Hydrochloric Acid Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Grade (Synthetic Grade, Technical Grade), By Application (Oil Well Acidizing, Steel Pickling, Food Processing, Others), By End-User (Chemical, Food And Beverage, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2024 To 2029

The hydrochloric acid market is projected to grow considerably during the forecast period

The growing pharmaceutical sector, the frequency of water crisis, and the quick investment in the building sector are anticipated to propel market revenue growth. One significant issue that can be lessened with the right application of hydrochloric acid is the world water crisis. Because hydrochloric acid can neutralize impurities, it is a good option for water treatment applications. This acid is used to treat industrial effluent by emulsifying and breaking down oils and food waste. To comply with environmental wastewater regulations, steel production must follow this wastewater treatment process. An increasing number of people are treating their water due to environmental concerns, which is driving up the demand for hydrochloric acid worldwide.

Increasing demand for steel pickling

The steel industry is essential to growth. For many components of manufacturing, construction, transportation, and a wide range of consumer goods, it is the preferred material. The production of crude steel worldwide in 2022 was 140.7 million tons, according to worldsteel.org. Moreover, due to this, there is a greater need for hydrochloric acid when pickling steel. Before extrusion, rolling, and galvanizing are applied to iron or steel, hydrochloric acid is used to remove rust or iron oxide scale. For carbon steel grades, technical quality hydrochloric acid, usually concentrated to 18%, is the most commonly used pickling agent which is increasing the market share of hydrochloric acid.

Extensive use of hydrochloric acid in laboratories

The monoprotic acid used in chemistry that is least likely to interfere with the oxidation-reduction process is hydrochloric acid. Other strong mineral acids that are used similarly include sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid. It is one of the safest strong acids to work with because, despite its acidity, it contains a non-reactive and non-toxic chloride ion. Intermediate-grade hydrochloric acid solutions hold their concentration over time and are stable when stored. Because of its properties, its affordability, and its availability as a pure reagent, hydrochloric acid is a great acidifying reagent. When measuring the concentration of bases in a titration, hydrochloric acid is the preferred solution.

Growing demand for hydrochloric acid in water treatment applications:

The need for hydrochloric acid in applications related to water treatment has been steadily increasing in the past few years. The need for water treatment is one of the main factors driving the rising demand for hydrochloric acid. It is anticipated that water quality and environmental sustainability will receive more attention. The pH of water is adjusted with the use of hydrochloric acid. It could contribute to maintaining the best possible conditions for different treatment procedures and the efficacy of disinfectants. The use of hydrochloric acid in disinfection procedures is essential. It aids in the removal of dangerous bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms. It should contribute to maintaining public health and halting the spread of illnesses that are transmitted by water.

Growing demand in the construction sector

Hydrochloric acid is used extensively in the construction industry for steel pickling and other purposes. Hydrochloric acid demand is directly correlated with the expansion of building and infrastructure projects. These consist of apartment complexes, business centers, and transportation facilities. Construction of buildings, bridges, roads, and industrial facilities is one type of infrastructure development project that could increase demand. Hydrochloric acid must be used in certain areas, like surface preparation and concrete cleaning. The region's investments in infrastructure development present a chance for the demand for hydrochloric acid in the building industry to rise.

By grade segment: Synthetic grade is expected to grow at a high rate

High-purity hydrochloric acid is referred to as synthetic-grade hydrochloric acid. Since it is made using sophisticated manufacturing techniques, higher consistency and quality are guaranteed. When compared to other grades, synthetic-grade hydrochloric acid offers better quality and purity. It goes through rigorous purification procedures, producing a product with very few contaminants.

 In industries like electronics, food processing, and pharmaceuticals where exacting quality standards are necessary, a high degree of purity is especially crucial. Sales of synthetic-grade hydrochloric acid are predicted to be driven by the pharmaceutical and food processing industries' robust growth over the forecast period.

The oil well acidizing segment is to grow considerably throughout the forecast period

To increase the flow of oil or gas to a well, hydrochloric acid is used to remove rust, scale, and undesirable carbonate deposits. In carbonate or limestone formations, acidizing is typically accomplished by stimulation. One of the most popular and useful techniques available to oil and gas operators for increasing well productivity (stimulation) is acidizing. Acidizing is frequently done on newly constructed wells to optimize their initial production and on wells that are getting older to maximize the recovery of energy resources and restore productivity. Moreover, oil and gas producers have used acid to increase the productivity of their wells safely and effectively. Acidizing is one of the most widely used processes for stimulating oil and gas wells.

Asia Pacific is projected to grow at a high rate during the forecast period

The hydrochloric acid market in the Asia-Pacific area may grow as a result of growing production capacities in China, India, and other nations as well as rising demand from the metal, oil and gas, and chemical industries.

HCl is frequently used in the oil and gas sector to stimulate wells, especially those in carbonate formations. Oil and gas companies are planning to expand their manufacturing activities due to the growing demand in countries like China and India, which will increase the consumption of hydrochloric acid. The Asia-Pacific region produced approximately 9.08 million barrels of oil per day in 2021, including crude oil, shale oil, oil sands, and NGLs, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA)

Market key launches

• In February 2022, Westlake Chemical Corporation, a US-based manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers, and building supplies, acquired Hexion Inc. This partnership is expected to benefit Westlake by giving it access to a superior downstream range of coatings and composite products, which will greatly increase the company's integrated business. The US-based chemical manufacturer Hexion Inc. produces thermosetting polymers, related technologies, and speciality products that are effective in hydrochloric acids.
• In January 2022, BASF plans to significantly modernize the infrastructure of the Ludwigshafen Verbund Sites, including the facilities for producing acid chlorides and chloroformates. The company is spending a little over thirty million euros on this. The completion of the measures, which are slated for 2025, will nearly triple the company's production capacity at this site. With a current annual capacity of 60,000 metric tons and producing goods at its two locations in manufacturing facilities at its location in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Yeosu, Korea. One of the leading manufacturers of alkali, acid, and chloroformates worldwide is BASF.

Segmentation:

• By Grade
  • Synthetic Grade
  • Technical Grade
• By Application
  • Oil Well Acidizing
  • Steel Pickling
  • Food Processing
  • Others
• By End-User
  • Chemical
  • Food and Beverage
  • Others
• By Geography
• • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Indonesia
    • Taiwan
    • Others