Sulfuric Acid in China Trends and Forecast
The future of the sulfuric acid market in China looks promising with opportunities in the fertilizer, chemical manufacturing, metal processing, petroleum refining, textile industry, automotive, and pulp & paper markets. The global sulfuric acid market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 3.9% from 2025 to 2031. The sulfuric acid market in China is also forecasted to witness strong growth over the forecast period. The major drivers for this market are the increased use of sulfuric acid in agriculture, the rising demand from the metalworking sector to clean various metal surfaces of corrosion and other impurities, and the growing use in wastewater treatment.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the raw material category, elemental sulfur will remain the largest segment over the forecast period due to its affordability, low cost, and lower emissions compared to base metal smelters and pyrite ore.
• Within the application category, fertilizer will remain the largest segment due to its strong acidic qualities and ability to break down raw materials and provide the nutrients required for plant development.
Emerging Trends in the Sulfuric Acid Market in China
The sulfuric acid market in China is changing at a fast pace as the nation accelerates its drive to build a modernized industrial base and move towards cleaner technologies. Although sulfuric acid continues to be a part of metal processing and fertilizers, its scope is broadening towards new uses associated with battery manufacturing, advanced recycling, and environmental clean-up. As energy-intensive sectors decarbonize and cleaner practices become standard, sulfuric acid production and usage are being optimized for greater efficiency, lower emissions, and integration into high-value, sustainable processes across diverse Chinese industries.
• Expansion into Solid-State Battery Manufacturing: Sulfuric acid is finding increased application in the solid-state battery production chain, especially in lithium salt and electrode material preparation. With China investing more in the development of advanced EV technologies, acid use is shifting from legacy battery processes to next-generation alternatives. The trend creates new high-purity market streams and prompts acid makers to shift quality and logistics to meet stringent standards, underlining sulfuric acid‘s prominence in the clean energy value chain.
• Increased Role in Refining of Rare Metals for Chipmaking: Sulfuric acid finds growing use in refining gallium, germanium, and tellurium, all essential for semiconductor and solar cell manufacture. Used in selective leaching and purification procedures as China boosts indigenous capabilities in high-tech electronics, the acid is finding greater roles in self-sufficiency plans and the national effort to break reliance on overseas chipmaking materials.
• Application in Flue Gas Desulfurization Waste Treatment: Sulfuric acid is utilized to treat waste streams from coal plants and cement plant flue gas desulfurization systems. This helps meet China‘s requirement for the reduction of secondary pollution caused by environmental controls themselves. Through acid treatment, converting FGD waste into recyclable salts or gypsum, value recovery is improved, and the necessity for landfill is reduced. The trend further enhances sulfuric acid‘s function in emission management and environmental clean-up operations.
• Expansion in Waste Plastics Chemical Recycling: China‘s recycling of polyethylene and other plastics through chemical means is on the rise, and sulfuric acid has a part to play in catalytic depolymerization. Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis facilitates breaking down plastic to monomers for reuse in virgin-grade polymers. Policy favors plastic waste minimization, and thus, this trend boosts sulfuric acid applications in a newly emerging sustainability niche. It aligns with circular economy ambitions and generates a need for accurate, controlled use of acid in polymer chemistry.
• Integration in Green Fertilizer Product R&D: Chinese agrochemicals are incorporating sulfuric acid in formulating low-emission fertilizer blends. The acid is utilized to fix ammonia and phosphorus more effectively, limiting volatilization and runoff. The trend works together with government-driven soil fertility and precision agriculture programs, enhancing fertilizer effectiveness while further conserving the environment. It also diversifies demand for sulfuric acid into environmentally sound agricultural solutions in China‘s big agriculture segment.
China‘s sulfuric acid market is being restructured through its integration in cleaner, more sophisticated industries like high-tech materials, clean energy, and circular resource recycling. These trends indicate a strategic transition to innovation and efficiency in acid consumption, supporting its role as a base chemical for China‘s next-wave industrial growth.
Recent Developments in the Sulfuric Acid Market in China
New trends in China‘s sulfuric acid market point toward a firm move towards sustainability, integration of production, and regulatory conformity. Leaders of the industry are developing production technology, streamlining logistics, and putting capital into high-tech applications. Energy security, waste treatment, and carbon neutrality priorities at the national level are compelling companies to rethink how sulfuric acid is produced and utilized. With China developing more sophisticated chemical production plans, these technologies are enhancing supply reliability, safety, and sustainability along the sulfuric acid value chain.
• Sinochem Opens New Integrated Acid-Energy Recovery Plant: Sinochem has commissioned an upgraded sulfuric acid production facility that features steam and power recovery systems in the Gansu province. The facility uses heat recovered from acid conversion to produce electricity for internal consumption. This curbs emissions and saves costs on production. The integrated process is a new standard for energy-efficient acid production and enhances local supply to the mining and agriculture industries.
• Baowu Steel adopts closed-loop acid regeneration system: Baowu, China‘s largest steel producer, has instituted a closed-loop sulfuric acid regeneration system for pickling. The system regenerates spent acid and recovers iron sulfate byproducts for recycling. This innovation saves on acid purchase costs, enhances waste handling, and minimizes discharge. It aligns with China‘s mission of cleaner steel manufacturing and showcases how acid-intensive processes are making sustainability more effective without compromising on productivity.
• Smart Tanker Fleet Introduced for Acid Transport: A Chinese chemical logistics firm has unveiled an array of GPS-equipped smart tanker fleets for the transportation of sulfuric acid. The tankers are equipped with real-time tracking, corrosion-resistant linings, and digital manifesting systems. The upgrade minimizes spillage risks and allows for quick response in case of emergencies. The innovation enhances transport safety and compliance and is a sign of China‘s increasingly stringent regulations on hazardous materials logistics.
• Startup Collaboration to Manufacture Ultrapure Sulfuric Acid: A joint venture involving a local startup and a Jiangsu semiconductor company is building a plant to manufacture ultrapure sulfuric acid for integrated circuit production. The facility applies the latest distillation and filtration technology to fulfill electronic-grade requirements. The effort helps China‘s plan to localize semiconductor material and provides a stable source of high-spec acid required for integrated circuit manufacturing.
• Regulatory Push for Low-SO₂ Acid Emissions Compliance: The Ministry of Ecology and Environment strengthened SO₂ emission standards from sulfuric acid facilities in the new national air quality action plan. Industry is refitting plants with newer scrubbers and catalytic converters to achieve these new, tighter thresholds. This policy change is quickening environmental improvements and solidifying acid production‘s part in attaining industrial air quality regulations.
These trends mark a growth of China‘s sulfuric acid industry, where technology, safety, and environmental considerations now fuel innovation. With intelligent logistics, green production, and high-purity acid streams making inroads, the market is becoming increasingly sophisticated and synced with national economic and environmental policies.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for Sulfuric Acid Market in China
China‘s sulfuric acid market is developing steadily with industrial upgrading, environmental control, and growing downstream usage. Agricultural applications, battery production, metal processing, electronics, and wastewater treatment are becoming principal drivers of demand. Growing demand for high-purity and environmentally friendly acid is converging with national strategies for green production. With the nation increasing domestic capacity and transitioning to clean technologies, Sulfuric Acid remains a strategic input facilitating sustainable and value-added industrial processes in various industries.
• Fertilizer and agrochemical production: China‘s growth in agricultural production and modernization is propelling demand for phosphate-based fertilizers that use Sulfuric Acid. Government encouragement of crop production self-sufficiency and initiatives to boost rural income are raising domestic fertilizer production. Large commercial farms and intelligent agriculture systems also enhance acid demand. The domestic supply of acid is responsible for cost-saving and efficient agrochemical production, particularly in inland areas. Food security is provided through this application and less reliance on imports, strengthening Sulfuric Acid‘s contribution to national food and chemical security.
• Production and recycling of lead-acid batteries: As China is at the forefront of vehicle electrification and backup power systems, lead-acid batteries are still in prevalent use, particularly in two-wheeler and energy storage applications. Sulfuric Acid finds its use in electrolyte formulation and battery recycling. With increasing focus on the treatment of hazardous wastes, acid consumption in environmentally friendly recovery processes is on the rise. Battery recycling rate mandates by governments and the adoption of green mobility drive battery plant investments, confirming Sulfuric Acid‘s significance in energy security and environmental regulatory compliance.
