Nitric Acid Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast, Segmented By Plant Type (Mono Pressure, Dual Pressure), By Sales Channel (Direct, Indirect), By End Use (AN & CAN, Nitrobenzene, TDI, TNT, Adipic Acid, Others), By Region, & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Nitric Acid market was valued at USD 27.25 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 33.93 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.72%. The Global Nitric Acid Market is witnessing consistent growth, underpinned by its indispensable role as a foundational industrial chemical across a diverse array of downstream sectors. As a key precursor in the manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, synthetic polymers, and specialty chemicals, nitric acid remains integral to the operational frameworks of industries such as agriculture, mining, construction, automotive, and chemical processing.

The market is projected to maintain a measured yet resilient growth trajectory, sustained by steady consumption across established end-use segments and a strategic industry shift toward energy-efficient, low-emission production technologies. The emphasis on environmental compliance and process innovation continues to shape market dynamics, ensuring nitric acid’s relevance in evolving industrial ecosystems.

Key Market Drivers

Industrialization and Urbanization in Emerging Markets

The rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization in emerging markets is a major catalyst for the expansion of the Global Nitric Acid Market. These socio-economic transformations are fueling demand across key end-use sectors that rely heavily on nitric acid as a fundamental raw material. Employment in the manufacturing sector witnessed a notable increase of 7.5% in FY 2022–23, rising to 1.85 crore individuals, up from 1.72 crore in the previous fiscal year. This growth reflects a strengthening industrial base and improved capacity utilization across key manufacturing segments. As emerging economies industrialize, there is a marked rise in the establishment and scaling of core industries such as chemical manufacturing, mining, construction, automotive, and metallurgy all of which require substantial volumes of nitric acid. For example: The mining and quarrying sectors use nitric acid in the manufacture of explosives like ammonium nitrate. The chemical industry utilizes it in the production of intermediates like adipic acid and nitrobenzene. This industrial surge is directly translating into increased consumption of nitric acid across production lines.

In FY 2023–24, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) deployed a capital outlay of approximately ₹2.64 lakh crore (US$ 31.7 billion), comprising both public expenditure and private sector investment. Over the past decade, the total length of National Highways has expanded significantly, registering a 59% increase, reflecting the government's sustained focus on infrastructure development and connectivity enhancement. Urbanization in developing regions is characterized by heavy investments in infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, ports, and housing. These activities fuel the demand for explosives, concrete additives, and construction chemicals, many of which require nitric acid in their production. Countries such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa are allocating significant portions of public spending to infrastructure, making nitric acid a crucial enabler of this development.

In FY 2023–24, India’s automotive industry produced approximately 28.4 million vehicles across all categories, including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and quadricycles. This production volume underscores the sector’s robust manufacturing capabilities and its integral role in supporting both domestic demand and export-oriented growth. Emerging markets are becoming major automotive production hubs, both for domestic consumption and exports. The automotive sector depends on nitric acid for the production of nylon (from adipic acid) and polyurethane foams, which are used in vehicle interiors, insulation, and structural parts. The growing demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient materials is further accelerating nitric acid consumption in these regions. Urbanization in emerging economies does not eliminate agricultural dependence; instead, it increases pressure on existing farmland to be more productive. This leads to higher use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, particularly ammonium nitrate and urea, both of which require nitric acid as a key feedstock. Fertilizer demand is especially strong in countries like India, China, and Pakistan, where agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy even as urban centers expand.

Rising Demand for Nitrogen-Based Fertilizers

The growing global demand for nitrogen-based fertilizers stands as one of the most influential drivers fueling the expansion of the Global Nitric Acid Market. As a critical intermediate in the production of ammonium nitrate and other nitrogen-rich compounds, nitric acid plays an essential role in supporting modern agriculture. By 2050, the global population is expected to approach 10 billion, placing considerable pressure on agricultural systems to meet the rising demand for food. This scenario underscores the urgent need to optimize crop productivity and strengthen food security frameworks, particularly in light of mounting challenges such as climate volatility, constrained natural resources, and shifting consumption patterns. This is particularly crucial in regions with limited arable land and high population densities, such as South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Nitrogen-based fertilizers especially ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), and urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) are vital for replenishing soil nutrients and improving crop output. The production of these fertilizers relies heavily on nitric acid as a base feedstock, thus stimulating consistent market demand.

Developing countries are seeing a sharp uptick in fertilizer application as part of government-backed efforts to boost agricultural productivity and rural incomes. Nations such as India, Brazil, Indonesia, and Bangladesh are investing heavily in fertilizer subsidies, distribution infrastructure, and education campaigns promoting efficient fertilizer usage. These programs are driving volume growth in ammonium nitrate-based fertilizers, directly increasing the consumption of nitric acid in fertilizer manufacturing plants. Modern agricultural practices are evolving to incorporate high-efficiency and controlled-release fertilizers that enhance nutrient uptake and reduce environmental impact. Many of these advanced formulations are nitrogen-intensive and involve complex processing that begins with nitric acid. As sustainability and crop yield optimization become focal points for both private agribusinesses and government agencies, nitric acid remains a core input in the development of next-generation fertilizers. Several global fertilizer producers operate vertically integrated facilities where nitric acid production is closely aligned with ammonium nitrate synthesis. This model improves supply chain efficiency and cost management, ensuring stable demand for nitric acid. The continued expansion and modernization of such integrated fertilizer plants in regions like Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia further contribute to nitric acid market growth.

Key Market Challenges

Volatility in Prices of Raw Materials

Many regions heavily rely on imported ammonia to meet their nitric acid production requirements. This dependency exposes manufacturers to geopolitical risks, currency exchange rate fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions, all of which can lead to unstable raw material costs. Volatility in raw material prices can pose challenges for nitric acid manufacturers in maintaining stable profit margins. Sudden increases in raw material costs can erode profit margins, affecting the financial health of companies in the industry.

Rise in Environmental Concerns

Nitric acid production involves the oxidation of ammonia, resulting in the release of nitrogen oxides (NOx) as by-products. Nitrogen oxides are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to air pollution and the formation of acid rain. These emissions can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. Additionally, the production process itself consumes significant amounts of energy, which can further contribute to carbon emissions and global warming. Nitric acid plants often require large amounts of electricity for ammonia synthesis and the energy-intensive oxidation process.

Key Market Trends

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements are opening new horizons for nitric acid applications, particularly in the field of nanotechnology. Nitric acid plays a vital role in the synthesis and functionalization of nanoparticles, which find applications in electronics, medicine, catalysis, and environmental remediation. The integration of digital technologies, such as data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT), are driving process optimization and enhancing operational efficiency in nitric acid production plants. It improves operational efficiency, reduces downtime, and enables data-driven decision-making.

In 2020, Stamicarbon has unveiled its dual and mono nitric acid method known for its exceptional energy recuperation. This is accomplished through careful placement of the heat exchanger further down the ammonia burner. The key characteristic that sets this process apart from traditional nitric acid production is the ability to reach high tail gas temperatures, reaching up to 480°C. This is achieved by positioning the final tail gas heater in closer proximity to the Pt/Rh gauzes within the ammonia burner vessel, where elevated process temperatures are encountered. Moreover, technological advancements in safety systems and equipment have significantly improved workplace safety. Automation and remote monitoring systems reduce the need for manual intervention and exposure to hazardous environments.

Growing Utilization of Nitric Acids in Environmental Applications

Nitric acid plays a crucial role in air pollution control. It is used in processes such as the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in industrial emissions. NOx is a major air pollutant, contributing to smog, acid rain, and adverse health effects. By utilizing nitric acid in SCR systems, nitrogen oxides are converted into harmless nitrogen and water vapor, reducing harmful emissions. In environmental monitoring, nitric acid is used as a reagent in water quality analysis. It is employed to preserve water samples for laboratory testing, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements of various parameters such as pH, nutrients, and trace metals. The increasing demand for nitric acid in environmental applications is expected to drive market growth. As governments and industries focus on sustainable practices and environmental regulations become more stringent, the need for nitric acid for pollution control and remediation is likely to rise.

Segmental Insights

Sales Channel Insights

Based on the category of Sales Channel, Direct Sales segment emerged as the dominating segment in the Global Nitric Acid Market and is predicted to continue expanding over the coming years. Nitric acid is predominantly used in bulk by industrial sectors such as fertilizers, chemicals, explosives, and polymers. These industries typically operate at large scales and require consistent, high-volume deliveries of nitric acid with precise specifications. Direct sales enable manufacturers to negotiate long-term contracts with end-use industries, ensuring both supply reliability and price stability. This model is particularly suited for customers with strict procurement and quality assurance processes.

Given nitric acid’s highly corrosive and hazardous nature, its transportation and storage demand stringent safety measures, specialized tankers, and regulatory compliance. By selling directly to industrial clients, manufacturers retain greater control over logistics, packaging standards, and delivery timelines. This minimizes the risk of product contamination, ensures regulatory compliance, and reduces the likelihood of supply chain disruptions key concerns for industrial buyers.

