Formic Acid Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Grade (Industrial Grade, Pharmaceutical Grade, and Feed Grade) and Application (Silage Additive & Animal Feed, Leather Tanning, Textile Dyeing and Finishing, Rubber Coagulation, Chemical Intermediates and Cleaning Agents) Forecast Period (2025-2035)
Industry Overview
Formic acid market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period (2025-2035). The market is driven by demand for formic acid in a variety of industries such as agriculture, leather, textiles, and chemicals. Its use as a preservative and antibacterial agent in animal feed is significant. Formic acid is also growing popular in the pharmaceutical sector and as a reducing agent in other chemical processes.
Market Dynamics
Increasing Demand for Sustainable Agricultural Practices
The formic acid market is going through a highly increasing demand mainly owing to the rising adoption of environment-friendly agricultural practices. Farmers as well as farming companies are looking for sustainable solutions, which would make the crop healthier and the health of livestock better. Silage preservatives in the natural form, thus preventing spoilage by inhibiting bacterial growth, fermentation, formic acid gains popularity. To provide the animals with higher-quality feed, the treatment aids in maintaining the nutrients in the feed. Aside from this, the majority of producers who care about the environment favor formic acid as a feed addition as it is biodegradable and has a lower ecological impact. Governments and other organizations for sustainable farming activities provide support to such producers through various subsidies and campaigns. These factors are pushing the growth of formic acid applications in agriculture forward, placing it as one of the critical players in modern agriculture.
Expansion of Industrial Applications
Formic acid has been applied across several industries, primarily owing to its acidic properties and efficiency in various processes such as leather processing, textile dyeing, and rubber production. It is used to preserve hides, as well as improve the quality of leather, in the process of tanning leather. It acts as a pH regulator during the dyeing process in the textile industry. In the rubber industry, it is used as a coagulating agent that enhances the strength and elasticity of rubber products. High demand for good-quality leather, textiles, and rubber components in the global market fuels this growth.
Market Segmentation
- Based on the grade, the market is segmented into industrial grade, pharmaceutical grade, and feed grade.
- Based on the application, the market is segmented into silage additive & animal feed, leather tanning, textile dyeing and finishing, rubber coagulation, chemical intermediates, and cleaning agents.
Industrial Grade Segment to Lead the Market with the Largest Share
Industrial-grade formic acid is consumed in large quantities in rubber, textiles, and leather as a preservative and processing agent. Agricultural demand formic acid as a feed additive and preservative. The versatility of formic acid as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals also increases its adoption with innovations in industries. With the growing demand for sustainable and efficient industrial processes, the market for industrial-grade formic acid is expected to grow further. Its increasing role in the pharmaceutical and food sectors also enhances its market presence. Other industries that currently use formic acid include dyeing and finishing textiles. It is also widely applied as a coagulant for many rubber manufacturing processes. The use of formic acid is very high through its usage both as an antibacterial preservative and also as a pesticide in agricultural use.
Silage Additive & Animal Feed: A Key Segment in Market Growth
Increasing utilization of formic acid as an additive in the process of silage preservation and animal feed application has been driving the growth of the market. Formic acid prevents bacterial growth as it enhances the preservation procedure for silage, which remains a popular practice among farmers and livestock producers. The requirement for the chemical increases with growing necessity, considering the ability of the chemical to enhance the nutritional value and digestibility of animal feed.
Regional Outlook
The global formic acid market is further divided by geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America)
Growing Demand for Formic Acid in Industries in Europe
The European market for formic acid is increasing owing to rising demand in different industries such as agriculture and chemicals. The use of formic acid in many applications, including animal feed additives, leather processing, and chemical production, increases demand further. In addition, environmentally responsible and friendly solutions are making the usage of formic acid in green technologies increase. As domestic production continues and strategic imports are maintained, there remains a critical center in Europe for the formic acid market. Favorable government regulations and industry collaborations add further strength to the growth prospects of the market.
Asia-Pacific Region Dominates the Market with Major Share
The Asia-Pacific market for formic acid is experiencing major growth based on growing demand in various sectors including agriculture, leather, and textiles. In China and India, significant industrial activities lead to higher growth rates. Additionally, progress in the field of chemical production has strengthened the building blocks of the market. For instance, Shandong Xinhua Pharma. I&E Co., Ltd. provides formic acid in Asia and holds a very central position as these companies have delivered formic acid to rising demands in Asian regions. Gaining importance among eco-friendly, sustainable solutions drives market demand. On the other side, with help from supportive governments and technological innovations, the Asia Pacific formic acid growing rapidly.
Market Players Outlook
The major companies operating in the global formic acid market include BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Co., Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd., Hubei Sanli Fengxiang Technology Co., Ltd., Luxi Chemical Group, and Mudanjiang Fengda Chemicals Co., Ltd. among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments
- In February 2024, new research by US Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories found a promising pathway to the high-energy efficiency and durable production of formic acid from CO2 using renewable electricity. Formic acid is a potential intermediate chemical that has a wide range of applications, especially as a feedstock for the chemical or biomanufacturing industries. Formic acid has also been identified as an input for biological upgrading into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
- In December 2023, Nitto Denko Corporation and Air Water Inc. launched an initiative to produce formic acid, which is used to preserve grass, from CO2 derived from livestock manure biomass by utilizing Nitto's CO2 chemical conversion technology. The project aims to contribute to the decarbonization of the livestock industry by producing carbon-negative formic acid from biomass-derived feedstock through a conversion technology that efficiently produces formic acid from CO2 and hydrogen.
The Report Covers:
- Market value data analysis of 2024 and forecast to 2035.
- Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
- Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
- Key companies operating in the global formic acid market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
- Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
- Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
- Competitive strategies by identifying 'who-stands-where' in the market.