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 n February 2023. Athough average annual EUA prices have increased significantly since the 2018 reform of the EU-ETS, they fell 19 percent year-on-year in 2023 to 65 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). Volatility of carbon prices EU carbon prices are volatile and change daily. Prices are determined by the supply and demand of allowances. In March 2022, the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war caused EUA prices to crash to less than 60 euros/tCO₂ due to the expected ban on Russian energy imports in Europe.

EU Carbon Permits decreased 2.17 EUR or 2.97% since the beginning of 2025, 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.

China launched its national emissions trading system (ETS) in 2021, becoming the world's largest carbon market by emissions coverage. As of April 2024, carbon prices of China's national ETS hovered around 12.5 USD/tCO₂e. The China national ETS builds on the seven pilot projects that have been implemented in seven cities and provinces across the country. These pilot ETS will continue to operate alongside the national ETS, covering emissions not yet included in the national system.

As of April 2024, the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) carbon price was above 60 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 2024, the price of carbon on the UK ETS was 45 USD/tCO₂e.

European Union Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) carbon allowances are estimated to average 65 euros per metric ton of carbon dioxide (tCO₂e) in 2024. This figure is forecast to more than double by the end of the decade to almost 150 euros/tCO₂e, before reaching nearly 200 euros/tCO₂e by 2035. EU-ETS carbon prices surpassed the 100 euros per metric ton threshold for the first time in February 2023.

Prices for EU Carbon Permits including live quotes, historical charts and news. EU Carbon Permits was last updated by Trading Economics this March 27 of 2025.

Professionals and stakeholders across various industry sectors expect the average carbon price in China's national emissions trading system (ETS) to rise to 139 yuan per metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2030, compared with roughly 50 yuan per metric ton in 2022.

The cost of UK ETS carbon permits (UKAs) was around 100 GBP in February 2023, but prices have fallen considerably since then. Prices on January 16, 2025 were just 32.57 GBP, down 11 percent from the same date the previous year. Formerly part of the EU ETS, the UK launched its own cap-and-trade system in 2021 following Brexit. Why has the UK’s carbon price fallen? Several factors have contributed to falling UK carbon prices, including mild winter weather and reduced power demand, as well as a surplus of carbon allowances on the market. While prices have recovered marginally from the record lows, they remain markedly below carbon prices on the EU ETS. The low cost of UK carbon permits has raised concerns that it could deter investment in renewable energy. Future of UK ETS The UK ETS covers emissions from domestic aviation and the industry and power sectors, amounting to some 30 percent of the country’s annual GHG emissions. There are plans to expand the system over the coming years to cover CO₂ venting by the upstream oil and gas sector, domestic maritime emissions, and energy from waste and waste incineration. The UK is also looking to introduce a carbon border adjustment mechanism, which would place a carbon price on certain emissions-intensive industrial goods imported to the UK.

The average annual price of European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) allowances fell 22 percent year-on-year in 2024, to 65 euros. Still, EU ETS carbon allowances are forecast to rise to almost 150 euros by the end of the decade. Each EU ETS emissions allowance (EUA) gives the holder the right to emit one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent.

These are inputs into the BEIS Carbon Price Models, which are used for analysis, including for estimating impacts on the carbon price of policy changes, and for producing BEIS's updated short-term traded carbon values for modelling purposes and for public policy appraisal. Updated short-term traded carbon values for modelling purposes have been used in the latest update to BEIS’s Energy and Emissions projections (EEP) and will be used in other models of electricity generation and investment across government. BEIS’s short-term traded carbon values for UK public policy appraisal are used for valuing the impact of government policies on emissions in the traded sector, that is those sectors covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). These data are not released: they are commercial in nature because they have been produced for the Department by external contractors under commercial contract.

Carbon prices across multiple emissions trading systems worldwide are expected to increase during the period of 2026 to 2030, compared to 2022 to 2026. The average EU ETS carbon price is expected to be 84.4 euros per metric ton of CO₂ during the period 2022 to 2025, but is projected to rise to almost 100 euros per metric ton of CO₂ during the period of 2026 to 2030, according to a survey of International Emissions Trading Association members. EU ETS carbon pricing broke the 90 euros per metric ton of CO₂ barrier in February 2022, and in February 2023 it surpassed 100 euros per metric ton of CO₂.

Green innovation has been the crucial and fundamental channel for efficient emission reduction and high-quality realization of the “Dual Carbon” goals. This paper provides novel evidence for the industry-level effect of Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) on green innovation. Specifically, adopting the supply chain Stackelberg model and the multi-period DID model, we demonstrate both theoretically and empirically that the ETS has an overall significant promotion effect on green innovation both in compliance and non-compliance industries. Surprisingly, the promotion effect in non-compliance industries will be stronger, forced by the costs pass-through from up-stream compliance industries. Furthermore, we also find that the carbon price level can amplify the positive effect of the ETS on industry green innovation in the short run, while the price volatility weakens the effect of the ETS in the long run. Our findings shed light on the inherent effects of ETS on green innovation and suggest that policymakers should stabilize the carbon prices so as to encourage green innovation.