• Non-ferrous metal smelting and refining: China is a leading world producer of zinc, copper, and rare earth metals, which depend heavily on Sulfuric Acid for leaching and refining purposes. Growth in mineral processing and smelting facilities in western and southern China is also driving acid consumption. New technologies for cleaner extraction and meeting standards for pollutant discharges also create high-efficiency acid usage demand. This opportunity enhances Sulfuric Acid‘s position in facilitating sustainable mining and value-added metallurgy consistent with China‘s industrial upgrading objectives.
• Fabrication of electronics and semiconductors: China‘s drive to localize production of the semiconductor and electronics industries is increasing chemical use, such as ultra-pure Sulfuric Acid. It is utilized in generating wafer cleaning, etching, and metal surface preparation. With the government backing chip independence and precision manufacturing, electronic-grade acid consumption is on the increase. Local suppliers are ramping up production using high-purity levels and digital monitoring systems. This makes Sulfuric Acid a critical input in high-tech supply chains, stimulating innovation and building dynamic industrial self-reliance.
• Wastewater treatment and pollution control: Sulfuric Acid finds extensive application across industrial and municipal wastewater treatment for water pH adjustment and heavy metal removal. China‘s strengthened attempts at treating industrial pollution and enforcing stringent water discharge standards are boosting acid use in treatment processes. With growing urbanization and the development of eco-industrial parks, wastewater is on the increase. Sulfuric Acid is critical to attaining compliance as well as enabling environmental rehabilitation, particularly in industrially dominant and water-scarce areas.
Sulfuric Acid serves a critical function in China‘s agriculture, battery systems, metals, electronics, and wastewater industries. Its increasing adoption serves national initiatives for clean production, food security, technological self-sufficiency, and environmental enhancement. With industries moving towards sustainability and high-efficiency practices, Sulfuric Acid remains to present strategic possibilities in support of long-term economic and environmental concerns.
Sulfuric Acid Market in China Driver and Challenges
China‘s sulfuric acid industry is influenced by industrial growth, energy transformation, agro-industrialization, and environmental protection. These drivers promote increased acid use in fertilizer manufacturing, mining, and air pollution prevention. At the same time, impediments such as excess capacity, quality volatility, and complicated regulation systems deter optimal performance. The resolution of these drivers demands balanced investment, innovation in purification technology, and coordination at the national level. Framing these dynamics enables policymakers, businesspeople, and civil society to align operations with policy, maintain competitiveness, and promote sustainable growth within China‘s industrial network.
The factors responsible for driving the sulfuric acid market in China include:
• Mass industrialization and urbanization: China‘s fast-paced urbanization and industrialization boost Sulfuric Acid demand in the construction, chemicals, and water treatment sectors. Infrastructure development elevates acid consumption in steel processing, industrial cleaning, and land remediation. Eco-zones and industrial parks demand assured supply of acid to ensure seamless operation. This driver guarantees long-term stable demand and facilitates integrated production systems linking Sulfuric Acid to China‘s master plan for urban development and manufacturing.
• Government assistance to agricultural productivity: Sulfuric Acid is an essential raw material in the manufacture of phosphate and blended fertilizers. The agricultural policy of China encourages food self-sufficiency and increased land utilization. Large-scale agriculture and green agriculture schemes are boosting demand for high-quality agrochemicals. The contribution of Sulfuric Acid to dependable fertilizer supply is vital in advancing food goals and securing rural economies. This driver links acid demand to national food strategy and guarantees firm linkages with rural revitalization policy.
• Development of clean energy and battery supply chains: China‘s leadership in EVs and energy storage is driving Sulfuric Acid consumption in battery production and recycling. It serves in manufacturing, electrolyte creation, and closed-loop recycling solutions. Domestic battery regulation and increasing domestic capacity improve safe and reliable acid supply demand. The driver is enhancing energy transition objectives while promoting sustainable industrial behavior. It also combines Sulfuric Acid with clean technologies, which make it long-term relevant in green infrastructure initiatives.
• Stringent environmental and emission standards: China‘s environmental regulations call for sophisticated treatment of air, water, and soil pollution. Sulfuric Acid plays a central role in pH adjustment, effluent management, and emission scrubbing. Steel, textile, and mining industries need to meet emission standards through chemical intervention. This driver heightens Sulfuric Acid‘s ability to facilitate compliance and ensure environmental stewardship. It also stimulates dosing, monitoring, and automation innovations that enhance acid efficiency and minimize ecological hazard.
