In Q1 2025, the North American sulphuric acid market exhibited bearish sentiments, primarily driven by weak demand, market caution, and trade uncertainties. In January, despite winter-induced supply disruptions, prices remained stable, with sluggish trading activity stemming from the absence of the plantation season and cautious behavior from both buyers and sellers. Domestic suppliers favored long-term contracts over spot purchases, while potential tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico began to weigh on market sentiment.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Chemicals and Allied Products: Sulfuric Acid (WPU0613020T1) from Jun 1987 to May 2025 about chemicals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

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

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Chemicals and Allied Products: Sulfuric Acid was 270.14500 Index Jun 1987=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Chemicals and Allied Products: Sulfuric Acid reached a record high of 357.65300 in June of 2022 and a record low of 89.80000 in August of 2000. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Chemicals and Allied Products: Sulfuric Acid - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

The sulphuric acid prices in the United States for Q3 2024 reached 140 USD/MT in September. During this period, the region displayed a strong connection between rising costs and numerous influencing factors. Some factors responsible for the increasing prices are distribution channel disruptions, changes in product demand based on seasons, and international pressures.

Explore IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Sulphuric Acid Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2024 Edition,” offers an in-depth analysis of sulphuric acid pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

CFR China Sulfuric Acid (Industrial): Oct '23 $40, Oct '24 $52 (+30%). Nov '23 $39, Nov '24 $57 (+45%). Dec '23 $40, Dec '24 $60 (+50%).

After two years of decline, purchases abroad of sulphuric acid and oleum increased by 2.4% to 3.3M tons in 2023.

In Q1 2025, North America's Nitrosylsulfuric Acid (NSA) market faced challenges due to economic headwinds and shifts in key industries. The U.S. economy experienced a significant slowdown, with some estimates indicating a contraction in GDP during the first quarter. This economic downturn was partly attributed to businesses stockpiling goods ahead of increased tariffs, leading to a record-high goods trade deficit in March.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Chemicals and Allied Products: Inorganic Acids, Including Hydrochloric, Sulfuric Acid, and Other (WPU0613020T) from Dec 2008 to May 2025 about inorganic, chemicals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The sulfuric acid market size is projected to grow from USD 16.95 billion in 2025 to USD 40.05 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 8.132%, during the forecast period till 2035

The global sulfuric acid market, valued at $6,626.6 million in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven by several key factors. The fertilizer industry, a significant consumer of sulfuric acid, continues to expand alongside global population growth and increasing demand for food. Furthermore, the metal processing and mining sectors rely heavily on sulfuric acid for applications like ore processing and metal refining, contributing to market demand. Advances in production techniques and efficiency improvements within the industry are also expected to positively influence market expansion. However, stringent environmental regulations regarding emissions and waste disposal present a considerable challenge, potentially hindering growth in certain regions. Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly sulfur, can also impact production costs and overall market dynamics. The competitive landscape is characterized by several major players, including Nutrien, Honeywell, Cytec Industries, Bayer, Akzo Nobel, Evonik Industries, DowDuPont, Chevron, and Solvay. These companies are actively involved in research and development, focusing on innovative production methods and exploring new applications for sulfuric acid. The market's segmentation, although not specified, likely involves various grades and concentrations of sulfuric acid, tailored to diverse industrial requirements. Geographical variations in demand are expected, with regions experiencing rapid industrialization or agricultural expansion showing higher growth rates. Future market trends will likely center around sustainability initiatives, technological advancements enhancing energy efficiency, and the increasing adoption of cleaner production processes to minimize environmental impact.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Chemicals and Allied Products: Inorganic Acids, Including Hydrochloric, Sulfuric Acid and Other was 135.03400 Index Dec 2008=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Chemicals and Allied Products: Inorganic Acids, Including Hydrochloric, Sulfuric Acid and Other reached a record high of 171.95400 in June of 2022 and a record low of 73.80000 in February of 2010. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Chemicals and Allied Products: Inorganic Acids, Including Hydrochloric, Sulfuric Acid and Other - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global sulfuric acid market size will be USD 15200.0 million in 2025. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.90% from 2025 to 2033.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 6080.00 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1% from 2025 to 2033.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 4560.00 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 3496.00 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 2025 to 2033.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 760.00 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% from 2025 to 2033.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 304.00 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% from 2025 to 2033.
The elemental sulfur currently holds the major share of the sulfuric acid market.

