Hydrochloric Acid Market Report 2025

The hydrochloric acid market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.08 billion in 2024 to $2.21 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to chemical manufacturing demand, steel pickling applications, mining industry utilization, food processing applications, oil and gas well stimulation, pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The hydrochloric acid market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.9 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expansion of water treatment facilities, continued demand in mining, growing food and beverage industry, renewed emphasis on clean energy, continued need for metal cleaning. Major trends in the forecast period include expansion of leather and textile markets, innovations in water treatment, focus on sustainable production methods, impact of raw material prices, innovations in application technologies, strategic collaborations and mergers, focus on safety and handling practices.

The rising demand from the steel industry is anticipated to drive the growth of the hydrochloric acid market in the future. Hydrochloric acid is extensively utilized in the steel sector for pickling processes, which clean the steel's surface by eliminating rust, scale, and other impurities before further treatments such as galvanizing or coating. As global steel production increases, particularly in emerging economies, the need for hydrochloric acid is expected to rise. For example, in January 2024, S&P Global reported that China's crude steel production in 2023 reached 1.01 billion tons, marking a 0.6% increase compared to 2022. Furthermore, India's crude steel production in 2023 amounted to 140.2 million tons, reflecting an 11.8% increase from the previous year. Consequently, the hydrochloric acid market is growing due to the heightened demand from the steel industry.

The anticipated growth in infrastructure development is expected to drive the hydrochloric acid market in the coming years. Infrastructure development encompasses the planning, construction, expansion, and enhancement of vital physical structures and facilities that facilitate the operation of a region, country, or community. Hydrochloric acid plays a crucial role in cleaning and preparing concrete surfaces before various construction activities, such as repairs, resurfacing, or coating applications. It effectively removes dirt, stains, rust, and mineral deposits, ensuring a clean and smooth surface for subsequent construction tasks. For example, in February 2024, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, a UK-based government agency, reported that the planned investment of $201.52 billion (£164 billion) in major infrastructure and construction projects for 2024/25 surpasses that of 2023/24, indicating strong economic growth. Over the next decade, total projected investments are expected to range between $858.1 billion (£700 billion) and $953.25 billion (£775 billion). Thus, the growth in infrastructure is significantly contributing to the expansion of the hydrochloric acid market.

Key players in the hydrochloric acid market are enhancing their production facilities to secure a competitive advantage. For example, in August 2023, Wacker Chemie AG, a German multinational chemical corporation, increased its hyperpure hydrogen chloride (HCl) production capacity at its Burghausen facility in Germany. This expansion was designed to address the rising demand for HCl from the semiconductor sector, which utilizes ultrapure hydrogen chloride as an etching and cleaning agent for hyperpure silicon wafers and plant components. The investment for this expansion was in the low double-digit million euros range, significantly boosting Wacker's production capacity to meet the requirements of the semiconductor industry.

Major players in the hydrochloric acid market are enhancing their profitability through product innovation, For instance, in October 2023, as seen in the introduction of the hydrogen chloride (HCl) sensor cartridge by Kunak Technologies SL. This innovative gadget incorporates a precise sensor to measure hydrogen chloride levels consistently. Targeted applications include gas detectors and air quality monitors, particularly valuable for leak detection in industrial operations. The introduction of such novel products demonstrates a strategic approach by companies to meet evolving market demands and ensure sustained growth in the hydrochloric acid market.

In February 2022, Westlake Chemical Corporation, a leading US-based manufacturer and distributor of petrochemicals, polymers, and building products, successfully acquired Hexion Inc.’s global epoxy business for a total value of $1.2 billion. This strategic acquisition is anticipated to enhance Westlake's position by incorporating a top downstream range of coatings and composite products, significantly bolstering its integrated business. Hexion Inc., the entity divesting its epoxy business, is a distinguished US-based chemical company specializing in the production of specialist products, related technology, and thermoset resins, with operations in hydrochloric acid.

Major companies operating in the hydrochloric acid market are AGC Chemicals Americas Inc., BASF SE, Detrex Corporation, ERCO Worldwide, Ercros SA, INOVYN - INEOS Group, Olin Corporation, Westlake Chemical Corporation, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Dow Chemical Company, Allan Chemical Corporation, GFS Chemicals Inc., Eco-Tec Inc., Basic Chemical Solutions LLC, Brainerd Chemical Co Inc., Qingdao Henley Company Limited, Seqens Group, Nouryon Industrial Chemicals, PCC Group, Tessenderlo Group, TOAGOSEI CO. LTD, Vynova Group, Kemira, Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the hydrochloric acid market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the hydrochloric acid market report forecast period. The regions covered in the hydrochloric acid market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the hydrochloric acid market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Hydrochloric acid is a highly corrosive irritant acid found in the form of an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride (HCl). Its applications span across the manufacturing of fertilizers, dyes, and chlorides, with uses in the photography, textile, rubber, and electroplating industries.

There are two main types of hydrochloric acid such as synthetic hydrochloric acid and by-product hydrochloric acid. Synthetic hydrochloric acid is a common acidic substance found in an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride, often in forms such as water-based, aqueous, or solution. This type is utilized in various applications, including steel pickling, oil well acidizing, ore processing, food processing, pool sanitation, and calcium chloride production. These products are distributed through channels such as e-commerce, B2B, specialty stores, and other distribution networks. End-users of hydrochloric acid encompass industries such as food and beverage, steel, oil and gas, chemicals, textiles, and others.

The hydrochloric acid market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides hydrochloric acid market statistics, including hydrochloric acid industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a hydrochloric acid market share, detailed hydrochloric acid market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the hydrochloric acid industry. This hydrochloric acid market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Hydrochloric acid market consists of sales of muriatic acid, and chlorhydric acid. 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.

This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.