Nitric Acid Market Forecasts to 2032 – Global Analysis By Grade (Fuming Nitric Acid, Dilute Nitric Acid, and Concentrated Nitric Acid), Concentration, Application, End User and By Geography
Description
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Nitric Acid Market is accounted for $ 31.50 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $43.74 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a potent mineral acid known for its corrosive nature, consisting of hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. Typically a colorless or faintly yellow liquid, it finds extensive use in manufacturing fertilizers, explosives, dyes, and various chemicals. As a strong oxidizer, nitric acid reacts readily with metals, organic matter, and other compounds, making it a vital chemical in industrial processes and laboratory experiments.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
High demand for nitrogen fertilizers
The global surge in agricultural productivity is fueling the demand for nitrogen-based fertilizers, with nitric acid playing a pivotal role in ammonium nitrate production. As food security becomes a priority, especially in emerging economies, governments are ramping up fertilizer subsidies and distribution networks. Technological advancements in precision farming and nutrient delivery systems are amplifying the use of nitric acid-derived fertilizers. The rise of controlled-release formulations and smart irrigation techniques is further boosting consumption. Additionally, population growth and shrinking arable land are intensifying the need for high-yield crops, driving fertilizer application volumes. This sustained agricultural push is anchoring nitric acid’s relevance across both industrial and rural landscapes.
Restraint:
Volatile raw material prices
Price volatility is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, energy supply disruptions, and shifting trade policies. Manufacturers are increasingly investing in energy-efficient production technologies to mitigate cost pressures. However, smaller producers struggle to absorb these fluctuations, leading to uneven pricing across regions. Environmental regulations targeting NOx emissions also add compliance costs, impacting overall profitability. These dynamics collectively hinder long-term planning and margin optimization for nitric acid producers.
Opportunity:
Focus on sustainable agriculture
The global pivot toward sustainable farming practices is opening new avenues for nitric acid applications in eco-friendly fertilizers. Innovations in low-emission production methods and green chemistry are gaining traction among manufacturers. Regulatory bodies are promoting cleaner formulations and incentivizing adoption through carbon credit schemes and sustainability certifications. Emerging trends include biodegradable coatings for ammonium nitrate granules and integration with organic farming protocols. Digital platforms are enabling traceability and lifecycle analysis of fertilizer inputs, enhancing transparency. As climate-smart agriculture scales up, nitric acid’s role in balanced nutrient management is becoming increasingly strategic.
Threat:
Development of bio-based alternatives
The rise of bio-based fertilizers and organic nutrient solutions is gradually challenging the dominance of synthetic nitric acid derivatives. Startups and agritech firms are innovating with microbial inoculants and plant-based nitrogen sources that offer lower environmental footprints. Governments are supporting these alternatives through subsidies, research grants, and pilot programs. Technological breakthroughs in enzymatic nitrogen fixation and compost-based nutrient delivery are gaining commercial viability. Consumer preferences are also shifting toward organic produce, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. If scalability and cost-efficiency improve, bio-based solutions could significantly erode nitric acid’s market share.
Covid-19 Impact:
The pandemic disrupted nitric acid supply chains, halting production and delaying shipments across key industrial sectors. Lockdowns led to reduced demand from automotive, construction, and mining industries, temporarily shrinking market volumes. However, the crisis accelerated digital monitoring and automation in chemical plants, improving operational resilience. Manufacturers adopted remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance to navigate workforce shortages. Post-pandemic recovery is marked by renewed investments in decentralized production and inventory optimization. These shifts are reshaping nitric acid’s value chain with a stronger emphasis on agility and risk mitigation.
The concentrated nitric acid segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The concentrated nitric acid segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its rising use in fertilizers, explosives, and metal processing, particularly across Asia-Pacific. Innovations in mono- and dual-pressure technologies are boosting production efficiency and environmental compliance. New applications are emerging in electronics and water treatment. Segment-wise, ammonium nitrate leads in agriculture and mining, while automotive and construction sectors show strong demand. China and India drive regional growth, with sustainability regulations influencing technological progress and tailored segment strategies.
The mining and explosives segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the mining and explosives segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, driven by rising mineral extraction and infrastructure projects. Advanced technologies like dual-pressure nitric acid plants enhance yield and reduce emissions. Emerging trends include eco-friendly blasting agents and digital monitoring of explosive applications. Key developments feature increased use of ammonium nitrate-based explosives and strategic partnerships between chemical producers and mining firms. Demand is especially strong in regions with expanding construction and resource exploration, reinforcing nitric acid’s role in industrial growth.
Region with largest share:
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, fueled by rapid industrialization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure growth. Technological upgrades in dual-pressure and catalytic oxidation systems are improving production efficiency and environmental compliance. Emerging trends include rising demand from electronics, semiconductors, and wastewater treatment. Key developments feature increased ammonium nitrate usage in mining and fertilizers, alongside strategic investments in chemical manufacturing hubs. Countries like China, India, and Indonesia are leading growth, supported by government initiatives and sustainability-driven innovations across multiple downstream applications.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, driven by robust demand in agriculture, mining, and chemical manufacturing. Technological advancements in low-emission production systems and catalytic oxidation are improving sustainability and operational efficiency. Emerging trends include increased use in semiconductor fabrication and environmental remediation. Key developments feature strategic investments in green chemistry and expansion of ammonium nitrate applications. The U.S. leads regional growth, supported by regulatory incentives and infrastructure upgrades that reinforce nitric acid’s role in industrial and environmental innovation.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Nitric Acid Market include BASF SE, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Yara International ASA, Incitec Pivot Limited, CF Industries Holdings, Inc., Enaex S.A., Nutrien Ltd., Orica Limited, EuroChem Group AG, Sasol Limited, OCI N.V., Omnia Holdings Limited, LSB Industries, Inc., Koch Fertilizer, LLC, and Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd.
Key Developments:
In September 2025, Mitsubishi Chemical and Asahi Kasei, Mitsui Chemicals, have established a limited liability partnership (LLP) to achieve carbon neutrality and production capacity optimization targeting 2030 with respect to the two ethylene manufacturing facilities in total owned by the three companies in western Japan, and will accelerate relevant studies.
In July 2025, BASF Coatings in collaboration with Renault Group and Dürr, had redefined the future of automotive manufacturing with the Overspray-Free Application (OFLA) process. The trio was awarded the “Trophée de l’Industrie s’engage 2025” in the Innovative Process category at the “L’industrie s’engage par l’Usine Nouvelle” event in June 2025. The award recognizes the Overspray-Free Application process a breakthrough in sustainable application technology that redefines how two-tone vehicle painting is performed.
Grades Covered:
• Fuming Nitric Acid
• Dilute Nitric Acid
• Concentrated Nitric Acid
Concentrations Covered:
• Up to 68%
• Above 68%
Applications Covered:
• Fertilizers
• Explosives
• Chemicals Manufacturing
• Metal Processing
• Electronics and Semiconductors
• Pharmaceuticals
• Other Applications
End Users Covered:
• Agriculture
• Pharmaceuticals
• Mining and Explosives
• Electronics
• Chemical Manufacturing
• Other End Users
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
High demand for nitrogen fertilizers
The global surge in agricultural productivity is fueling the demand for nitrogen-based fertilizers, with nitric acid playing a pivotal role in ammonium nitrate production. As food security becomes a priority, especially in emerging economies, governments are ramping up fertilizer subsidies and distribution networks. Technological advancements in precision farming and nutrient delivery systems are amplifying the use of nitric acid-derived fertilizers. The rise of controlled-release formulations and smart irrigation techniques is further boosting consumption. Additionally, population growth and shrinking arable land are intensifying the need for high-yield crops, driving fertilizer application volumes. This sustained agricultural push is anchoring nitric acid’s relevance across both industrial and rural landscapes.
Restraint:
Volatile raw material prices
Price volatility is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, energy supply disruptions, and shifting trade policies. Manufacturers are increasingly investing in energy-efficient production technologies to mitigate cost pressures. However, smaller producers struggle to absorb these fluctuations, leading to uneven pricing across regions. Environmental regulations targeting NOx emissions also add compliance costs, impacting overall profitability. These dynamics collectively hinder long-term planning and margin optimization for nitric acid producers.
Opportunity:
Focus on sustainable agriculture
The global pivot toward sustainable farming practices is opening new avenues for nitric acid applications in eco-friendly fertilizers. Innovations in low-emission production methods and green chemistry are gaining traction among manufacturers. Regulatory bodies are promoting cleaner formulations and incentivizing adoption through carbon credit schemes and sustainability certifications. Emerging trends include biodegradable coatings for ammonium nitrate granules and integration with organic farming protocols. Digital platforms are enabling traceability and lifecycle analysis of fertilizer inputs, enhancing transparency. As climate-smart agriculture scales up, nitric acid’s role in balanced nutrient management is becoming increasingly strategic.
Threat:
Development of bio-based alternatives
The rise of bio-based fertilizers and organic nutrient solutions is gradually challenging the dominance of synthetic nitric acid derivatives. Startups and agritech firms are innovating with microbial inoculants and plant-based nitrogen sources that offer lower environmental footprints. Governments are supporting these alternatives through subsidies, research grants, and pilot programs. Technological breakthroughs in enzymatic nitrogen fixation and compost-based nutrient delivery are gaining commercial viability. Consumer preferences are also shifting toward organic produce, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. If scalability and cost-efficiency improve, bio-based solutions could significantly erode nitric acid’s market share.
