Sulfuric Acid Market Report 2026

The sulfuric acid market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $17.23 billion in 2025 to $18.86 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in fertilizer consumption, expansion of mining activities, use in petroleum refining, chemical industry expansion, availability of sulfur feedstock.

The sulfuric acid market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $26.36 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growth in electric vehicle batteries, increased metal recycling, demand for high purity sulfuric acid, expansion of chemical manufacturing, environmental compliance requirements. Major trends in the forecast period include growing demand from fertilizer production, rising use in metal processing, expansion of chemical manufacturing applications, increasing consumption in battery production, focus on efficient acid recovery processes.

The swift adoption of electric vehicles is anticipated to drive the growth of the sulfuric acid market in the coming years. An electric vehicle is a mode of transportation that operates on electricity, utilizing an electric motor powered by batteries or a fuel cell, in contrast to conventional vehicles that rely on gasoline or diesel engines. Sulfuric acid is essential for producing lead-acid batteries, which are primarily used in automobiles and electric vehicles, thus increasing the demand for sulfuric acid. For example, in April 2024, the International Energy Agency, a France-based intergovernmental organization, reported that in 2023, electric car sales reached nearly 14 million, representing about 18% of total car sales, up from 14% in 2022. Hence, the rapid adoption of electric vehicles in the region is fueling the growth of the sulfuric acid market.

Leading companies in the sulfuric acid market are pursuing a strategic partnership approach to reduce their reliance on imported sulfuric acid in their downstream chemical operations. Strategic partnerships involve companies leveraging each other's strengths and resources for mutual benefit and success. For instance, in January 2023, Unigel, a Brazil-based chemical company, entered into a partnership with Elessent Clean Technologies, a US-based provider of process technologies. This collaboration aims to construct a new sulfuric acid plant to meet their downstream chemical needs, thereby replacing imported sulfuric acid. The new facility is planned to be located in the coastal state of Bahia. In alignment with sustainability principles, Unigel's facility is designed to generate utility steam, ensuring reliable and eco-friendly power for their industrial complex.

In May 2025, Ecovyst Inc., a US-based manufacturing and specialty chemicals company, acquired the sulfuric acid production assets of Cornerstone Chemical Company located in Waggaman, Louisiana, for US$35 million. Through this acquisition, Ecovyst seeks to expand its virgin sulfuric acid production capacity and reinforce its Gulf Coast network to address rising demand and improve supply reliability. Cornerstone Chemical Company is a US-based chemicals manufacturing firm that specializes in the production of intermediate chemicals, including sulfuric acid, melamine, urea, and related industrial products at its Waggaman facility.

Major companies operating in the sulfuric acid market are BASF SE, Akzo Nobel N.V., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Chemtrade Logistics Inc., Eastman Chemical Company, Huntsman International LLC, Solvay S.A., Yara International ASA, OCP S.A., Acron Group, Tata Chemicals Limited, Trinseo S.A., The Mosaic Company, Nutrien Ltd., GFS Chemicals, Inc., BHP Group Limited, Rio Tinto Group, Vale S.A., Chemours Company, Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company, LSB Industries, Inc., Southern States Cooperative, Inc., LyondellBasell Industries N.V., CF Industries Holdings, Inc., Grupa Azoty S.A., Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad, AECI Limited, K+S AG.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the sulfuric acid market in 2025. The regions covered in the sulfuric acid market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the sulfuric acid market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The sulfuric acid market consists of sales of sulfur atom, iron sulphide, thiosulphuric acid and hydrogen. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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