Market Dynamics of Sulfuric Acid Market

Key Drivers for Sulfuric Acid Market

Technological Advancements in Sulfuric Acid Production Methods Drives Market Growth

Technological advancements in sulfuric acid production methods are playing a pivotal role in driving the growth of the sulfuric acid market. Innovations in production technologies have improved the efficiency of sulfur extraction and acid production, leading to reduced energy consumption and environmental impact. The development of more sustainable processes, such as the use of cleaner catalysts and better sulfur recovery techniques, has made production more cost-effective. Automation and digitalization in sulfuric acid plants have further optimized production schedules and safety protocols. These advancements also ensure higher purity levels, increasing the demand for sulfuric acid across industries like chemicals, fertilizers, and mining. As such, technological progress is a key factor propelling market expansion. For instance, in October 2023, Nornickel inaugurated the Sulfur Program at the Nadezhda Smelter, launching Russia’s most ambitious environmental project aimed at significantly reducing sulfur dioxide emissions in Norilsk. The construction took over three years, with icebreakers transporting equipment. The project, including a large sulfuric acid facility, created around 500 new jobs.

(Source: https://nornickel.com/news-and-media/press-releases-and-news/nornickel-unveils-major-sulfur-initiative-in-norilsk/)

Increasing Demand for Sulfuric Acid in the Production of Detergents Fuels Market Growth

The increasing demand for sulfuric acid in the production of detergents is significantly fueling the growth of the sulfuric acid market. Sulfuric acid plays a crucial role in the manufacture of surfactants, a primary ingredient in detergents, by facilitating the sulfonation process. As global consumer demand for cleaning products rises, particularly in emerging economies, the need for surfactants in laundry detergents, dishwashing products, and household cleaners grows, directly boosting sulfuric acid consumption. Additionally, the shift toward higher-quality and more effective cleaning agents further drives market expansion. The expansion of detergent production across both domestic and industrial sectors is expected to maintain a steady demand for sulfuric acid in the coming years.

Restraint Factor for the Sulfuric Acid Market

Competition from Other Types of Acids in Specific Applications Hampers Market Growth

Competition from other types of acids, such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid, hampers the growth of the sulfuric acid market in specific applications. In industries like metal processing, pickling, and textile processing, these alternatives offer similar benefits at times with reduced costs or lower environmental impact. For instance, hydrochloric acid is often preferred over sulfuric acid for certain metal cleaning processes due to its milder nature and lower corrosiveness. Similarly, phosphoric acid finds applications in fertilizer production and food processing, competing directly with sulfuric acid in some cases. This competition creates pricing pressure and ...

The global sulfuric acid market, valued at $12.11 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven primarily by the increasing demand from the fertilizer industry, particularly for phosphate fertilizers, which rely heavily on sulfuric acid in their production. The metal processing sector, including the production of titanium dioxide and other metals, also contributes significantly to market demand. While the use of elemental sulfur as a raw material remains dominant, the industry is witnessing a shift towards more sustainable and efficient production methods, including the utilization of by-product sulfuric acid from other industrial processes. This trend, coupled with ongoing investments in capacity expansion by major players like Mosaic, Nutrien, and PhosAgro, fuels market expansion. However, fluctuating raw material prices and stringent environmental regulations pose challenges to consistent growth. Geographic distribution reveals strong market presence in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions, with China and India being key growth drivers in the latter. The diverse application segments ensure a relatively stable market, even with potential fluctuations in individual sectors. The market segmentation reveals a clear dominance of fertilizers in the application area, closely followed by metal processing. Within the production segment, elemental sulfur accounts for the largest share, underscoring its continued importance as a primary raw material. However, the increasing adoption of byproduct recovery from metal smelters indicates a shift towards a more circular economy within the industry. The presence of numerous significant players, both internationally established companies and regionally concentrated producers, further underscores the market's maturity and competitiveness. While precise figures for individual segments and regions are not explicitly stated, the provided data and market dynamics suggest that the fertilizer sector will continue to be the primary driver of sulfuric acid market expansion over the forecast period, followed closely by the robust demand from the metal processing sector.