Covid-19 Impact:
The pandemic disrupted nitric acid supply chains, halting production and delaying shipments across key industrial sectors. Lockdowns led to reduced demand from automotive, construction, and mining industries, temporarily shrinking market volumes. However, the crisis accelerated digital monitoring and automation in chemical plants, improving operational resilience. Manufacturers adopted remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance to navigate workforce shortages. Post-pandemic recovery is marked by renewed investments in decentralized production and inventory optimization. These shifts are reshaping nitric acid’s value chain with a stronger emphasis on agility and risk mitigation.
The concentrated nitric acid segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The concentrated nitric acid segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its rising use in fertilizers, explosives, and metal processing, particularly across Asia-Pacific. Innovations in mono- and dual-pressure technologies are boosting production efficiency and environmental compliance. New applications are emerging in electronics and water treatment. Segment-wise, ammonium nitrate leads in agriculture and mining, while automotive and construction sectors show strong demand. China and India drive regional growth, with sustainability regulations influencing technological progress and tailored segment strategies.
The mining and explosives segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the mining and explosives segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, driven by rising mineral extraction and infrastructure projects. Advanced technologies like dual-pressure nitric acid plants enhance yield and reduce emissions. Emerging trends include eco-friendly blasting agents and digital monitoring of explosive applications. Key developments feature increased use of ammonium nitrate-based explosives and strategic partnerships between chemical producers and mining firms. Demand is especially strong in regions with expanding construction and resource exploration, reinforcing nitric acid’s role in industrial growth.
Region with largest share:
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, fueled by rapid industrialization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure growth. Technological upgrades in dual-pressure and catalytic oxidation systems are improving production efficiency and environmental compliance. Emerging trends include rising demand from electronics, semiconductors, and wastewater treatment. Key developments feature increased ammonium nitrate usage in mining and fertilizers, alongside strategic investments in chemical manufacturing hubs. Countries like China, India, and Indonesia are leading growth, supported by government initiatives and sustainability-driven innovations across multiple downstream applications.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, driven by robust demand in agriculture, mining, and chemical manufacturing. Technological advancements in low-emission production systems and catalytic oxidation are improving sustainability and operational efficiency. Emerging trends include increased use in semiconductor fabrication and environmental remediation. Key developments feature strategic investments in green chemistry and expansion of ammonium nitrate applications. The U.S. leads regional growth, supported by regulatory incentives and infrastructure upgrades that reinforce nitric acid’s role in industrial and environmental innovation.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Nitric Acid Market include BASF SE, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Yara International ASA, Incitec Pivot Limited, CF Industries Holdings, Inc., Enaex S.A., Nutrien Ltd., Orica Limited, EuroChem Group AG, Sasol Limited, OCI N.V., Omnia Holdings Limited, LSB Industries, Inc., Koch Fertilizer, LLC, and Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd.
Key Developments:
In September 2025, Mitsubishi Chemical and Asahi Kasei, Mitsui Chemicals, have established a limited liability partnership (LLP) to achieve carbon neutrality and production capacity optimization targeting 2030 with respect to the two ethylene manufacturing facilities in total owned by the three companies in western Japan, and will accelerate relevant studies.
In July 2025, BASF Coatings in collaboration with Renault Group and Dürr, had redefined the future of automotive manufacturing with the Overspray-Free Application (OFLA) process. The trio was awarded the “Trophée de l’Industrie s’engage 2025” in the Innovative Process category at the “L’industrie s’engage par l’Usine Nouvelle” event in June 2025. The award recognizes the Overspray-Free Application process a breakthrough in sustainable application technology that redefines how two-tone vehicle painting is performed.
