Nitric Acid Market Size, Growth & Outlook | Industry Forecast 2030

Global Nitric Acid Market Trends and Insights

Driver Impact Analysis

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Drivers (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast Geographic Relevance Impact Timeline Low-carbon ammonium-nitrate fertilizer demand +0.8% Europe, spillover to North America Medium term (2-4 years) Polyamide 6,6 adoption for automotive lightweighting +0.5% EU, gradual uptake in North America and Asia Medium term (2-4 years) Government support for on-site weak nitric acid plants +0.4% India, extension to select emerging markets Short term (≤ 2 years) Expanding demand from explosives manufacturing +0.7% Global, mining-intensive regions Long term (≥ 4 years)

Source: Mordor Intelligence

Surging Demand for Low-Carbon Ammonium-Nitrate Fertilisers Across Europe

Europe’s fertilizer producers are pivoting toward renewable hydrogen to satisfy the Renewable Energy Directive III requirement that 42% of hydrogen input be renewable by . Early adopters with secured green feedstock face fewer supply shocks and can lock in offtake agreements with food-retail chains seeking lower scope-3 emissions. Leading producers have responded by advancing large-scale CCS projects, with Yara’s Sluiskil CCS facility expected to materially lower Scope 1 emissions. The shift deepens the link between the nitric acid market and the European Union’s climate targets, encouraging new joint ventures in green ammonia corridors.

Rising Adoption of Polyamide 6,6 for EU Automotive Lightweighting Targets

The EU passenger-car CO₂ cap of 95 g/km is intensifying the substitution of metals with high-performance polymers. Polyamide 6,6 delivers up to 40% weight savings, improving EV range without compromising structural integrity[1]European Commission Team, “Towards Recycled Plastic Content Targets in New Passenger Cars and Light Commercial Vehicles,” Publications Office of the European Union, europa.eu . Because adipic acid, a nitric acid derivative, remains the main precursor, every incremental shift to polyamide 6,6 boosts regional nitric acid demand. Supply chains are refocusing on high-purity grades, prompting planned capacity additions by UBE Corporation for electronic-grade nitric acid to serve polymer producers. Automotive Tier-1 suppliers are aligning long-term resin offtake contracts with nitric acid producers to secure consistent quality and feedstock reliability ahead of stricter Euro 7 regulations.

Government Incentives for On-Site Weak Nitric Acid Plants in Indian Pharma Clusters

The Production-Linked Incentive scheme encourages localized production of essential chemical inputs. Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation has committed INR 19.5 billion (USD 234 million) to build a 300 KTPA weak nitric acid unit plus two concentrated nitric acid units totaling 150 KTPA in Dahej, closing India’s supply gap. Pharmaceutical manufacturers benefit from shorter lead times, lower logistics risk, and compliance with FDA nitrosamine guidance that demands robust precursor control. The clustering model aligns with India’s goal of import substitution in key intermediates while exporting finished formulations.

Increasing Demand from Explosives Manufacturing

Mining and infrastructure expansion underpin explosives consumption, driving the fastest growth within the nitric acid market. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ update now explicitly lists nitric acid in explosives precursors, heightening compliance needs. Suppliers are refining ammonium-nitrate-fuel-oil blends with tailored plastic additives that raise detonation velocity without elevating toxic emissions. Equipment OEMs integrate digital process controls that adjust charge profiles in real time, lowering overall explosives consumption per metric ton of ore and reinforcing demand for higher-quality nitric acid grades.

Restraint Impact Analysis

Restraints (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast Geographic Relevance Impact Timeline EU BAT-AEL tightening for N₂O emissions -0.6% Europe, spillover to OECD markets Short term (≤ 2 years) Volatile natural gas prices -0.7% Global, highest exposure in Europe Medium term (2-4 years) Health hazards caused by nitric acid -0.2% Global Long term (≥5 yrs)

Source: Mordor Intelligence

EU BAT-AEL Tightening for N₂O Emissions Raising Capex and Opex

The European Commission’s ongoing revision of the LVIC BREF sets lower nitrous oxide benchmarks, compelling retrofits or new abatement installations across aging assets[2]European Commission, “LVIC BREF Kick-off Meeting Report,” europa.eu. Capital requirements for secondary-catalyst systems or tertiary destruction units can exceed USD 8 million per line, eroding margins on middle-aged plants. Operators with integrated CCS or advanced burners, such as BOC Limited’s CO₂ Recovery and Liquefaction plant, enjoy a cost advantage when bidding long-term supply contracts. The policy environment accelerates plant closures or asset swaps, consolidating the nitric acid market around top-tier producers with balance-sheet capacity for compliance investments.

Volatile Natural Gas Prices Squeezing Ammonia-to-Nitric-Acid Margins

Natural gas accounts for up to 85% of ammonia cost, making nitric acid economics highly sensitive to price shocks. Spot ammonia spikes flowed directly into nitric acid feedstock costs and reduced operating rates below 60% in several continental plants. Producers in low-cost gas regions such as the Middle East have increased exports, while North American blue ammonia projects aim to protect domestic nitric acid users from import volatility. The price swings encourage formula-based pricing models that pass through gas cost changes but increase working-capital requirements for downstream buyers.

Segment Analysis

By Concentration: Weak Nitric Acid Dominates Production Landscape

Weak nitric acid commanded 58% of the market share in , reflecting its versatility in fertilizer and intermediate applications. The segment benefits from lower corrosion management expenses, enabling producers to operate single mono-pressure loops with minimal upgrading. The nitric acid market size tied to weak grades is expected to advance steadily as Europe mandates controlled nitrate release fertilizers that rely on weak acid neutralization. 

Concentrated nitric acid, accounting for the next-largest volume slice, is gaining momentum at a 3.6% CAGR on the back of rising explosives and electronics requirements. Capacity additions in high-purity lines, notably UBE’s expansion in Yamaguchi Prefecture, aim to capture specialty segment premiums. Fuming nitric acid remains niche yet strategically significant for aerospace propulsion. 

By End-User Industry: Fertilizers Maintain Market Dominance

Fertilizers held a commanding 70% share of nitric acid consumption in because nitrogen remains indispensable for crop yield maintenance. Producers are differentiating through carbon-footprint labeling, and early adopters that integrate renewable ammonia achieve premium pricing in food-retail supply contracts. The nitric acid market size linked to fertilizers is projected to move broadly in line with global urea-ammonium-nitrate demand, supported by population growth and dietary shifts. 

The explosives segment leads growth with a 3.93% CAGR, given rising copper, lithium, and critical mineral output that requires efficient blasting. Suppliers are investing in low-emission ANFO formulations and digital loading systems, reinforcing demand for high-purity nitric acid.

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Nitric acid has a wide range of industrial applications, although it’s primarily used in the manufacture of fertilisers as a precursor to ammonium nitrate. In fact, fertiliser production accounts for around 80% of the total global use of nitric acid. The chemical is also used to manufacture furniture coatings and certain types of plastics.

Continue reading to learn more about the commercial and industrial uses of nitric acid, as well as the potential hazards. 

In this post:

What is nitric acid?

Nitric acid is a strong, inorganic mineral acid. Although generally colourless as an aqueous solution, it can sometimes turn yellow over time. This yellowish shade develops as a result of the nitrogen oxides that are produced when the solution decomposes.

Typically, nitric acid is commercially sold as a 68% solution in water, but higher concentrations are also available. These more concentrated solutions are known either as red fuming nitric acid (with a concentration of 86% and above) or white fuming nitric acid (above 95% concentration).

In industry, nitric acid is used as both a reagent for nitration and as an oxidising agent. As a reagent, it can add a nitro group to an organic molecule. Depending on the type of organic molecule, it can either be used to produce thermally-sensitive explosives or stable compounds like the pigments in inks and dyes.

