Global Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2025-2037
Concentrated Nitric Acid Market size was over USD 27.2 billion in 2024 and is poised to reach USD 45.8 billion by the end of 2037, growing at around 4.1% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of concentrated nitric acid is estimated at USD 28.3 billion.
The market is experiencing substantial growth, driven by the rising demand for fertilizers, driven by the need to increase agricultural productivity. As global food demand intensifies, concentrated nitric acid, particularly in the form of ammonium nitrate, plays a critical role in enhancing crop yields through nitrogen-based fertilizers. This trend is especially pronounced in developing regions, where agricultural intensification is key to economic growth and food security.
Additionally, the defense and military sectors significantly contribute to concentrated nitric acid market expansion due to the widespread use of ammonium nitrate in explosive formulations. These applications are vital in mining, construction, and national defense, further supporting consistent demand for concentrated nitric acid. Moreover, a rising frontier for nitric acid lies in the aerospace industry, where it serves as a key oxidizing agent in rocket propellants. Its role in enabling efficient combustion makes it essential for satellite launches, space exploration missions, and military-grade propulsion systems. With the global increase in satellite deployment and the rising ambitions of both government and private space programs, demand for high-purity nitric acid is expected to grow. This emerging application opens new avenues for chemical manufacturers to innovate and diversify their product offerings, reinforcing nitric acid’s relevance beyond traditional industrial sectors like agriculture and defense.
A leading instance is Yara International, a global chemical company known for its expertise in nitrogen solutions. Yar produces high-quality nitric acid used across agricultural, industrial, and technical applications. Through sustainable practices and technological innovation, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in both conventional and high-performance nitric acid markets.
Concentrated Nitric Acid Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Increasing need in various sectors: The rising demand for concentrated nitric acid across a diverse range of industries is significantly driving global market growth. In the pharmaceutical sector, concentrated nitric acid is vital in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates, contributing to the deployment of essential medications. In chemical laboratories, it is widely used for analytical and preparative procedures due to its strong oxidizing properties.
Furthermore, concentrated nitric acid plays a crucial role in the dye, colorant, and pigment industries, where it serves in the nitration process of aromatic compounds, supporting the production of various colorants used in textiles, printing inks, and coatings. In metal refining and etching, nitric acid is instrumental in purifying precious metals and preparing surfaces for electroplating and microfabrication, making it indispensable in the electronics and metallurgical sectors.
Additionally, the compound remains foundational in the fertilizer and explosive industries, particularly producing ammonium nitrate, an essential component in both agriculture and mining operations, where it functions as a chemical doping agent in battery and semiconductor research. A notable instance is LSB Industries, Inc., a key producer of nitric acid, supplying high-grade acid to sectors such as agriculture, mining, and specialty chemicals. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation enables it to meet the growing multi-industry demand effectively.
- Chemical intermediate production: High demand for concentrated nitric acid in manufacturing key chemicals like adipic acid, nitrobenzene, and TDI used in plastics and dyes. These intermediates are essential in the production of nylon, polyurethane foams, and industrial dyes, which are widely used in the automotive, textile, and construction industries. Concentrated nitric acid’s strong nitrating and oxidizing properties make it indispensable in the controlled synthesis of aromatic compounds and specialty chemicals. As global demand for performance materials and plastics continues to rise, particularly in emerging economies, the consumption of concentrated nitric acid is expected to grow accordingly.
An exemplary case is LANXESS AG, a prominent German specialty chemicals firm, which heavily utilizes nitric acid in the manufacturing of chemical intermediates for plastics and coatings. The company emphasizes process efficiency and environmental sustainability, positioning itself as a key player in meeting the growing concentrated nitric acid market needs. This alignment between industrial demand and chemical innovation underscores the strategic value of concentrated nitric acid in the global chemicals supply chain.
Challenges
- High production costs: The manufacturing is highly energy-intensive, requires substantial inputs of electricity and natural gas, particularly during the catalytic oxidation of ammonia. In regions with volatile or high energy prices, this directly impacts operational costs and profit margins. Moreover, the requirement for specialized materials and equipment that resist corrosion significantly increases both capital and maintenance costs. These cost pressures can hinder competitiveness, especially for small- and medium-scale manufacturers, and may limit capacity expansion in price-sensitive markets. As a result, cost-efficiency remains a critical focus for industry players seeking long-term sustainability.
- Storage and transportation risk: The concentrated nitric acid is highly corrosive and reactive. Moreover, the chemical must be handled using specialized corrosion-resistant containers and transport systems, such as stainless steel or Teflon-lined tanks, to ensure safety and compliance with hazardous materials regulations. These stringent requirements increase logistical complexity and operational costs for manufacturers and distributors. Additionally, accidental leaks or improper handling can lead to severe health hazards, environmental contamination, and regulatory penalties. As a result, the need for meticulous handling protocols and investment in specialized infrastructure significantly impacts the overall supply chain efficiency and cost structure.
