Iron Chloride Market Size, Share, Growth Report 2032

Industry Perspective:

The global iron chloride market size is set for rapid growth over the forecast period. In terms of revenue, the global iron chloride market accounted for USD 6.12 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 9.63 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.56% during the forecast period. The market report offers remarkable insights into the essential drivers, opportunities, constraints, and challenges impacting the global iron chloride market industry.

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Iron Chloride Market: Overview

Ferric Chloride, also known as Molysite/Iron chloride is a dark-colored crystal. Its oxidation state of iron is +3. It is an element of iron coordination that operates as an astringent and Lewis acid. Ferric Chloride's chemical formula is FeCl3. The solution of Molysite is colorless to light brown and has a slight scent of hydrochloric acid (HCl). Most metals and tissues are corrosive to it. It is non-combustible and is used extensively in the treatment of treating wastewater and sewage.

It is deliquescent in its anhydrous state. Partial hydrolysis also occurs as it absorbs water from the air and releases Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) which in moist air forms mists. Ferric Chloride is used to control the over-cropping of animal claws, notably when bleeding is caused by over-cropping. It is used as a catalyst in organic synthesis. It also has broad applications in energy storage systems. It is used in its anhydrous form as a drying reagent in some reactions.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global iron chloride market is expected to grow annually at a promising CAGR of around 5.56% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
• In terms of revenue, the global iron chloride market size was valued at around USD 6.12 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 9.63 billion by 2030.
• The iron chloride market is mainly driven by the growing demand for water treatment and wastewater treatment processes.
• Based on grade, the ferric chloride hexahydrate lumps market held the largest market share in 2022.
• Based on end-use, the institutional segment held the largest market share in 2022.
• Based on region, the Asia-Pacific region held the dominating market share in 2022.

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Iron Chloride Market: Growth Factors

Rapid urbanization and surge in need for clean and safe drinking water to drive the growth of the market

The global iron chloride market is driven by various factors such as the growing demand for water treatment and wastewater treatment processes. With the rise in population and urbanization, the demand for clean and safe water is increasing, leading to the growth of the market. Furthermore, rising awareness about environmental pollution and the need for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions are also driving market growth. The expansion of the electronics industry and the pharmaceutical sector are further projected to surge the demand for global iron chloride industry.

Iron Chloride Market: Opportunities

Increase in the number of construction and manufacturing industries create ample opportunities for the market

The iron chloride industry offers several growth opportunities for market players. The increasing demand for iron chloride in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in China and India, provides a significant opportunity for market expansion. The growth of the construction and manufacturing industries in these regions is expected to further increase the demand for iron chloride.

Moreover, the development of new technologies for iron chloride production and the use of iron chloride in various applications such as the production of printed circuit boards and semiconductors are expected to create new opportunities for the market. Additionally, the use of iron chloride in the treatment of waste streams and municipal solid waste offers a promising opportunity for market growth.

Iron Chloride Market: Restraints

Changing process of raw material might hinder the growth of the industry

One of the major restraints faced by the iron chloride market is the volatility of raw material prices, which can impact the profit margins of manufacturers. Additionally, stringent regulations regarding the use of iron chloride in certain applications, such as in the food industry, can limit the market growth. The availability of alternative coagulants and flocculants could also pose a threat to the market.

Iron Chloride Market: Challenges

Growing concerns regarding the disposal of iron chloride to act as a challenge for the industry

The iron chloride industry faces several challenges, including the lack of standardization in quality and concentration of the product, which can affect its effectiveness in water treatment processes. Another challenge is the potential for environmental pollution and health hazards associated with the handling and disposal of iron chloride. Furthermore, the market is highly fragmented, with many small-scale manufacturers, which can impact the availability and consistency of the product.

Iron Chloride Market: Segmentation

The global iron chloride market is segmented based on grade, end-use, application, and region.

