Market Overview:
The Formic Acid Market is expanding steadily, driven by Rising Demand in Animal Feed and Leather Processing, Increasing Use in Textile and Rubber Industries, and Shift Toward Eco-Friendly Agricultural Chemicals. According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, "Formic Acid Market Size, Share, Trends, and Forecast by Type, Application, End Use, and Region, 2025-2033", The global formic acid market size was valued at 944.91 Kilo Tons in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach 1,216.45 Kilo Tons by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 2.82% during 2025-2033.
This detailed analysis primarily encompasses industry size, business trends, market share, key growth factors, and regional forecasts. The report offers a comprehensive overview and integrates research findings, market assessments, and data from different sources. It also includes pivotal market dynamics like drivers and challenges, while also highlighting growth opportunities, financial insights, technological improvements, emerging trends, and innovations. Besides this, the report provides regional market evaluation, along with a competitive landscape analysis.
Grab a sample PDF of this report: https://www.imarcgroup.com/formic-acid-market/requestsample
Our report includes:
- Market Dynamics
- Market Trends and Market Outlook
- Competitive Analysis
- Industry Segmentation
- Strategic Recommendations
Growth Drivers in the Formic Acid Industry:
- Rising Demand in Animal Feed and Leather Processing
Formic acid continues to gain traction as a vital additive in the animal nutrition sector, particularly for its antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli in feed. It helps lower feed pH, improving nutrient absorption and gut health, which supports better weight gain and feed conversion in poultry and swine. The demand for formic acid is also rising in aquaculture, where it promotes water quality and enhances feed performance. In leather processing, formic acid ensures controlled pH reduction during the pickling phase, improving penetration of tanning agents and resulting in supple, high-grade leather. As global meat consumption rises and leather export markets expand, the dual application in these sectors continues to bolster market growth.
- Increasing Use in Textile and Rubber Industries
In the textile industry, formic acid plays a crucial role in pH control during dyeing, finishing, and desizing processes. Its compatibility with various dyes and fibers enhances color brightness, uniformity, and wash resistance, making it indispensable in textile finishing lines. As sustainable textile processing gains momentum, formic acid’s low environmental impact compared to stronger acids makes it a favored choice. Meanwhile, the rubber industry depends on formic acid for latex coagulation in natural rubber processing. Its fast and efficient action helps produce higher-quality rubber sheets. With tire and rubber product demand increasing in automotive and industrial sectors, particularly in emerging economies, formic acid consumption in these areas is steadily rising.
- Shift Toward Eco-Friendly Agricultural Chemicals
Formic acid is gaining popularity as a green chemical in agriculture, offering a safer alternative to harsh synthetic agents. It is widely used in silage production to preserve forage, inhibit mold growth, and improve livestock digestion. In fertilizers, formic acid acts as a pH regulator that enhances nutrient uptake and soil conditioning. Moreover, it is being evaluated in biopesticide formulations for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. With increasing adoption of organic farming and integrated pest management (IPM) practices, the use of low-residue, biodegradable chemicals like formic acid aligns well with both regulatory frameworks and consumer expectations for eco-labeled agricultural products.
Key Trends in the Formic Acid Market:
- Focus on Bio-Based Production Methods
The chemical industry is witnessing a shift toward bio-based formic acid production routes that utilize sustainable feedstocks such as carbon dioxide, glucose, and agricultural residues. Researchers and manufacturers are investing in catalytic and microbial conversion technologies that enable cleaner, more efficient synthesis with minimal emissions. These green methods help reduce the environmental impact of formic acid manufacturing, making it more appealing for environmentally conscious end users. Governments across Europe and North America are supporting bio-based initiatives through subsidies and policy incentives, further accelerating commercial adoption.
- Rising Adoption in Clean Energy Storage Applications
Formic acid is emerging as a viable hydrogen carrier in next-generation fuel cells, offering a safe, liquid alternative to gaseous hydrogen. It can be decomposed on demand to release hydrogen, making it a compact, low-pressure energy storage solution for electric vehicles and backup power systems. Its ability to serve as both a fuel and a hydrogen source positions it strategically in clean mobility and grid-level storage projects. Pilot programs in Europe and Asia are exploring its use in portable power units, drones, and stationary fuel cells, signaling growing interest in formic acid’s role in the green energy ecosystem.
- Growth in Demand from Asia Pacific Markets
Asia Pacific dominates the global formic acid market due to its strong presence in agriculture, textiles, leather processing, and industrial manufacturing. Countries like China, India, and Vietnam are major consumers, driven by population growth, rising disposable incomes, and expanding food and textile exports. Regional producers are scaling up capacities, investing in R&D, and forming strategic partnerships to serve both domestic and international markets. Favorable government policies supporting agricultural modernization and sustainable chemicals are further propelling growth. The region’s focus on infrastructure, water treatment, and green energy also provides new opportunities for formic acid application.
We explore the factors driving the growth of the market, including technological advancements, consumer behaviors, and regulatory changes, along with emerging formic acid market trends.
Leading Companies Operating in the Global Formic Acid Industry:
- BASF SE
- Chongqing Chuandong Chemical Group Co. Ltd.
- Eastman Chemical Company
- Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals
- Luxi Group Co. Ltd.
- Perstorp Holding AB (PETRONAS Chemicals International B.V.)
- Shandong Acid Chemicals Co. Ltd.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Formic Acid Market Report Segmentation:
Breakup By Type:
- Grade 85%
- Grade 94%
- Grade 99%
- Others
Grade 85% represents the largest segment as it is widely used in various industrial applications due to its high purity and effectiveness.
Breakup By Application:
- Animal Feed and Silage Additives
- Leather Tanning
- Textile Dying and Finishing
- Intermediary in Pharmaceuticals
- Others
Animal feed and silage additives account for the majority of the market share due to the increasing demand for high-quality feed additives to improve livestock health and productivity.
Breakup By End Use:
- Agriculture
- Leather and Textile
- Rubber
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical
- Dyeing
- Animal Feed
- Others
Agriculture holds the biggest market share as formic acid is extensively used in agriculture for purposes, such as preserving feed grains, controlling bacterial growth, and enhancing crop yields.
Breakup By Region:
- North America (United States, Canada)
- Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)
- Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)
- Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others)
- Middle East and Africa
Asia Pacific enjoys the leading position in the formic acid market due to factors, such as rapid industrialization, increasing agricultural activities, and a growing demand for leather and textiles in countries like China and India.
Note: If you require specific details, data, or insights that are not currently included in the scope of this report, we are happy to accommodate your request. As part of our customization service, we will gather and provide the additional information you need, tailored to your specific requirements. Please let us know your exact needs, and we will ensure the report is updated accordingly to meet your expectations.
About Us:
IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provide a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.
Contact Us:
IMARC Group
134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
Email: sales@imarcgroup.com
Tel No:(D) +91 120 433 0800
United States: +1–201971–6302