Grades Covered:
• Fuming Nitric Acid
• Dilute Nitric Acid
• Concentrated Nitric Acid
Concentrations Covered:
• Up to 68%
• Above 68%
Applications Covered:
• Fertilizers
• Explosives
• Chemicals Manufacturing
• Metal Processing
• Electronics and Semiconductors
• Pharmaceuticals
• Other Applications
End Users Covered:
• Agriculture
• Pharmaceuticals
• Mining and Explosives
• Electronics
• Chemical Manufacturing
• Other End Users
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances
Table of Contents
200 Pages
- 1 Executive Summary
- 2 Preface
- 2.1 Abstract
- 2.2 Stake Holders
- 2.3 Research Scope
- 2.4 Research Methodology
- 2.4.1 Data Mining
- 2.4.2 Data Analysis
- 2.4.3 Data Validation
- 2.4.4 Research Approach
- 2.5 Research Sources
- 2.5.1 Primary Research Sources
- 2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources
- 2.5.3 Assumptions
- 3 Market Trend Analysis
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Drivers
- 3.3 Restraints
- 3.4 Opportunities
- 3.5 Threats
- 3.6 Application Analysis
- 3.7 End User Analysis
- 3.8 Emerging Markets
- 3.9 Impact of Covid-19
- 4 Porters Five Force Analysis
- 4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers
- 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers
- 4.3 Threat of substitutes
- 4.4 Threat of new entrants
- 4.5 Competitive rivalry
- 5 Global Nitric Acid Market, By Grade
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Fuming Nitric Acid
- 5.3 Dilute Nitric Acid
- 5.4 Concentrated Nitric Acid
- 6 Global Nitric Acid Market, By Concentration
- 6.1 Introduction
- 6.2 Up to 68%
- 6.3 Above 68%
- 7 Global Nitric Acid Market, By Application
- 7.1 Introduction
- 7.2 Fertilizers
- 7.2.1 Ammonium Nitrate
- 7.2.2 Calcium Ammonium Nitrate
- 7.3 Explosives
- 7.4 Chemicals Manufacturing
- 7.4.1 Adipic Acid
- 7.4.2 Nitrobenzene
- 7.4.3 Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI)
- 7.5 Metal Processing
- 7.6 Electronics and Semiconductors
- 7.7 Pharmaceuticals
- 7.8 Other Applications
- 8 Global Nitric Acid Market, By End User
- 8.1 Introduction
- 8.2 Agriculture
- 8.3 Pharmaceuticals
- 8.4 Mining and Explosives
- 8.5 Electronics
- 8.6 Chemical Manufacturing
- 8.7 Other End Users
- 11 Global Nitric Acid Market, By Geography
- 11.1 Introduction
- 11.2 North America
- 11.2.1 US
- 11.2.2 Canada
- 11.2.3 Mexico
- 11.3 Europe
- 11.3.1 Germany
- 11.3.2 UK
- 11.3.3 Italy
- 11.3.4 France
- 11.3.5 Spain
- 11.3.6 Rest of Europe
- 11.4 Asia Pacific
- 11.4.1 Japan
- 11.4.2 China
- 11.4.3 India
- 11.4.4 Australia
- 11.4.5 New Zealand
- 11.4.6 South Korea
- 11.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific
- 11.5 South America
- 11.5.1 Argentina
- 11.5.2 Brazil
- 11.5.3 Chile
- 11.5.4 Rest of South America
- 11.6 Middle East & Africa
- 11.6.1 Saudi Arabia
- 11.6.2 UAE
- 11.6.3 Qatar
- 11.6.4 South Africa
- 11.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa
- 12 Key Developments
- 12.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures
- 12.2 Acquisitions & Mergers
- 12.3 New Product Launch
- 12.4 Expansions
- 12.5 Other Key Strategies
- 13 Company Profiling
- 13.1 BASF SE
- 13.2 Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
- 13.3 Yara International ASA
- 13.4 Incitec Pivot Limited
- 13.5 CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
- 13.6 Enaex S.A.
- 13.7 Nutrien Ltd.
- 13.8 Orica Limited
- 13.9 EuroChem Group AG
- 13.10 Sasol Limited
- 13.11 OCI N.V.
- 13.12 Omnia Holdings Limited
- 13.13 LSB Industries, Inc.
- 13.14 Koch Fertilizer, LLC
- 13.15 Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd.
- List of Tables
- Table 1 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Region (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 2 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Grade (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 3 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Fuming Nitric Acid (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 4 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Dilute Nitric Acid (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 5 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Concentrated Nitric Acid (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 6 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Concentration (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 7 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Up to 68% (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 8 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Above 68% (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 9 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Application (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 10 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Fertilizers (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 11 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Ammonium Nitrate (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 12 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 13 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Explosives (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 14 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Chemicals Manufacturing (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 15 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Adipic Acid (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 16 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Nitrobenzene (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 17 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 18 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Metal Processing (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 19 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Electronics and Semiconductors (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 20 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Pharmaceuticals (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 21 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Other Applications (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 22 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By End User (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 23 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Agriculture (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 24 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Pharmaceuticals (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 25 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Mining and Explosives (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 26 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Electronics (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 27 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Chemical Manufacturing (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Table 28 Global Nitric Acid Market Outlook, By Other End Users (2024-2032) ($MN)
- Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.
Pricing
Currency Rates
Questions or Comments?
Our team has the ability to search within reports to verify it suits your needs. We can also help maximize your budget by finding sections of reports you can purchase.