Uruguay had the highest carbon tax rate worldwide as of April 2024, at 167 U.S. dollars per metric ton of CO₂ equivalent (USD/tCO₂e). Despite being the most expensive across the globe, Uruguay’s carbon tax covered only about five percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the country. Finland – the world's first country to implement a carbon tax – had a rate of almost 100 USD/tCO₂e. How do carbon taxes work? Carbon taxes are a type of environmental tax, typically levied on fossil fuels and certain high-polluting industrial processes. Governments set a price per unit of carbon emitted, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction and may be set by legislation or through a market-based mechanism. The revenue generated from carbon taxes can be used in various ways, such as investing it in renewable energy projects or climate adaptation initiatives. Altogether, carbon taxes aim to ensure that big polluters bear the costs of their environmental impact while providing an economic incentive to reduce their carbon footprint. Emissions trading systems (ETS) ETS are one of the main carbon pricing instruments worldwide. They work on a cap-and-trade principle, which limits the emissions a participant can produce each year through allowances. These can be allocated through various methods, such as auctions, free allocation based on historical emissions, or a combination of both. In addition to that, entities are also allowed to buy and sell allowances among themselves in a regulated market.

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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

The price of one carbon allowance under the United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) was 45.06 U.S. dollars per metric ton on April 1, 2024, This was roughly half of what one allowance cost a year earlier. The UK ETS launched in 2021 after the country's withdrawal from the European Union, and covers emissions from energy-intensive industries, the power generation sector, and aviation.

CN: ChongQing Carbon Emissions Trading Center: CQCER-1: Pricing Declaration: Low Price data was reported at 0.000 RMB/Ton in 21 Oct 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 41.000 RMB/Ton for 24 Jun 2024. CN: ChongQing Carbon Emissions Trading Center: CQCER-1: Pricing Declaration: Low Price data is updated daily, averaging 28.100 RMB/Ton from Oct 2021 (Median) to 21 Oct 2024, with 38 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 46.000 RMB/Ton in 14 Mar 2024 and a record low of 0.000 RMB/Ton in 21 Oct 2024. CN: ChongQing Carbon Emissions Trading Center: CQCER-1: Pricing Declaration: Low Price data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Xinhua Finance. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Environmental Protection – Table CN.EPT: Xinhua: ChongQing Carbon Emissions Trading Center: CQEA-1/ CQCER-1.

This report includes carbon market developments globally. There are four articles covered in detail: 1. Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative – The Potential Solution for the US Carbon Market Rapid growth in economic activity has had a negative impact on the fragile ecosystem. Carbon emissions have impacted the environment and global warming is one of the key manifestations of this.. In order to prevent global warming by controlling carbon emissions, politicians across the globe are implementing various measures. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is one of the initiatives pioneered by the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states in the US. This initiative has yielded favorable results in terms of reducing the carbon emissions in the ratified states. The success of RGGI has also triggered the debate to replicate a similar scheme at the federal level. 2. New Zealand Climate Change Response Amendment of 2009 The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) was legislated in September 2008 under the Climate Change Response Act (2002). This law, amended in November 2009, became the first mandatory emissions trading scheme outside Europe. The liquidity in the New Zealand emissions market increased in June with the trading of around 1.5 million NZUs as companies responded to the inclusion of three new sectors in the trading scheme. Due to this, the supply is expected to increase in the second half of 2010. The fixed price of the emissions unit and limited supply initially would not create much market movement at first within the NZ ETS. It is expected that participants can prioritize buying the NZUs at a fixed price of NZ$25 from the government rather than buying spot permits presently being traded at around NZ$18– NZ$18.50. 3. Kyoto Carbon Market Balance: Demand and Supply Scenario, 2008–2012 The economic downturn in 2008 caused a decline in investments in the carbon sector. In addition, the two international climate change talks in Copenhagen and Bonn were not able to produce concrete results favoring the global carbon market. Against this backdrop, the players in this market have become much more conservative. Also, the recent delay of regional carbon bills across the globe has impacted the expected supplies of emission units in the trading market. Delays in the US’s and Japan’s carbon bills as well as Australia’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) have resulted in uncertain market conditions, thereby impacting the decisions of Parties involved in the Kyoto Protocol. In this context, the demand-supply scenario of the Kyoto market suggests that the Kyoto projects pipeline could continue to shrink as investors are reluctant to make long-term investments due to the uncertain post-2012 scenario. 4. Moving Towards Zero – Sony’s Perspective Sony Corporation announced its “Road to Zero” global environmental plan. The plan includes a long-term goal of achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2050. The mid-targets will be implemented globally across the Sony Group beginning in the fiscal year 2011 (April 2011), and will extend through to the end of the fiscal year 2015 (March 2016), at which time new targets for the following five years will be set. Read More

