Nitric Acid Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Application (Fertilizers, Nitrobenzene, Adipic Acid, Toluene Di-isocyanate, and others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global nitric acid market size was USD 22,268.1 million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 27,536.9 million by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period.

Nitric Acid (HNO3), also known as aqua fortis, is a colorless compound that turns yellow over some time due to the decomposition of nitrogen and water into oxides. The compound is highly corrosive and has major application in the production of ammonium nitrate and other chemicals for formulizing fertilizers. The compound has other applications where it is used for the production of chemicals such as nitrobenzene, adipic acid, chloronitrobenzene. These chemicals are further used in various end-use industries such as plastics, automotive, and construction. The rising automotive industry in developing regions has led to high consumption of HNO3, which can be associated with population growth and growing consumer demand, thus supporting growth in market size. Moreover, the rising demand for plastics in industrial and consumer applications is further supporting the development of the market.

Disruption in Supply Chain to Affect Manufacturing Sector Amid COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic had a major effect on many end-use industries, instigating an impermanent pause in manufacturing activities and trade actions. The pandemic has similarly led to the decline of the economy due to declining demand and dropped manufacturing, which in turn is creating disruption of supply and demand. The worldwide lockdown considerably impacted the trading activities, causing a further drop in the raw material obtainability and improved price of finished goods. The temporary shutdown of manufacturing units of end-use industries such as automobiles led to reduced demand for HNO3. This reduced demand affected the growth of the market overall. However, the market is expected to stabilize gradually due to the rising plastic applications in the medical industry. The growing demand for PPE kits has led to the high manufacturing of plastics, which propels the nitric acid market growth.

LATEST TRENDS

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High Demand for Lightweight Automobile to Lead Market Growth

The rising demand from consumers for lightweight automobiles has led to producers turning towards invention and development in the automotive industry, therefore creating high consumption prospects for HNO3 that positively cause the market growth. HNO3 is used for formulating adipic acid, which is further used for making nylon. The nitric acid manufacturers are shifting to polymer composites such as nylon for vehicle weight reduction and increased fuel capacity. Additionally, high consumer demand for individual automobiles coupled with the ever-increasing populace has backed ominously to the production of lighter vehicles. This is sustained by governmental regulations to curb Co2 emissions has pushed the chemical manufacturers to utilize advanced expertise in the production of fuel-efficient and cost-effective automotive solutions. This growing trend for lightweight vehicles is boosting this market.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Demand for HNO3 from Various End-Use Industry Shall Aid in the Growth of Market

HNO3 has substantial application in the agriculture industry, where it is used for the manufacturing of fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, and nitro phosphate. Fertilizers are used for swelling crop yield to achieve the growing food demand from the mounting population. Moreover, the upward drive of disposable income of consumers has caused a high demand for organic and quality food, which is, the turn is leading to the use of bio-based fertilizers and further driving the market growth. The escalating construction activities also boost the market as Toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) is used, and HNO3 intermediate, for manufacturing of polyurethane foams, wood and floor coatings, and insulation materials. Along with this, improving consumer’s lifestyles and growing renovation activities and new governmental infrastructure projects acts as driving factor for HNO3 market growth. Additionally, the usage of nitric acid for dye-making is a driving factor for market growth. The growing fashion industry can be related to the high demand for dye in the textile industry.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Strict Governmental Regulations for HNO3 to Hinder the Market Growth

HNO3 is released from chemical manufacturing plants, exhaust fumes from vehicles, and polluted wastewater from farming areas. This environmental pollution leads to respiratory problems when inhaled. Governmental regulations over ecological protection and reducing industrial waste are the restraining factors for the market growth. Additionally, rising concerns over Co2 emissions from the automobile is further restraining the market.

SEGMENTATION

By Application Analysis

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Fertilizers Segment to Hold the Major Share in the Market During the Forecast Period

The market based on application is segmented into fertilizers, nitrobenzene, adipic acid, toluene di-isocyanate, and others. The fertilizers segment dominated due to rising agricultural activities for fulfilling the ever-growing population demand. HNO3 is used to manufacture fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, which provides extensive and quality crop yields. The growing need for nitrogen-based fertilizers over the years is driving the market growth of HNO3.

