Global Phosphoric Acid Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In March 2024, Mosaic Company acquired a stake in a Middle Eastern phosphoric acid producer, aiming to strengthen its supply chain for fertilizer production​

• In February 2024, OCP Group expanded its phosphoric acid production facilities in Morocco to meet rising demand in agriculture and food processing industries​

Phosphoric acid, a crucial chemical compound, is sourced primarily from phosphate rock through various processes, including wet process and thermal process methods. Each source type yields phosphoric acid with distinct purity levels and chemical compositions, catering to specific industrial and agricultural applications.

In terms of applications, phosphoric acid finds widespread use across multiple sectors. In agriculture, it serves as a fundamental ingredient in the production of phosphate fertilizers, essential for enhancing crop productivity and soil fertility worldwide. The agricultural sector remains a primary consumer of phosphoric acid, driving significant demand globally.

In the food and beverage industry, phosphoric acid functions as an acidity regulator and flavor enhancer in various products such as carbonated beverages, processed foods, and dairy products. Its ability to stabilize pH levels and impart tartness makes it indispensable in food processing, contributing to its substantial presence in the consumer goods market.

Phosphoric acid plays a vital role in industrial applications, including metal treatment, water treatment, and as a catalyst in chemical synthesis processes. Its properties as a corrosion inhibitor and water softener make it valuable in industrial cleaning agents, detergents, and metal finishing solutions, supporting cleanliness and operational efficiency across various sectors.

Geographically, the phosphoric acid market exhibits dynamic patterns influenced by regional industrialization, agricultural practices, and regulatory frameworks across regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. These factors shape production and consumption dynamics, driving market growth and innovation in phosphoric acid applications globally.

Global Phosphoric Acid Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Phosphoric Acid Market has been segmented by Source Type, Application and Geography.

Global Phosphoric Acid Market, Segmentation by Source Type

The Global Phosphoric Acid Market has been segmented by Source Type into Wet Process and Thermal Process.

Wet process phosphoric acid is predominantly produced by treating phosphate rock with sulfuric acid. This method yields phosphoric acid with varying purity levels suitable for a wide range of applications. It is widely utilized in the production of phosphate fertilizers, where it serves as a critical nutrient source for crops, enhancing soil fertility and agricultural productivity. The agricultural sector remains a major consumer of wet process phosphoric acid, driving consistent demand globally.

Thermal process phosphoric acid is derived through the combustion of elemental phosphorus with air. This method yields a higher purity phosphoric acid compared to the wet process, making it suitable for applications requiring stringent quality standards, such as food and pharmaceutical industries. Thermal process phosphoric acid is utilized as an additive in food and beverages, acting as an acidity regulator and flavor enhancer in carbonated drinks and processed foods. It also finds applications in pharmaceutical formulations where purity and safety are paramount.

Global Phosphoric Acid Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Phosphoric Acid Market has been segmented by Application into Fertilizers, Feed & Food Additives, Detergents, Water Treatment Chemicals and Others.

In agriculture, phosphoric acid plays a crucial role in the production of phosphate fertilizers, which are essential for enhancing crop yields and improving soil fertility. These fertilizers provide plants with phosphorus, a vital nutrient necessary for their growth and development. The agricultural sector remains the largest consumer of phosphoric acid, driving substantial demand globally.

Phosphoric acid is also utilized in feed and food additives, where it serves as a source of phosphorus in animal feed and nutritional supplements. It contributes to maintaining animal health and promoting growth in livestock and poultry industries. In the food sector, phosphoric acid functions as an acidity regulator and food additive in processed foods, beverages, and dairy products, enhancing flavor stability and product quality.

In the detergent industry, phosphoric acid acts as a key ingredient in industrial and household cleaners, contributing to effective cleaning solutions and removing mineral deposits. Its properties as a water softener and corrosion inhibitor make it valuable in maintaining cleanliness and extending the lifespan of equipment and infrastructure. Phosphoric acid finds applications in water treatment chemicals, where it is used to adjust pH levels and prevent scaling in water treatment processes. It helps improve water quality and ensures compliance with environmental regulations in municipal and industrial water treatment facilities.

Global Phosphoric Acid Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Phosphoric Acid Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Phosphoric Acid Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America is characterized by advanced industrial capabilities and stringent environmental regulations, driving substantial demand for phosphoric acid across various applications such as agriculture, food additives, and industrial processes. The region's focus on sustainable agricultural practices and technological innovation supports the adoption of phosphoric acid in efficient crop production and environmental management.

Europe remains a key market for phosphoric acid, driven by a strong emphasis on food safety and environmental sustainability. The region's stringent regulations on chemical usage and waste management promote responsible phosphoric acid application in food production, water treatment, and industrial processes. Additionally, Europe's well-established agricultural sector utilizes phosphoric acid in optimizing soil fertility and ensuring high crop yields.

In the Asia Pacific region, rapid industrialization and agricultural expansion contribute significantly to the demand for phosphoric acid. Countries such as China and India are major producers and consumers of phosphate fertilizers, driving substantial market growth. The region's growing population and increasing food demand further bolster the use of phosphoric acid in agricultural applications and food processing industries.

The Middle East and Africa region exhibits a growing demand for phosphoric acid, supported by infrastructure development and expanding industrial sectors. Phosphoric acid plays a crucial role in water treatment and industrial applications, addressing water scarcity challenges and supporting economic diversification efforts across the region.

Latin America showcases significant agricultural activities, particularly in Brazil and Argentina, where phosphoric acid is integral to fertilizer production and crop nutrition strategies. The region's agricultural exports drive demand for phosphate fertilizers, contributing to phosphoric acid market growth in the region.