Concentrated Nitric Acid Market: Key Insights
| Report Attribute | Details |
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
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CAGR |
4.1% |
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Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 27.2 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 45.8 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Concentrated Nitric Acid Segmentation
Type (Strong, and Fuming)
The strong nitric acid segment is predicted to gain the largest concentrated nitric acid market share of 57.6% during the projected period, driven by its wide-ranging industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Produced by dissolving additional nitrogen dioxide into 68% nitric acid within an absorption tower, strong nitric acid is a key raw material in the synthesis of various chemical intermediates. It is extensively employed in the production of ammonium nitrate, toluene diisocyanate, nitrobenzene, TNT, nitro chlorobenzene, and adipic acid. The growing demand for explosives, particularly from the mining and construction sectors, has significantly boosted the consumption of strong nitric acid.
Additionally, its role in manufacturing high-performance polymers and synthetic fibers contributes to its market dominance. A notable player in this segment is Mitsubishi Chemical, a manufacturer that supplies high-purity nitric acid for industrial applications. The company’s robust production infrastructure and commitment to safety and environmental standards enable it to meet rising domestic and global efficiency.
End use (Aerospace & Defense, Agriculture, Chemical, and Electrical & Electronics)
The agricultural industry is expected to hold a substantial share in the global concentrated nitric acid market during the forecast period. This expansion is mainly due to the rising recognition and utilization of chemical fertilizers to enhance agricultural productivity. As the global population continues to rise, the demand for food is leading to greater reliance on concentrated nitric acid-based fertilizers such as calcium ammonium nitrate and urea ammonium nitrate.
Nitric acid is also a key ingredient in the production of nitrobenzene, which is used in manufacturing pesticides that protect crops and improve productivity. Additionally, increased research & development in chemical fertilizers is driving innovation in formulation and efficiency, further strengthening market demand for concentrated nitric acid in agriculture. Toyo Engineering, a Japanese agrochemical company, uses concentrated nitric acid in the formulation of high-efficiency fertilizers, supporting Japan’s sustainable agriculture initiatives and contributing to enhanced crop productivity.
Our in-depth analysis of the global concentrated nitric acid market includes the following segments:
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Type |
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End use |
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Application |
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Customize this ReportConcentrated Nitric Acid Industry - Regional Scope
Asia Pacific Market Statistics
The Asia Pacific concentrated nitric acid market is poised to hold a 43.7% share by the end of 2037. This dominance is largely driven by the rapid industrialization and agricultural development in densely populated countries such as China and India. With nearly 50% of India’s land dedicated to agriculture and an expanding population in both India and China, the demand for food production is rising, directly fueling the need for concentrated nitric acid-based fertilizers. Additionally, the number of manufacturing units producing nitric acid is increasing across the region to meet growing industrial and agricultural demands.
A leading contributor to this growth is Deepak Fertilizers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd, one of India’s largest nitric acid producers. The company’s integrated production capabilities and focus on high-purity chemicals position it as a key player in the region’s evolving market landscape.
North America Market Analysis
North America’s concentrated nitric acid market is expected to retain a substantial share of the global market during the forecast period, driven by advanced industrialization and strong demand across key sectors. Both countries have established manufacturing bases for polyurethane foams, explosives, fertilizers, and agrochemicals, which are significant consumers of concentrated nitric acid. The growing demand from different sectors is driving market growth. In the U.S., the chemical industry’s growing focus on polymers, particularly polyamides and polyurethanes, continues to drive nitric acid consumption in synthetic processes.
Meanwhile, Canada benefits from rising investments in agrochemical production and industrial chemicals, supporting regional market growth. Nutrien Ltd., a leading Canadian fertilizer company, plays a vital role in the region’s nitric acid supply chain. Through its extensive production and distribution network, Nutrien supports agricultural productivity and industrial applications, reinforcing the strategic importance of nitric acid in North America’s economic landscape.
Companies Dominating the Concentrated Nitric Acid Landscape
- GNFC Limited
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
- Koch Fertilizer, LLC
- DFPCL
- Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited.
- The Chemours Company
- INEOS Capitals, Limited.
- The Dow Chemical Company
- Sasol Limited
- LSB Industries
- Linde
- Hanwha Corporation
- BASF SE
- CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
- Yara
- Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
Key players in the concentrated nitric acid market leverage technologies like low-NOx burners, high-pressure mono-pressure systems, advanced ammonia oxidation catalysts, and integrated production units. These innovations enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure high-purity output, enabling companies like GNFC to lead competitively.
In the News
- In June 2022, Gujrat Narmada Valley Fertilizers and Chemicals, a collaborative enterprise formed by Gujrat State Fertilizer and Chemicals (GSFC) and the Government of Gujrat, was set to become the foremost manufacturer of concentrated nitric acid (CNA) by the end of the 2022 calendar year.
- In January 2023, Grupa Azoty S.A. inaugurated a new facility for the manufacturing of concentrated nitric acid (CNA), with an anticipated annual capacity of 40,000 tons, effectively doubling its production capabilities. This marks the second production line for the over 98% concentrated nitric acid currently in operation in Tarnów.
Author Credits: Rajrani Baghel
- Report ID: 4913
- Published Date: May 21, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
