage segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic global market for citric acid, various factors are shaping its growth trajectory. The food and beverage industry's reliance on citric acid as a versatile additive, used for flavor fixation, bacterial stabilization, sterilization, and acidity regulation, positions it as a key player. The segment's expansion is driven by consumer trends toward packaged and convenience foods, with citric acid's role in extending shelf life and enhancing taste. Efficiency improvements and cost reduction are essential for businesses in this competitive landscape. Innovation pipelines are focused on green chemistry, microbial fermentation, and renewable resources to meet evolving customer needs and regulatory compliance.

Product differentiation through natural ingredients and clean labels is a strategic priority, with citric acid's role as a buffering agent and acidity regulator in functional foods gaining traction. Regulatory changes and safety standards are crucial considerations, with international standards ensuring consistency and consumer trust. Environmental

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 United States citric acid market size reached 5,66,660 Tons in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 6,27,240 Tons by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 1.12% during 2025-2033.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the United States citric acid market report, along with forecasts at the country and regional level from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on application and form.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Citric Acid market size will be 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 for Citric Acid Market Growing Expansion of Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Industry - The pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries significantly contribute to the growth of citric acid market. In pharmaceuticals, citric acid is utilized for its anticoagulant properties and as an acidity regulator in various formulations. In cosmetics, it serves as a pH adjuster and preservative in skincare and personal care products. The growing consumer awareness and demand for effective and safe health and beauty products propel the market, driven by citric acid's multifunctional benefits and its status as a natural ingredient. The growth of the food & beverage industry is anticipated to drive the Citric Acid market's expansion in the years ahead. Key Restraints for Citric Acid Market The increased competition from alternative acidulants in the food industry limits the Citric Acid industry growth growth. The market also faces significant difficulties related to supply chain disruptions due to environmental factors. 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 disruptions triggered by environmental factors and escalating competition from alternative acidulants. Despite these hurdles, sustained demand from a myriad of industries, coupled with ongoing research and development efforts to enhance production efficiency, underscore the resilient and dynamic nature of the Citric Acid market, poised for continued growth and innovation.

In 2024, the Kuwaiti citric acid market decreased by -14.4% to $8.5M for the first time since 2018, thus ending a five-year rising trend. Overall, consumption enjoyed prominent growth. Citric acid consumption peaked at $9.9M in 2023, and then dropped in the following year.

Citric Acid Market size was valued at USD 3.40 billion in 2021 and is poised to grow from USD 3.53 billion in 2022 to USD 4.73 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.73%

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

Industrial Grade Citric Acid Market Outlook

The global market size of industrial grade citric acid is projected to witness substantial growth, with numbers reaching approximately USD 3.2 billion in 2023 and an estimated USD 4.8 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 4.6%. This growth can be attributed to increasing demand across various sectors such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care industries. As a versatile organic acid, citric acid's application in diverse industrial operations underscores its critical role, fostering robust market expansion during the forecast period.

Several factors are driving the growth of the industrial grade citric acid market. Firstly, there is a surge in the global food and beverage industry's demand for natural additives. Citric acid, being a natural preservative and flavor enhancer, is extensively utilized to prolong shelf life and improve the taste of food and beverage products. The increasing consumer inclination towards natural and clean label products is further accelerating this demand. Additionally, the evolving dietary trends and the rising popularity of convenience and processed foods are contributing to the escalated use of citric acid, thereby propelling market growth.

Another significant growth factor is the expanding pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. Citric acid is widely incorporated in pharmaceutical formulations for its pH-adjusting properties and as an effervescent agent. The growing incidence of lifestyle diseases and the consequent rise in the consumption of pharmaceutical products are bolstering the demand for citric acid. Similarly, in the personal care industry, citric acid is employed as a preservative and a pH regulator in various skincare and cosmetic products. The escalating consumer awareness regarding personal grooming and hygiene is driving the demand for personal care products, thus positively impacting the citric acid market.

The industrial applications of citric acid also play a crucial role in market growth. It is used in the production of detergents and cleaners due to its ability to chelate metals, making it an effective cleaning agent. The increasing emphasis on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has heightened the demand for industrial cleaners. Furthermore, citric acid's role in bio-based industrial processes and its use in metal finishing and textile industries contribute to its growing market share. The push towards sustainable and environment-friendly industrial practices further accelerates the adoption of citric acid in various industrial applications.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific holds a prominent position in the industrial grade citric acid market. The region's rapid industrialization and urbanization, coupled with a burgeoning middle-class population with rising disposable incomes, fuel the demand for processed food and beverage products, pharmaceuticals, and personal care items. North America and Europe also represent significant markets, driven by stringent regulatory standards regarding food safety and the increasing trend of natural and organic products. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets, with growth driven by expanding industrial activities and improving economic conditions.

Form Analysis

The industrial grade citric acid market is segmented by form into anhydrous and monohydrate. The anhydrous form of citric acid is devoid of water and is primarily utilized in applications where water content needs to be minimized, such as in certain industrial processes and formulations. Anhydrous citric acid finds extensive use in the food and beverage industry as an additive and preservative. Its ability to remain stable and effective in dry conditions makes it a preferred choice in the production of dry food products and powdered beverages. This segment is witnessing steady growth owing to its versatile applications and increasing demand for dry food items.

Monohydrate citric acid, on the other hand, contains one molecule of water and is widely used in applications requiring a certain level of hydration. This form is prevalent in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries, where it is used in effervescent tablets, syrups, and skincare products. The hygroscopic nature of monohydrate citric acid allows it to maintain moisture, making it suitable for various formulations. The growing pharmaceutical industry, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and increasing healthcare expenditure, is fueling the demand for monohydrate citric acid. Si

Citric Acid Market valuation is estimated to reach USD 4.05 Bn in 2025 and is anticipated to grow to USD 5.26 Bn by 2032 with steady growth CAGR of 3.8%.

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.

China Export: Citric Acid data was reported at 95.415 USD mn in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 67.395 USD mn for Feb 2025. China Export: Citric Acid data is updated monthly, averaging 58.471 USD mn from Jan 2008 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 207 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 236.205 USD mn in Jul 2022 and a record low of 28.277 USD mn in Nov 2008. China Export: Citric Acid data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by General Administration of Customs. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s International Trade – Table CN.JA: USD: Export by Major Commodity: Value.