Global Chelating Agents Market Size Study & Forecast, by Type and Application, and Regional Forecasts 2025-2035

The Global Chelating Agents Market was valued at approximately USD 6.8 billion in 2024 and is poised to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.20% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035. Chelating agents—specialized compounds known for their ability to bind metal ions—play a pivotal role in various industrial and consumer sectors by stabilizing metal ions and enhancing chemical efficiency. They are widely employed across pulp and paper processing, water treatment, household and industrial cleaning, agrochemicals, and personal care products. The increasing environmental concerns and a systemic transition towards greener chemistry have triggered a growing preference for biodegradable chelating agents. This paradigm shift is catalyzing the demand for sustainable alternatives and driving manufacturers to reformulate legacy products for enhanced ecological compliance and performance.

The market's forward momentum is primarily driven by burgeoning applications in water treatment and cleaning products, where chelating agents are indispensable for controlling water hardness and preventing scale deposition. In parallel, their usage in the pulp & paper industry continues to surge, aiding in the stabilization of bleaching agents and improving brightness outcomes. The rise in personal care formulations fortified with chelators to enhance product stability and efficacy has opened new growth corridors. Furthermore, chelating agents have entrenched their utility in agriculture by improving nutrient availability in soil and enhancing fertilizer efficacy. However, challenges persist in the form of regulatory limitations on non-biodegradable variants and fluctuating raw material availability, which may restrict market scalability in price-sensitive regions.

Regionally, North America is projected to maintain a significant foothold due to strong regulatory frameworks, heightened awareness of water conservation, and the adoption of eco-friendly cleaning products. The United States continues to drive this leadership position with mature applications across water treatment and industrial cleaning. Europe is also a key contributor, propelled by strict EU directives favoring biodegradable and low-toxicity chelating agents. Countries such as Germany and the Netherlands are spearheading the shift toward greener formulations. In contrast, the Asia Pacific region is set to emerge as the fastest-growing market over the forecast period, attributed to accelerating industrialization, increasing urban water stress, and rising demand for agrochemical efficiency in large agricultural economies like China and India.

Major market player included in this report are:
• BASF SE
• Nouryon
• Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Kemira Oyj
• Dow Chemical Company
• AkzoNobel N.V.
• Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
• Merck KGaA
• Innospec Inc.
• Lanxess AG
• Shandong IRO Chelating Chemical Co., Ltd.
• Valtris Specialty Chemicals
• AVA Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.
• Huntsman Corporation

Global Chelating Agents Market Report Scope:
• Historical Data – 2023, 2024
• Base Year for Estimation – 2024
• Forecast period – 2025-2035
• Report Coverage – Revenue forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
• Regional Scope – North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa

The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values for the coming years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within the countries involved in the study. The report also provides detailed information about crucial aspects, such as driving factors and challenges, which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, it incorporates potential opportunities in micro-markets for stakeholders to invest, along with a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape and product offerings of key players.

The detailed segments and sub-segments of the market are explained below:

By Type:
• Non-biodegradable
• Biodegradable

By Application:
• Pulp & Paper
• Cleaning
• Water Treatment
• Agrochemicals
• Personal Care

By Region:

North America
• U.S.
• Canada

Europe
• UK
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico

Middle East & Africa
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

Key Takeaways:
• Market Estimates & Forecast for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.
• Annualized revenues and regional level analysis for each market segment.
• Detailed analysis of geographical landscape with Country level analysis of major regions.
• Competitive landscape with information on major players in the market.
• Analysis of key business strategies and recommendations on future market approach.
• Analysis of competitive structure of the market.
• Demand side and supply side analysis of the market.

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