Sulphuric acid exports from Germany soared to 1.2M tons in 2023, picking up by 43% against the previous year.

Get comprehensive insights into the Sulfuric Acid (50%) market, with a focused analysis of the Sulfuric Acid (50%) price trend across Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa.

The global sulfuric acid market, valued at $12.11 billion in 2025, is poised for substantial growth. While the provided CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) is missing, considering the widespread use of sulfuric acid in fertilizers, metal processing, and other key industries, a conservative estimate of a 3-4% CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2033) is reasonable. This translates to a market size exceeding $16 billion by 2033. Driving this growth are increasing fertilizer demand fueled by global population growth and agricultural intensification. Furthermore, the expanding metal processing and titanium dioxide industries contribute significantly to sulfuric acid consumption. However, stringent environmental regulations regarding sulfur dioxide emissions and the fluctuating prices of raw materials like sulfur and pyrite ore pose significant challenges to market expansion. The market segmentation reveals that fertilizers constitute the largest application segment, followed closely by metal processing. Elemental sulfur remains the dominant production method, although base metal smelters are also significant contributors. Geographically, Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, are anticipated to dominate the market due to their burgeoning fertilizer and industrial sectors. North America and Europe will also maintain substantial market shares, driven by established industries and ongoing investments. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large multinational corporations and regional players. Major players like Mosaic, Nutrien, and PhosAgro hold significant market positions due to their integrated operations and global reach. However, regional players, especially in rapidly growing economies, are emerging as key competitors. Future market dynamics will likely involve increased focus on sustainable production methods, efficient resource utilization, and technological advancements to enhance production efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The market is expected to experience consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, as companies strive to optimize their production capabilities and expand their market reach. The ongoing global economic situation and geopolitical events will also influence market growth, requiring ongoing strategic adjustments by market participants.

India Wholesale Price Index: 82p: Average: Manufactured Products: Chemicals: Basic Heavy Inorganic Chemicals: Sulphuric Acid data was reported at 178.700 1981-1982=100 in Mar 2000. This records an increase from the previous number of 168.300 1981-1982=100 for Feb 2000. India Wholesale Price Index: 82p: Average: Manufactured Products: Chemicals: Basic Heavy Inorganic Chemicals: Sulphuric Acid data is updated monthly, averaging 149.650 1981-1982=100 from Apr 1982 (Median) to Mar 2000, with 216 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 244.900 1981-1982=100 in Apr 1997 and a record low of 84.100 1981-1982=100 in Feb 1984. India Wholesale Price Index: 82p: Average: Manufactured Products: Chemicals: Basic Heavy Inorganic Chemicals: Sulphuric Acid data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Inflation – Table IN.IH137: Wholesale Price Index: 1981-82=100: Manufactured Products: Chemicals.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Other Basic Inorganic Chemical Manufacturing: Sulfuric Acid (DISCONTINUED) (PCU325180325180811) from Dec 1973 to Dec 2017 about inorganic, chemicals, manufacturing, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The U.S. sulphuric acid market expanded to $2.7B in 2024, surging by 3.7% 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 +4.1% 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 increased by +55.6% against 2021 indices.