Carbon-13 Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis, and Forecast (2025 – 2031)

Carbon-13 Market Size

The global carbon-13market size was valued at $1.32 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $2.31 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period.

Carbon-13 Market Overview

Carbon-13 is a stable isotope of carbon that plays a crucial role in various scientific and industrial applications, particularly in the fields of medicine, biochemistry, and environmental science. Its non-radioactive nature makes it safe for use in medical diagnostics, such as metabolic studies and imaging techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, where it helps to trace metabolic pathways and diagnose conditions like cancer and organ dysfunction.

Companies can benefit from the growing demand for carbon-13 by developing and supplying enriched carbon-13 compounds for research and clinical applications. Additionally, collaborations with research institutions and pharmaceutical companies can enhance their product offerings and expand their market reach. Recent initiatives, such as government funding for isotope research in the U.S. and Canada, further support the growth of this market by encouraging innovation in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring technologies, allowing companies to tap into new revenue streams while contributing to advancements in healthcare and sustainability.

Carbon-13 Market Dynamics

The carbon-13market is expected to witness significant growth in the future due to the Increasing use of carbon-13 in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for detailed molecular analysis, growing demand for non-invasive diagnostic procedures in healthcare, such as breath tests for gastrointestinal disorders, and advancements in production processes that reduce costs and increase accessibility of carbon-13 isotopes. However, the high production costs associated with the enrichment and purification of carbon-13 isotopes, limited availability of suppliers and potential supply chain constraints, and regulatory challenges and compliance requirements in the production and use of isotopes are restraining the growth of the market.

Furthermore, expansion of government funding and initiatives aimed at enhancing research capabilities in healthcare and environmental sciences, increasing collaboration between research institutions and industry players to develop new applications for carbon-13, and growth in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in drug development and metabolic research, creating demand for carbon-13 labeled compounds are the key trends propelling the carbon-13market.

Increasing Use of Carbon-13 In Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy For Detailed Molecular Analysis is Driving the Carbon-13 Market

The increasing use of carbon-13 in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for detailed molecular analysis is significantly impacting the carbon-13market, driven by its applications in drug discovery, organic chemistry, and materials science. This growth is largely attributed to the rising demand for NMR spectroscopy as a critical tool for researchers seeking detailed structural information about molecular compounds. Additionally, the U.S. government has been actively supporting research initiatives that utilize NMR technology;

• In September 2023, funding was announced under the National Research Foundation Bill to promote advanced research capabilities across universities and laboratories, which includes support for isotopic studies using carbon-13.

The robust investment in pharmaceutical R&D, particularly in North America where significant resources are allocated to developing new drugs and optimizing formulations, further enhances the demand for carbon-13 isotopes in NMR applications. As companies continue to innovate and expand their offerings in carbon-13 products, the market is well-positioned to benefit from these trends, ensuring sustained growth driven by advancements in analytical techniques and regulatory support for high-precision methodologies.

By Purity, the 98%-99% Purity Segment is projected to be the Largest Segment in the Carbon-13 Market

98%-99% purity is the largest segment in the carbon-13market, driven by due to its increasing applications in organic synthesis and materials science, where slightly lower purity levels are often sufficient while still providing satisfactory results. This segment currently dominates the market, representing approximately 64.48% of the market share as of 2023, and is projected to continue expanding as industries seek cost-effective solutions.

• For instance, in January 2024, Cambridge Isotope Laboratories announced the launch of new carbon-13 labeled compounds tailored for pharmaceutical research, which are primarily produced at this purity level.

This aligns with the growing demand for non-invasive diagnostic procedures in healthcare, particularly in NMR spectroscopy applications that utilize carbon-13 for detailed molecular analysis. Government initiatives also play a role;

• In September 2023, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced funding for research projects focusing on metabolic studies using carbon-13 isotopes, further driving demand for this specific purity range.

By Geography, Asia Pacific Holds the Largest Share in the Market Revenue

Asia Pacific holds the largest share of the carbon-13market, driven by the increasing applications of stable isotopes in research, pharmaceuticals, and environmental monitoring. This growth is supported by government initiatives aimed at enhancing research capabilities and promoting sustainable practices.

For example, in 2023, the Indian government announced plans to establish a national carbon market as part of its broader climate strategy, which includes significant investments in research and development of isotopes for various applications.

• Additionally, companies like Cambridge Isotope Laboratories are expanding their operations in Asia to cater to the rising demand for carbon-13 labeled compounds, particularly for use in drug discovery and metabolic studies.
• In January 2024, they launched a new range of carbon-13 products specifically designed for the pharmaceutical sector, highlighting the increasing focus on precision medicine in the region.

Furthermore, as countries like Japan and South Korea enhance their research capabilities and invest in advanced analytical techniques, the demand for carbon-13 isotopes is expected to rise, positioning the Asia Pacific region as a key player in the global carbon-13 market. This combination of government support, corporate investment, and growing awareness of the benefits of isotopic research is driving robust demand for carbon-13 across various sectors in the Asia Pacific region.

Key Target Audience:

• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Research Institutions and Laboratories
• Biotechnology Firms
• Environmental Research Organizations
• Regulatory Agencies and Government Bodies

List of the Key Players Profiled in the Report Includes:

• China Isotope & Radiation Corporation
• Merck KGaA
• Shanghai Chemical Industry Research Institute Co., Ltd.
• Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc.
• Trace Sciences International
• ISOFLEX
• MedChemExpress
• BuyIsotope
• Avanti Polar Lipids
• Qmx Laboratories Ltd.

Recent Developments:

• In February 2025, Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc. introduced an expanded portfolio of carbon-13 labeled standards and reagents, including novel isotopically labeled amino acids and organic molecules. This expansion aims to meet increasing demand from pharmaceutical and environmental research sectors for precise isotope tracing and quantification.
• In January 2025, Shanghai Chemical Industry Research Institute Co., Ltd. revealed progress in the synthesis of carbon-13 enriched chemicals, targeting applications in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and stable isotope labeling. The institute is focusing on scalable production methods to support industrial and academic research.
• In December 2024, Merck KGaA announced the launch of a new line of high-purity carbon-13 labeled compounds designed for advanced research applications, including metabolic tracing and molecular imaging. These products feature enhanced isotopic enrichment and chemical stability, supporting cutting-edge studies in life sciences and pharmaceuticals.

Market Segmentation:

The research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry analysis with size, share, and forecast for the below segments:

Market by, Purity:

• 98%-99%
• ＞ 99%.

Market by, Application:

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Carbon Dating
• Breath Test
• Scientific Research
• Other Applications

Market by, End User:

• Healthcare
• Chemicals
• Academia and Research Institutions
• Environmental Agencies

Market by, Geography:

The carbon-13market report also analyzes the major geographic regions and countries of the market. The regions and countries covered in the study include:

• North America (The United States, Canada, Mexico), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia Pacific), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Rest of South America), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis
• Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Market Estimates, Forecast & Opportunity Analysis

The report offers insights into the following aspects:

• Analysis of major market trends, factors driving, restraining, threatening, and providing opportunities for the market.
• Analysis of the market structure by identifying various segments and sub-segments of the market.
• Understand the revenue forecast of the market for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.
• Analysis of opportunities by identification of high-growth segments/revenue pockets in the market.
• Understand major player profiles in the market and analyze their business strategies.
• Understand competitive developments such as joint ventures, alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and new product launches in the market.