The global carbon tax market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing global awareness of climate change and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Governments worldwide are implementing carbon pricing mechanisms, including carbon taxes, to incentivize businesses and individuals to adopt cleaner technologies and practices. This market is projected to reach a significant size, estimated at $150 billion in 2025, based on current market trends and adoption rates. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the period 2025-2033 is estimated to be 8%, reflecting the expected intensification of climate policies and technological advancements in carbon capture and emission reduction. Key segments driving growth include carbon dioxide taxes in the industrial sector, followed by transportation and agriculture. The market is geographically diverse, with significant contributions from North America and Europe, though the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to show accelerated growth due to rapid industrialization and increasing government regulations. While the implementation of effective carbon tax systems faces challenges such as economic impact on certain industries and the complexity of cross-border regulations, the long-term trajectory points toward consistent growth due to increasing international cooperation on climate action and evolving technological solutions for carbon emission mitigation. The leading revenue generators in the carbon tax market are governmental tax agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Canada Revenue Agency, and similar entities across the globe. These agencies play a crucial role in the implementation and enforcement of carbon tax policies, shaping market dynamics. The market's future trajectory will be significantly influenced by evolving international agreements, technological advancements in renewable energy, and the evolving geopolitical landscape, all of which have the potential to accelerate or decelerate the rate of carbon tax adoption and enforcement globally. Further research into specific regional implementations and economic impacts is needed to refine these projections and to offer a more nuanced analysis for specific market segments. However, the overarching trend remains clear: significant expansion of the carbon tax market is anticipated for the foreseeable future.

Browse EUA Daily Futures (ECP) market data. Get instant pricing estimates and make batch downloads of binary, CSV, and JSON flat files.

ICE Endex iMpact is the primary data feed for ICE Endex, the leading energy exchange in continental Europe. It covers a diverse range of energy products, including European gas, emissions, and power markets, providing valuable data for energy firms, EU ETS compliance entities, and financial participants to effectively manage price risk. This dataset includes all listed spot contracts, outrights, spreads, options, and options combinations on ICE Endex.

Asset class: Futures, Options

Origin: Captured at Aurora DC3 with an FPGA-based network card and hardware timestamping. Synchronized to UTC with PTP

Supported data encodings: DBN, CSV, JSON (Learn more)

Supported market data schemas: MBO, MBP-1, MBP-10, TBBO, Trades, OHLCV-1s, OHLCV-1m, OHLCV-1h, OHLCV-1d, Definition, Statistics (Learn more)

Resolution: Immediate publication, nanosecond-resolution timestamps

This paper employs a computable general equilibrium model (CGE) to analyse how a carbon tax and/or a national Emissions Trading System (ETS) would affect macroeconomic parameters in Turkey. The modelling work is based on three main policy options for the government by 2030, in the context of Turkey’s mitigation target under its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), that is, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 21% from its Business as Usual (BAU) scenario in 2030: (i) improving the productivity of renewable energy by 1% per annum, a target already included in the INDC, (ii) introducing a new flat rate tax of 15% per ton of CO2 (of a reference carbon price in world markets) imposed on emissions originating from carbon-intensive sectors, and (iii) introducing a new ETS with caps on emission permits. Our base path scenario projects that GHG emissions in 2030 will be much lower than Turkey’s BAU trajectory of growth from 430 Mt CO2-eq in 2013 to 1.175 Mt CO2-eq by 2030, implying that the government’s commitment is largely redundant. On the other hand, if the official target is assumed to be only a simple reduction percentage in 2030 (by 21%), but based on our more realistic base path, the government’s current renewable energy plans will not be sufficient to reach it.

Turkey’s official INDC is based on over-optimistic assumptions of GDP growth and a highly carbon-intensive development pathway;

A carbon tax and/or an ETS would be required to reach the 21% reduction target over a realistic base path scenario for 2030;

The policy options considered in this paper have some effects on major sectors’ shares in total value-added. Yet the reduction in the shares of agriculture, industry, and transportation does not go beyond 1%, while the service sector seems to benefit from most of the policy options;

Overall employment would be affected positively by the renewable energy target, carbon tax, and ETS through the creation of new jobs;

Unemployment rates are lower, economic growth is stronger, and households become better off to a larger extent under an ETS than carbon taxation.

Turkey’s official INDC is based on over-optimistic assumptions of GDP growth and a highly carbon-intensive development pathway;

A carbon tax and/or an ETS would be required to reach the 21% reduction target over a realistic base path scenario for 2030;

The policy options considered in this paper have some effects on major sectors’ shares in total value-added. Yet the reduction in the shares of agriculture, industry, and transportation does not go beyond 1%, while the service sector seems to benefit from most of the policy options;

Overall employment would be affected positively by the renewable energy target, carbon tax, and ETS through the creation of new jobs;

Unemployment rates are lower, economic growth is stronger, and households become better off to a larger extent under an ETS than carbon taxation.