The adipic acid segment is expected to experience substantial growth due to the rising demand for lighter automobiles. Adipic acid produced from nitric acid is used for the manufacturing of nylons and other resins. Nylons polymer composites are used for automobile components manufacturing to decrease the vehicle's overall weight and make it fuel-efficient. Growing demand for advanced automobiles from the developing regions is boosting the market growth.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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Asia Pacific dominated the market in terms of volume and value and is estimated to have USD 11,409.8 million in 2019, which can be credited to the growing demand for HNO3 from numerous end-use industries that includes automobile, agriculture, and construction. The financial development and rising population within countries such as India, China, and Japan have created significant demand for nitric acid in the agriculture industry. China leads the Asia Pacific region due to rapid population growth, rising infrastructure projects, and surge in middle-class income that is instigating high consumption of HNO3.

North America is projected to have a noteworthy nitric acid market share in the global market; which can be related to the rapid advancement and disposable income of consumers in the region. The growing demand for lighter and fuel-efficient vehicles and growing new construction and renovation activities are primary factors towards market growth. This, along with the growing fashion industry in the region is further driving this market.

The European region is anticipated to show significant growth during the projection period. This progression can be ascribed to the growing demand of fuel-efficient and eco-friendly automobiles from buyers. Growing awareness regarding protection of the environment serves as a driving force for fuel-efficient features and lightweight materials such as polymer composites used in automobiles, thus creating further market opportunities. Germany is a major producer in automotive engineering, sustained by economic growth in the country and industrial advancement in fuel-efficient results for less weighing automobiles.

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Latin America is projected to have steady growth throughout the forecast period. In Latin America, Brazil is a major country for HNO3 consumption and is anticipated to have rapid growth in the market due to growing food demand. Moreover, the adoption of advanced technologies for applications in the building & construction industry has led to the further development of the market. Additionally, the Middle East & Africa is a central hub of mining; which makes the availability of raw materials easier at lower costs for the producers in the region, thus providing low production cost. Moreover, the economic development in the region leads to an improved lifestyles of consumers.  This is expected to raise the demand for quality and organic food and further surge market demand for nitric acid.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Joint Ventures and Capacity Expansion are the Key Strategic Initiatives Implemented by the Companies

Major players that are operating in the industry are BASF, Nutrien, DuPont, CF Industries Holdings, Inc. Companies profiled are invested in product innovation, capacity improvement, mergers, and acquisition competitive edge in the global market. For instance, in 2018, Trammo Inc. acquired Agrium’s North Bend, HNO3 production, and distribution facility. The company specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of nitrogen-based industrial and agricultural products. The facility is located on 88 acres with a production capacity of 75 KT annually.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany)


• Nutrien (Saskatoon, Canada)


• DuPont (Delaware, U.S.)


• CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (Illinois, U.S.)


• Omnia Holdings Limited (Gauteng, South Africa)


• Dyno Nobel (Brisbane, Australia)


• Enaex S.A. (Santiago, Chile)


• Sasol (Johannesburg, South Africa)


• LSB Industries (Oklahoma, U.S.)


• Ixom (Victoria Australia)


• Other Key Players

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In July 2020 – KBR partnered with Haifa Group to increase the production capacity of two nitric acid plants in Israel through use of proprietary technology. This partnership will deliver higher production capacities while low plant emissions and operating expenses.


• In October 2020 – LSB Industries, Inc. signed a new long term nitric acid supply contract with a customer and will supply 70 KT to 100 KT of nitric acid per annum. This is an effort towards focused marketing and change product mix in order to enhance margins.


• In April 2019 – Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals has started commercial production at the nitric acid complex in India. The new facility produces around 92 KT of concentrated nitric acid and 149 KT of diluted nitric acid per annum.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Nitric Acid Market

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The global nitric acid market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, sources, applications, and products. Also, the report offers insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation