PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1669647
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1669647
Formic acid, also known as methanoic acid, is a colorless and highly water-soluble liquid with a pungent odor, recognized as a potent acid. It stands as the simplest carboxylic acid and finds application in the processing of textiles and leather.
Formic acid is available in various purities, categorized as less than 80% to 89.5%, 89.6% to 90.5%, 91.6% to 99%, and more than 99%. The purity range of less than 80% to 89.5% indicates a lower-purity formic acid, which may include impurities and other substances. These variations are employed in diverse applications, including animal feed, silage, leather tanning, and textile dyeing, catering to a range of end-use industries such as agriculture, leather, textiles and apparel, healthcare, rubber, chemicals, paper, and others.
The formic acid market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides formic acid market statistics, including formic acid industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a formic acid market share, detailed formic acid market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the formic acid industry. This formic acid market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The formic acid market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.79 billion in 2024 to $1.89 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to textile and leather industries, agricultural applications, chemical manufacturing, rubber industry, laboratory and research
The formic acid market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.37 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to renewable energy storage, biofuel production, biodegradable polymers, hydrogen storage, formate salts for oil recovery. Major trends in the forecast period include formic acid in waste management, expansion in biotechnology, carbon-neutral chemical production, formate salts in oil industry, formic acid fuel cells.
The increasing demand for animal feed is expected to drive the growth of the formic acid market in the coming years. Animal feed refers to the food produced for livestock and poultry, serving as a vital source of energy, minerals, or both for animals. Formic acid is commonly utilized as an additive in animal feed to enhance preservation, nutritional value, and overall animal health. It acts as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. For example, in July 2023, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, a government agency in Malaysia, reported that farmers were paying up to RM 80 for a 50kg bag of cattle feed in 2023, a significant increase from RM 45 in January 2022. This increase reflects the rising costs associated with importing livestock feed materials. Therefore, the growing demand for animal feed is significantly contributing to the growth of the formic acid market.
The expanding automotive industry is anticipated to drive the growth of the formic acid market in the coming years. The automotive sector encompasses various companies and organizations involved in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, sales, repair, and modification of motor vehicles. Formic acid plays a crucial role in this industry, as it is used in the production of adhesives and coatings, which enhance the manufacturing and performance of automotive components and finishes. For instance, in December 2023, data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a government agency in the U.S., indicated that the combined production share of electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCVs) increased from 4% in 2021 to 7% in 2022, with projections suggesting a rise to 12% by 2023. Consequently, the growth of the automotive industry is significantly contributing to the expansion of the formic acid market.
The adoption of innovative technologies stands out as a key trend gaining traction in the formic acid market. Major companies in the industry are strategically focused on introducing cutting-edge technologies to address specific demands and maintain their market positions. For example, in January 2022, the University of Science and Technology of China, in collaboration with a team of researchers, developed an advanced system that directly utilizes renewable electricity for the reduction of carbon dioxide into pure formic acid. Utilizing a copper-based single-atom alloy catalyst and an innovative electrochemical device with solid-state electrolytes, this system produces refined formic acid liquid fuels using carbon dioxide and water as raw feedstocks. This breakthrough is anticipated to drive the industrialization of carbon dioxide upcycling powered by green electricity, presenting significant potential for practical applications.
Major players in the formic acid market are intensifying their efforts to introduce energy generation systems, such as hydrozine, to gain a competitive advantage. Energy generation systems encompass various technologies and configurations designed to generate electrical or mechanical energy. For instance, in February 2023, Danish Energy Solutions launched a new system utilizing formic acid, or hydrozine, for power generation. This innovative technology, serving as both a fuel and energy carrier, features a 20 kW generator and a 60 kWh battery. It is applicable to diverse uses, including electrified construction sites and potentially even vehicles. The system, having undergone testing, is currently undergoing further development for both stationary and mobile applications, aiming to make sustainable energy more accessible and cost-effective.
In October 2022, Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG), a Malaysian chemical company, acquired Perstorp for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad aims to achieve its growth targets and reinforce its market position in specialty chemicals. Perstorp AB, based in Sweden, is a chemicals company specializing in the production of formic acid.
Major companies operating in the formic acid market include BASF SE, Honeywell International Inc., Evonik Industries AG, Eastman Chemical Company, Luxi Chemical Group Co. Ltd., Kemira Oyj, HELM AG, Perstorp Holdings AB, GMM Pfaudler Ltd., Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited, Alfa Aesar, Wuhan Rui Sunny Chemical Co. Ltd., Fleurchem Inc., Noah Chemicals, Polioli S.p.A., Shandong Feicheng Acid Chemicals Co.Ltd., Anhui Asahikasei Chemical Co. Ltd., Chongqing Chuandong Chemical (Group) Co. Ltd., Hubei Yihua Group Co. Ltd., Zibo Xinglu Chemical Factory, Shandong Haili Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Vigon International
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the formic acid market in 2024, and is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the formic acid market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the formic acid market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The formic acid market consists of sales of hydrogen carboxylic acid, liquid formic acid, and aritan white formic acid. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Formic Acid Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on formic acid market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for formic acid ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The formic acid market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.