Nitric Acid Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F

The Nitric Acid Market was valued at USD 27.25 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 33.93 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 3.72%. The Global Nitric Acid Market is witnessing consistent growth, underpinned by its indispensable role as a foundational industrial chemical across a diverse array of downstream sectors. As a key precursor in the manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, synthetic polymers, and specialty chemicals, nitric acid remains integral to the operational frameworks of industries such as agriculture, mining, construction, automotive, and chemical processing.

The market is projected to maintain a measured yet resilient growth trajectory, sustained by steady consumption across established end-use segments and a strategic industry shift toward energy-efficient, low-emission production technologies. The emphasis on environmental compliance and process innovation continues to shape market dynamics, ensuring nitric acid’s relevance in evolving industrial ecosystems.

Key Market Drivers

Industrialization and Urbanization in Emerging Markets

The rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization in emerging markets is a major catalyst for the expansion of the Global Nitric Acid Market. These socio-economic transformations are fueling demand across key end-use sectors that rely heavily on nitric acid as a fundamental raw material. Employment in the manufacturing sector witnessed a notable increase of 7.5% in FY 2022-23, rising to 1.85 crore individuals, up from 1.72 crore in the previous fiscal year. This growth reflects a strengthening industrial base and improved capacity utilization across key manufacturing segments.

As emerging economies industrialize, there is a marked rise in the establishment and scaling of core industries such as chemical manufacturing, mining, construction, automotive, and metallurgy all of which require substantial volumes of nitric acid. For example: The mining and quarrying sectors use nitric acid in the manufacture of explosives like ammonium nitrate. The chemical industry utilizes it in the production of intermediates like adipic acid and nitrobenzene. This industrial surge is directly translating into increased consumption of nitric acid across production lines.

In FY 2023-24, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) deployed a capital outlay of approximately ₹2.64 lakh crore (US$ 31.7 billion), comprising both public expenditure and private sector investment. Over the past decade, the total length of National Highways has expanded significantly, registering a 59% increase, reflecting the government's sustained focus on infrastructure development and connectivity enhancement. Urbanization in developing regions is characterized by heavy investments in infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, ports, and housing. These activities fuel the demand for explosives, concrete additives, and construction chemicals, many of which require nitric acid in their production. Countries such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa are allocating significant portions of public spending to infrastructure, making nitric acid a crucial enabler of this development.

In FY 2023-24, India’s automotive industry produced approximately 28.4 million vehicles across all categories, including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and quadricycles. This production volume underscores the sector’s robust manufacturing capabilities and its integral role in supporting both domestic demand and export-oriented growth. Emerging markets are becoming major automotive production hubs, both for domestic consumption and exports. The automotive sector depends on nitric acid for the production of nylon (from adipic acid) and polyurethane foams, which are used in vehicle interiors, insulation, and structural parts.

The growing demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient materials is further accelerating nitric acid consumption in these regions. Urbanization in emerging economies does not eliminate agricultural dependence; instead, it increases pressure on existing farmland to be more productive. This leads to higher use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, particularly ammonium nitrate and urea, both of which require nitric acid as a key feedstock. Fertilizer demand is especially strong in countries like India, China, and Pakistan, where agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy even as urban centers expand.

Key Market Challenges

Volatility in Prices of Raw Materials

Many regions heavily rely on imported ammonia to meet their nitric acid production requirements. This dependency exposes manufacturers to geopolitical risks, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions, all of which can lead to unstable raw material costs. Volatility in raw material prices can pose challenges for nitric acid manufacturers in maintaining stable profit margins. Sudden increases in raw material costs can erode profit margins, affecting the financial health of companies in the industry.

Key Market Trends

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements are opening new horizons for nitric acid applications, particularly in the field of nanotechnology. Nitric acid plays a vital role in the synthesis and functionalization of nanoparticles, which find applications in electronics, medicine, catalysis, and environmental remediation. The integration of digital technologies, such as data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT), are driving process optimization and enhancing operational efficiency in nitric acid production plants. It improves operational efficiency, reduces downtime, and enables data-driven decision-making.

In 2020, Stamicarbon has unveiled its dual and mono nitric acid method known for its exceptional energy recuperation. This is accomplished through careful placement of the heat exchanger further down the ammonia burner. The key characteristic that sets this process apart from traditional nitric acid production is the ability to reach high tail gas temperatures, reaching up to 480°C. This is achieved by positioning the final tail gas heater in closer proximity to the Pt/Rh gauzes within the ammonia burner vessel, where elevated process temperatures are encountered. Moreover, technological advancements in safety systems and equipment have significantly improved workplace safety. Automation and remote monitoring systems reduce the need for manual intervention and exposure to hazardous environments.

Key Market Players

• Celanese Corporation
• Jiangsu sopo chemical co. ltd.
• Eastman Chemicals Company
• Archer Daniels Midland
• Tate and Lyle Plc.
• BASF SE
• Dow Chemical
• BioAmber Inc.
• Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology Co., Ltd.
• Nature Works LLC

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Nitric Acid Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Nitric Acid Market, By Plant Type:

• Mono Pressure
• Dual Pressure

Nitric Acid Market, By Sales Channel:

• Direct
• Indirect

Nitric Acid Market, By End Use:

• AN & CAN
• Nitrobenzene
• TDI
• TNT
• Adipic Acid
• Others

Nitric Acid Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Nitric Acid Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).