• Growing electronics and semiconductor sector: China is leading chip production and electronics to minimize reliance on international imports. Sulfuric Acid finds usage in etching and cleaning through semiconductor production. National incentives to develop high-purity chemical supply chains reinforce electronic-grade acid demand. This driver keeps Sulfuric Acid at the forefront of strategic tech development. When domestic tech ecosystems grow, chemical infrastructure compatible with semiconductor standards guarantees development in high-end uses.
Challenges in the sulfuric acid market in China are:
• Overcapacity and price volatility: China has ample Sulfuric Acid manufacturing capacity, creating cyclical oversupply and volatile prices. Inefficiencies and quality inconsistencies are contributed by small-scale manufacturers. Volatility in prices affects margins for downstream consumers. Rationalization of capacity and modernization of facilities are necessary to address this challenge to level demand. Stable prices and uniform quality will improve market reliability and user trust.
• Complexity and fragmentation in regulation: In spite of country-wide environmental regulations, application and enforcement differ at regional levels. Producers and consumers are uncertain regarding authorizations, audits, and compliance levels. Small operators have difficulties in adjusting to changing guidelines. This discrepancy enhances bureaucratic burdens and minimizes transparency. This is a dilemma that can delay uptake of best practices unless regulatory systems are standardized and effectively overseen across the country.
• Availability of feedstocks and sulfur logistics: Sulfuric Acid production is reliant on sulfur recovery from smelting and oil refining. Stability of acid production is impacted by logistics interruptions, feedstock supply constraints, or price spikes. Inconsistent supply is influenced by imports from local countries and volatile refinery output. Better integration among refineries and acid plants and better inventory planning address this problem to provide consistent and efficient acid supply.
China‘s sulfuric acid industry is driven by industrial policy, agricultural requirements, energy systems, and regulation. These drivers build strong, diversified growth trajectories in principal sectors. Yet operational issues surrounding overcapacity, regulation, and feedstock logistics require strategic decision-making. Through targeted investment and modernization, Sulfuric Acid can continue to be a pillar of China‘s industrial reform and environmental objectives.
List of Sulfuric Acid Market in China Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies, sulfuric acid companies cater to increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the sulfuric acid companies profiled in this report include:
• Company 1
• Company 2
• Company 3
• Company 4
• Company 5
• Company 6
• Company 7
• Company 8
• Company 9
• Company 10
Sulfuric Acid Market in China by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the sulfuric acid market in China by raw material and application.
Sulfuric Acid Market in China by Raw Material [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Elemental Sulfur
• Base Metal Smelters
• Pyrite Ore
• Others
Sulfuric Acid Market in China by Application [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Fertilizers
• Chemical Manufacturing
• Metal Processing
• Petroleum Refining
• Textile Industry
• Automotive
• Pulp & Paper
• Others
Features of the Sulfuric Acid Market in China
Market Size Estimates: Sulfuric acid in China market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
Segmentation Analysis: Sulfuric acid in China market size by raw material and application in terms of value ($B).
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different raw material and application for the sulfuric acid in China.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the sulfuric acid in China.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
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FAQ
Q1. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the sulfuric acid market in China?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the increased use of sulfuric acid in agriculture, the rising demand from the metalworking sector to clean various metal surfaces of corrosion and other impurities, and the growing use in wastewater treatment.
Q2. What are the major segments for sulfuric acid market in China?
Answer: The future of the sulfuric acid market in China looks promising with opportunities in the fertilizer, chemical manufacturing, metal processing, petroleum refining, textile industry, automotive, and pulp & paper markets.
Q3. Which sulfuric acid market segment in China will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that elemental sulfur will remain the largest segment over the forecast period due to its affordability, low cost, and lower emissions compared to base metal smelters and pyrite ore.
Q4. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 10 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the sulfuric acid market in China by raw material (elemental sulfur, base metal smelters, pyrite ore, and others), and application (fertilizers, chemical manufacturing, metal processing, petroleum refining, textile industry, automotive, pulp & paper, and others)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.4. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.5. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.6. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.7. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.8. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.9. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.10. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
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