The global propionic acid market volume reached approximately 476.39 KMT in 2024 . The market is further projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.30% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a volume of 659.12 KMT by 2034 .
Global Propionic Acid Market Growth
Propionic acid refers to naturally occurring carboxylic acid that has an unpleasant and pungent smell. It is readily absorbed through the skin as well as the gastrointestinal tract. The decomposition of various amino acids and oxidation of fatty acids containing the odd number of carbon atoms, results in the formation of propionic acid.
The rising consumption of packaged foods owing to increasing lifestyle complexities and convenience offered by the products is bolstering the propionic acid market growth as the acid acts as a flavouring agent and preservative in different types of packaged foods. The usage of propionic acid as a preservative can be attributed to its antibacterial properties and the ability to prevent the growth of moulds bolstering the demand of the propionic acid market.
Global Propionic Acid Market Analysis
The increasing prevalence of diseases and the expansion of the pharmaceutical sector are providing lucrative growth opportunities to the propionic acid market. Profens, propionic acid derivative drugs, including ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, and flurbiprofen, act as analgesics and antipyretics, among others.
The propionic acid market dynamics and trends are growing due to the increasing demand for feed, driven by the higher consumption of livestock products such as eggs, meat, and milk. Propionic acid plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and quality of stored feed.
Global Propionic Acid Industry Outlook
As per industry findings, the global consumption of propionic acid in 2023, was led by EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) with the highest consumption, followed by North America and Mainland China. Asia/Oceania regions also contribute significantly, while Central/South America shows a smaller share. This distribution underscores the importance of EMEA and North America in the propionic acid market, driven by their extensive industrial and agricultural applications. Mainland China’s substantial consumption reflects its large-scale manufacturing and food preservation needs further driving the propionic acid market revenue.
As per WITS data, in 2023, India exported a total of 305,420 kg of propionic acid, its salts, and esters. The largest volume of exports was to Mexico, amounting to 1,225,720 kg. The United States followed with 674,300 kg. Other significant export destinations included China with 213,494 kg and South Korea with 189,427 kg.
According to the IFIF, global animal feed production reached 1,245 million tonnes in 2022, highlighting the industry's significant scale. China led the way with 261 million tonnes of compound feed production, asserting its sector dominance. The USA followed with 240 million tonnes, reflecting strong agricultural and livestock sectors that bolster the propionic acid market revenue.
The propionic acid industry growth is driven by the EU's production of 150 million tonnes, marking it as a key player. Other major producers included Brazil (82 million tonnes), India (43 million tonnes), and Mexico (40 million tonnes), each showing robust regional agricultural practices. Additionally, Russia (34 million tonnes), Vietnam (26 million tonnes), and Argentina (26 million tonnes) made notable contributions, while the Middle East and Africa combined for 75 million tonnes, indicating growing markets.
Extensively utilised as a preservative in food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
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