Is nitric acid dangerous?

Nitric acid is dangerous because, just like other strong acids, it’s highly corrosive. It can burn your skin upon contact, especially at high concentrations. Nitric acid fumes can also damage the eyes and mucous membranes in the respiratory tract.

When inhaled, nitric acid may lead to delayed pulmonary oedema. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes fluid to build up in the lungs, making it more difficult to breathe. Nitric acid fumes can also cause other types of acute respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi).

What is the chemical formula for nitric acid?

Nitric acid has the chemical formula HNO3. As shown in the diagram below, it has one central nitrogen atom, three oxygen atoms, and one hydrogen atom. One of the oxygen atoms is double-bonded to the central nitrogen atom, while the other two are single-bonded. The hydrogen atom is attached to one of the oxygen atoms.

Uses of nitric acid

As we explain below, nitric acid has a variety of applications. It’s mainly used to produce ammonium nitrate for fertilisers, although it can also act as a protective wood coating and a general laboratory reagent. 

1. To create ammonium nitrate

Nitric acid is primarily used to produce ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃), a key component in fertiliser production. Ammonium nitrate is a salt product that’s produced by the neutralisation reaction between ammonia and nitric acid. The balanced chemical reaction is shown below. 

HNO3 + NH3 → NH4NO3

In addition to fertilisers, ammonium nitrate is also used to manufacture other products like nylon. You can read more about the reaction between nitric acid and ammonia here.

2. Furniture coating

Nitric acid is sometimes applied to wooden furniture as it acts as a protector against dents, scratches, and damage from moisture. The furniture is coated with a nitric acid solution and left to dry. The acid then reacts with the cellulose, creating a protective layer that prevents moisture from infiltrating the wood. Nitric acid can also be used to artificially age woods like maple and pine. 

3. Chemical laboratory operations

Nitric acid is one of the most common chemicals found in commercial and school chemistry laboratories. Whether for analytical or educational purposes, it’s essential for a range of chemical laboratory operations. Nitric acid can also be used as a pH buffer and cleaning agent. 

4. Plastic & packaging manufacturing

About 3% of the total production of nitric acid is dedicated to making polymer intermediates, particularly polyamides. These chemicals are necessary for the production of plastic and other packaging materials like polyurethanes.

5. Fertiliser & gardening chemicals

Nitric acid is neutralised by ammonia to produce ammonium nitrate – a primary ingredient in many fertilisers and chemically-based gardening and agricultural products. According to some estimates, around 80% of industrially-produced nitric acid is used to manufacture nitrate-based fertilisers. 

6. Drug detection

Nitric acid is sometimes used to detect and identify certain drugs. For example, it can act as an indicator to differentiate between heroin and morphine. It’s also capable of identifying LSD. In addition, nitric acid can be used as an assay in colourimetry to measure the spectral absorbance of the compounds being analysed.

What are the hazards of using nitric acid?

Highly-concentrated nitric acid solutions are very corrosive and can burn your skin upon contact. The chemical also releases hazardous fumes which, if inhaled, may damage your lungs and respiratory system. It’s therefore important to take proper safety precautions and wear appropriate PPE when handling nitric acid.

What neutralises nitric acid?

In industrial applications, ammonia is commonly used to neutralise nitric acid to produce ammonium nitrate. Ammonia is a weak base that produces an acidic salt. However, a strong base like sodium hydroxide can completely neutralise nitric acid, producing sodium nitrate and water. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is shown below.

NaOH + HNO3 → NaNO3 + H2O

Summary

Nitric acid is a strong inorganic acid that has several industrial and commercial applications. It’s most commonly used to manufacture fertilisers, acting as a precursor for ammonium nitrate. Uses of nitric acid also include making certain types of plastics and protecting wooden furniture. The substance is commonplace in chemical laboratories, where it’s primarily used for analytical purposes. At high concentrations, nitric acid is very corrosive and should be handled with care.

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