Based on grade, the market is segmented into Anhydrous, Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate Lumps, Ferric Chloride Liquid, and others. The ferric chloride hexahydrate lumps market held the largest market share in 2022 and is further projected to cite the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Ferric chloride hexahydrate is widely used as a coagulant in water treatment plants, and the increasing demand for clean water in developing countries is expected to drive market growth.

In addition, the chemical is also used in the production of various pharmaceuticals, which is another factor contributing to the growth of this segment. Furthermore, the growing use of ferric chloride hexahydrate in the electronics industry for etching and as a component in printed circuit boards is also expected to boost market demand.

Based on end-use, the iron chloride industry is segmented into industrial and institutional segment. The institutional segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is further projected to grow remarkably during the forecast period. Iron chloride is widely used as a flocculant in wastewater treatment plants, and the increasing demand for clean water in various institutional settings such as hospitals, schools, and government buildings is expected to drive market growth.

Additionally, iron chloride is used in the production of various chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, which are commonly used in institutional settings. The growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and water conservation in institutions is also expected to drive demand for iron chloride, as it is an effective and eco-friendly solution for water treatment. The increasing investment in infrastructure and construction of new institutions in developing countries is also expected to boost market growth.

Based on application, the market is segmented into Asphalt Blowing, Electronic Etchants, Pigment Manufacturing, Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), Potable Water Treatment, Metal Surface Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, and others.

Recent Developments

• In January 2022, Kemira Oyj announced the expansion of its production capacity for iron chloride solutions in Sweden. The expansion was aimed at meeting the growing demand for iron chloride solutions in the region, particularly in the water treatment and mining industries.
• In December 2021, Gulbrandsen Chemicals announced the acquisition of the iron chloride business of Arkema, a French chemical company. The acquisition was aimed at strengthening Gulbrandsen's position in the iron chloride market and expanding its product offerings.
• In May 2021, PVS Chemicals announced the completion of the acquisition of the iron chloride business of BASF India. The acquisition was aimed at expanding PVS Chemicals' product offerings in the water treatment and mining industries, and strengthening its position in the Indian market.

Iron Chloride Market: Report Scope

Iron Chloride Market: Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific region to dominate the global market during the forecast period

Based on region, the Asia-Pacific region held the dominating iron chloride market share in 2022 and is further anticipated to grow notably during the forecast period. The growing demand for clean water in countries such as China and India, coupled with increasing industrialization and urbanization, is expected to drive market growth.

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Additionally, the presence of a large number of manufacturing facilities in the region is expected to boost the demand for iron chloride as a coagulant and flocculant in the production process. Furthermore, the increasing demand for electronics and semiconductors in the region is expected to boost the demand for iron chloride as an etching agent in the electronics industry. The increasing investments in infrastructure development and government initiatives towards wastewater treatment and disposal are also expected to drive market growth in the region.

Iron Chloride Market: Competitive Players

The key players operating in the global iron chloride market include:

• Kemira Oyj
• BASF SE
• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• Chemifloc Limited
• PVS Chemicals Inc.
• Tessenderlo Group
• BorsodChem
• Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd.
• Feralco AB
• Malay-Sino Chemical Industries Sdn. Bhd.
• Numet Chemicals
• GACL-NALCO Alkalies & Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.
• Sidra Wasser Chemie
• Sanfeng Chem
• Sukha Chemical Industries
• Sidra Chemicals
• Phoenix Chemicals
• Chemtex Speciality Limited
• Arjun Chemicals
• and Shandong Haohua Tire Co.Ltd.

This report segments the global iron chloride market based on:

By Grade

• Anhydrous
• Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate Lumps
• Ferric Chloride Liquid

By End Use

• Industrial [Chemicals Industry
• Electronics Industry
• Metals & Metallurgy
• Pharmaceuticals Industry Others]
• Institutional [Municipal Waste-Water Treatment
• Municipal Potable Water Treatment]

By Application

• Asphalt Blowing
• Electronic Etchants
• Pigment Manufacturing
• Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
• Potable Water Treatment
• Metal Surface Treatment
• Wastewater Treatment
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa