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

The Monochloroacetic Acid Market was valued at USD 0.93 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.13 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 3.28%. Monochloroacetic acid, also known as MCA, 2-chloroacetic acid, and chiorosthanoic acid, is an industrial chemical commonly used in carboxylation processes. It is a crystalline, colorless solid with high water solubility. The haloacetic acid family, including monochloroacetic acid, is formed by replacing one of acetic acid's hydrogen atoms with a chlorine atom. In commercial production, acetic acid is chlorinated or combined with sodium chloroacetate and sulfuric acid. Monochloroacetic acid finds applications in various industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and chemical production.

One of the key intermediates in the chemical industry is monochloroacetic acid (MCAA). Due to its strong reactivity, chloroacetic acid is utilized in a wide range of organic synthesis procedures. Its uses include the manufacturing of plant protection products, fertilizers, polymers, detergents, paints and lacquers, cosmetics, and personal hygiene products. Moreover, chloroacetic acid plays a significant role in operations across the mining, pulp, and paper, pharmaceutical, food, and other industries. The production of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is the primary application of MCAA, accounting for up to 30% of global production.

The market for monochloroacetic acid is expanding due to the increasing demand for agrochemicals, particularly herbicides. As the global population continues to grow, there is a substantial need for food and agricultural products. To meet this demand, agricultural output must increase. Herbicides, including those containing MCA, play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural output and protecting crops from pests, diseases, and weeds. MCA-containing herbicides are particularly important for efficient weed control, ensuring healthier crop development and higher yields. Effective weed management is a critical concern for farmers aiming to minimize losses while maximizing output. MCA-containing herbicides provide selective and efficient weed control while reducing crop-weed competition, thus driving the demand for MCA.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand of Monochloroacetic Acid in Construction Industry

The construction industry's increasing reliance on chemical additives and performance-enhancing materials has created a significant growth avenue for the global monochloroacetic acid (MCA) market. Although MCA has traditionally been associated with agrochemicals and personal care, its emerging applications in the construction sector are reshaping the market landscape and contributing meaningfully to global demand expansion. One of the most prominent ways MCA enters the construction sector is through carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a water-soluble polymer produced using MCA and cellulose. CMC plays a vital role as an additive in cement, gypsum-based plasters, mortars, tile adhesives, and wall putty.

Key benefits of using CMC in construction formulations include: Improved water retention during curing, Enhanced workability and consistency of wet mixtures, Better adhesion and mechanical strength in dried materials, Reduced shrinkage and cracking. These performance enhancements are critical in both residential and commercial building applications, driving increased adoption of CMC-containing products, and by extension, boosting MCA demand. Urbanization remains a key megatrend shaping the Asia-Pacific region. Currently, the region accounts for 54% of the global urban population over 2.2 billion people. By 2050, Asia’s urban population is projected to increase by 50%, adding approximately 1.2 billion new urban residents.

Rapid urbanization and industrialization, particularly in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America, have led to large-scale infrastructure investments. Governments are prioritizing: Affordable housing projects, Smart cities, Transportation networks, Industrial parks. These projects require massive volumes of construction materials such as cement, concrete, and dry mix mortar products in which CMC is increasingly being incorporated for quality enhancement. The scaling up of CMC production to meet this construction demand is fueling sustained MCA consumption in the region.

The construction industry is undergoing a paradigm shift toward sustainability and resource efficiency. This includes: Adoption of lightweight plasters and insulating materials, Use of low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and eco-friendly formulations, Reduction in energy and water use during application. MCA-derived CMC supports these goals by: Reducing the water requirement of building mixes, Improving material efficiency, Enabling eco-friendly product development.

As builders and manufacturers align with green building standards (e.g., LEED, BREEAM), MCA-based additives like CMC are becoming integral to modern construction formulations, opening up new demand channels. The rise of ready-to-use, pre-mixed dry mortar an innovation that offers convenience, consistent quality, and faster construction has significantly boosted the use of chemical additives. CMC is widely employed in these products to control viscosity, improve cohesion, and ensure smooth application. As construction companies adopt automated, large-scale mixing systems and high-performance mortars, the demand for MCA-derived additives has seen a measurable uptick, reinforcing MCA’s growing strategic importance in the building materials value chain.

Key Market Challenges

Economic Volatility and Supply Chain Risks

One of the primary challenges faced by the monochloroacetic acid market is economic volatility. Fluctuating economic conditions, such as changes in GDP growth rates, inflation, and exchange rates, can significantly influence the demand and supply dynamics of monochloroacetic acid. For instance, during economic downturns and recessions, reduced consumer spending power can lead to a decline in demand for personal care products, which ultimately affects the demand for MCA. Moreover, economic uncertainties can impact investment decisions and disrupt the overall market stability, causing market players to face challenges in planning and strategizing their operations.

Another significant challenge for the monochloroacetic acid market is supply chain risks. The complex and globalized nature of the supply chain exposes the market to various risks, including geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and disruptions in raw material availability. For example, geopolitical tensions between countries can result in trade restrictions and hinder the smooth flow of raw materials required for MCA production. Additionally, any disruption in the supply chain, such as delays in transportation, shortage of key raw materials, or regulatory hurdles, can have significant implications on the production and delivery of monochloroacetic acid. These risks can lead to increased production costs, delayed product launches, and potential revenue losses for market players, thereby highlighting the need for robust supply chain management strategies and contingency plans in the monochloroacetic acid industry.

Key Market Trends

Growth in Technological Advancements

One significant aspect of technological advancements in the monochloroacetic acid market is the development of more efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes. Traditional methods of monochloroacetic acid production often involved energy-intensive processes and generated harmful waste by-products, leading to environmental concerns. However, with the advent of new technologies, manufacturers can now utilize cleaner and greener production methods that address these challenges. For instance, the adoption of advanced catalysts and optimized reaction conditions has led to increased yields and reduced energy consumption during the synthesis of monochloroacetic acid.

By fine-tuning the reaction parameters, manufacturers can achieve higher conversion rates and minimize the formation of unwanted by-products. Additionally, the implementation of innovative separation techniques allows for more efficient purification and recovery of monochloroacetic acid, further minimizing waste generation and improving the overall sustainability of the process. Moreover, advancements in automation and process control systems have played a crucial role in streamlining manufacturing operations. Automated systems ensure precise control over various parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and reaction time, leading to higher product yields and reduced variations in product quality.

Key Market Players

• Denak Co., Ltd.
• Henan HDF Chemical Company, Ltd.
• ITALMAR (THAILAND) CO., LTD.
• Jiangxi Biochem Co., Ltd.
• Archit Organosys Ltd.
• Merck KGaA
• Meridian Chem Bond Pvt. Ltd.
• Nouryon Holding B.V.
• Shandong Minji New Material Technology Co., Ltd.
• Terratech AG

Report Scope:

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

Monochloroacetic Acid Market, By Form:

• Crystalline
• Liquid
• Flakes

Monochloroacetic Acid Market, By Application:

• Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)
• Agrochemicals, Surfactants
• Thioglycolic Acid (TGA)
• Others

Monochloroacetic 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 Monochloroacetic 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).