Direct sales eliminate intermediaries and third-party distributors, allowing both producers and end-users to optimize margins. Manufacturers benefit from reduced distribution costs and increased pricing transparency, while buyers often receive more competitive pricing by bypassing channel markups. This cost efficiency is especially crucial in sectors like agriculture and mining, where input costs significantly impact operational profitability.

End Use Insights

Based on the category of End Use, Adipic acid segment emerges as the fastest growing segment in the Nitric Acid Market and is predicted to continue expanding over the coming years. Adipic acid is a critical intermediate in the production of Nylon 6,6, a high-performance engineering thermoplastic used extensively in automotive components, electrical equipment, textiles, and industrial fibers. As global automotive manufacturers shift toward lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles, the demand for durable, heat-resistant, and chemically stable materials like Nylon 6,6 is rising sharply. This, in turn, drives up the consumption of nitric acid, which is a key feedstock in the production of adipic acid.

The global construction industry is witnessing significant growth, particularly in emerging markets. Adipic acid is used in polyurethane foams, coatings, and sealants materials that are in high demand in construction for insulation, waterproofing, and protective coatings. The surge in residential and commercial infrastructure projects is accelerating the demand for polymer-based building materials, boosting the use of adipic acid and thereby increasing nitric acid consumption.

Industries are increasingly turning to high-performance plastics due to their superior mechanical properties and chemical resistance. Adipic acid-based polymers are gaining traction in consumer electronics, packaging, industrial machinery, and appliance manufacturing, all of which require reliable and high-strength materials. As these sectors continue to grow globally, so does the requirement for adipic acid and consequently, nitric acid. 

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Regional Insights

Based on region, Asia Pacific region emerged as the largest market in the Global Nitric Acid market. The primary growth drivers in the Asia Pacific region is the high consumption of ammonium nitrate fertilizers, a downstream product of nitric acid. India maintains its status as a predominantly agrarian economy, with agriculture and allied sectors playing a pivotal role in both economic output and employment generation. As of the latest estimates, agriculture contributes approximately 18.2% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Moreover, a substantial portion of the population around 42.3% is directly dependent on agriculture for their primary livelihood, underscoring the sector’s critical influence on national socio-economic stability and rural development. Asia Pacific is home to a growing number of chemical and mining industries that rely on nitric acid for the production of dyes, plastics, polyurethane foams, and especially explosives such as nitroglycerin and trinitrotoluene (TNT). Emerging economies like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand are witnessing increasing infrastructure development and mining activities, further boosting nitric acid consumption.

The region’s accelerated pace of industrialization is translating into higher demand for nitric acid in metallurgical processes, cleaning agents, and as an intermediate in chemical synthesis. The construction of industrial corridors and government-backed manufacturing incentives such as China's “Made in China 2025” initiative and India’s “Make in India” campaign are contributing to increased production and consumption of nitric acid across various industrial applications.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals (GNFC) has awarded a contract to thyssenkrupp Uhde India Pvt. Ltd. (TKUIPL) for the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (LEPC) of a new Weak Nitric Acid-III plant. The facility will have a production capacity of 600 metric tonnes per day (MTPD), translating to 200,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA), and is aimed at strengthening GNFC’s nitric acid manufacturing capabilities to meet growing industrial demand.
• In August 2023, Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL), a key player in India’s industrial chemicals, mining chemicals, and fertiliser sectors, has announced a brownfield expansion of its nitric acid production facilities at Dahej, Gujarat, as part of its long-term strategic growth roadmap. The company’s Board of Directors has approved the establishment of a 300 KTPA Weak Nitric Acid (WNA) plant, along with two Concentrated Nitric Acid (CNA) units with a combined capacity of 150 KTPA, reinforcing DFPCL’s commitment to enhancing its production footprint and meeting rising domestic demand.

Key Market Players

• Celanese Corporation
• Jiangsu sopo chemical co. ltd.
• Eastman Chemicals Company
• Archer Daniels Midland
• Tate and Lyle Plc.
• BASF SE
• Dow Chemical
• BioAmber Inc.
• Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology Co., Ltd.
• Nature Works LLC

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Nitric Acid Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Nitric Acid Market, By Plant Type:

o   Mono Pressure

o   Dual Pressure

• Nitric Acid Market, By Sales Channel:

o   Direct

o   Indirect

• Nitric Acid Market, By End Use:

o   AN & CAN

o   Nitrobenzene

o   TDI

o   TNT

o   Adipic Acid

o   Others

• Nitric Acid Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Nitric Acid Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Nitric Acid market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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