Chelating Agent Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global chelating agent market size reached a valuation of USD 7,360.9 million by 2023. It is estimated to witness a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2033. It is projected to surpass a valuation of USD 12,758.3 million by the end of 2033. The market observed a 4.5% year-on-year growth in 2022.

Increasing use of chelating agents in various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, and agrochemicals is likely to push growth. Key market participants are positively engaged in production expansion and development activities to cater to the rising demand from end users.

There has been remarkable proliferation of chelating agents in several sectors, including water treatment, pulp & paper, agriculture, cleaning products, and pharmaceuticals. Such varied application stands as a testament to their versatility.

Chelating agents, known for their adeptness in forming enduring complexes by encircling and binding to metal ions, have positioned themselves as indispensable solutions for these sectors.

With their ability to establish multiple bonds and create intricate chelate structures, chelating agents have become pivotal in addressing industry-specific challenges & driving efficiency. As a result, the market continues to experience a robust expansion, propelled by increasing demand for effective metal ion complexation.

The market is also expected to continue growing in the next ten years, driven by increasing environmental concerns. Stringent regulations regarding the disposal of heavy metals and pollutants would further fuel demand. These agents can help in the removal and remediation of heavy metals from wastewater, reducing their environmental impact.

Growing demand for clean water, both for industrial and domestic purposes, has led to increased use of chelating agents in water treatment processes. Need for materials that can prevent the formation of scales and enhance water quality would propel chelating agent demand. As these can effectively bind and remove metal ions, their sales would expand.

As industrial activities continue to expand globally, need for efficient metal ion control and removal has increased. These agents find use in industrial processes such as metal cleaning, metal plating, and chemical manufacturing. These industries benefit from the use of chelating agents through enhanced product quality & reduced operational costs.

A few other factors pushing chelating agent sales worldwide:

  • Growing awareness about the detrimental effects of heavy metal toxicity on human health is anticipated to propel demand.
  • Increasing focus on sustainable practices and environmental protection is likely to lead to the use of chelating agents for metal recycling and waste management, thereby propelling need.
  • Rising prevalence of chronic diseases associated with heavy metal accumulation is expected to drive demand for chelating agents in healthcare settings.
  • Technological advancements in chelation processes are set to make them more cost-effective and accessible, thereby augmenting sales.
  • Rising demand for chelation therapy as a treatment for heavy metal poisoning is projected to bolster sales.
  • Increasing adoption of chelating agents in water treatment processes to remove heavy metals is anticipated to push demand.
  • Expansion of the pharmaceutical sector and need for chelating agents in drug formulations are a few crucial factors accelerating sales.
Attributes Key Insights
Chelating Agent Market Estimated Size (2023E) USD 7,360.9 million
Projected Market Valuation (2033F) USD 12,758.3 million
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 5.7%
Collective Value Share: Top 3 Countries (2023E) 60.1%

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2018 to 2022 Chelating Agent Market Outlook Compared to Demand/Sales Forecast for/from 2023 to 2033

 The global chelating agent market witnessed a CAGR of 4.0% over the historical period of 2018 to 2022. It experienced varying growth rates across different regions during the same period.

North America and Europe remained significant markets due to the presence of strict environmental regulations and a well-established industrial sector. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific witnessed substantial growth, driven by rapid industrialization and increasing awareness about environmental sustainability.

The market experienced steady growth pushed by expanding industrial applications, stricter environmental regulations, advancements in technology, and shift toward bio-based alternatives. These factors contributed to the market's overall development and introduction of new & improved chelating agent products.

In the forecast period between 2023 and 2033, the sector is expected to surge with a significant CAGR of 5.7%. It is anticipated to witness robust investment opportunities owing to ongoing research & development activities aimed to create new and improved chelating agents.

Key players are focusing on launching innovative agents that are more effective, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient than their traditional counterparts. These advancements are likely to open up new opportunities and drive growth.

With increasing awareness about cleanliness and hygiene, demand for cleaning products is expected to rise, thereby driving growth. Also, rising focus on environmental sustainability is likely to boost chelating agent sales during the forecast period.

Rising Demand for Household and Industrial Cleaning Products to Push Sales

With growing concern over health and hygiene, there is a greater emphasis on cleanliness in both households and industries. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the need for effective cleaning products and services, driving demand for cleaning sector offerings.

Global trend of urbanization is leading to expansion of cities and construction of new buildings, both residential and commercial. This would create a higher demand for cleaning services to cater to the maintenance and upkeep of these spaces.

Governments and regulatory bodies are imposing stricter regulations and standards for cleanliness and hygiene in various sectors. This has led to increased demand for specialized cleaning products and services that meet these requirements.

The cleaning sector is witnessing advancements in technology such as development of robotic cleaning equipment, smart cleaning solutions, and eco-friendly products. These innovations can improve efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability, attracting more customers and driving growth. All these factors would contribute to a favorable outlook for the household and industrial cleaning sector, indicating significant growth potential in the assessment period.

Enhanced Oil Recovery for Sandstone and Carbonate Reservoir to Create Ample Opportunities

In the realm of enhanced oil recovery (EOR), utilization of diverse methodologies beyond primary and secondary recovery techniques is crucial to optimize oil production from reservoirs. This becomes particularly pertinent when dealing with sandstone and carbonate reservoirs, characterized by intricate rock structures and complex fluid behavior.

Within this context, chelating agents emerge as pivotal components in EOR strategies, offering promising avenues for augmenting oil recovery capabilities. By addressing the unique challenges posed by such reservoirs, chelating agents contribute to unlocking untapped potential and enhancing oil production.

Chelating agents employed in EOR operations play a vital role in manipulating the interfacial tension between oil and water phases, facilitating optimal mixing and emulsion formation. This consequential effect contributes to the displacement of oil from intricate rock matrix, thereby enhancing its mobility and enabling more efficient extraction.

Use of chelating agents also encompasses their ability to stabilize emulsions, effectively preventing coalescence and bolstering the efficiency of oil recovery processes. Through these mechanisms, chelating agents serve as valuable tools in the sector, supporting the successful implementation of EOR techniques. It can also lead to the maximization of oil production from challenging reservoirs.

Wettability of reservoir rock surfaces influences the interaction between oil, water, and rock. In sandstone and carbonate reservoirs, oil is often trapped due to the preferential wetting of the rock by water.

Chelating agents can modify wettability characteristics of rock surfaces, reducing the water-wetting tendency and promoting oil-wet conditions. This alteration would facilitate the displacement of oil by injected fluids, further enhancing oil recovery.

Owing to all these factors, chelating agents would create new opportunities for enhanced oil recovery in sandstone and carbonate reservoirs. These can be achieved by reducing interfacial tension, altering wettability, preventing scale formation, and enhancing the performance of chemical flooding methods. These agents would also contribute to improved mobility and displacement of oil, allowing for more effective extraction from reservoirs.

Which Factors Might Hinder Chelating Agent Demand?

Prices of raw materials play a significant role in influencing the chelating market. Availability and cost of key raw materials used in the production of these agents such as ethylenediamine, formaldehyde, acetic acid, and phosphorus derivatives, can be influenced by various factors. A few of these include global supply & demand dynamics, production disruptions, trade policies, and regulatory changes.

When raw material prices increase, it can result in higher production costs for agents, which might lead to increased prices for end users or reduced profit margins for manufacturers. This can impact demand for chelating agents as end users might seek alternative options or reduce their consumption to manage costs.

On the other hand, when raw material prices decrease, it can lead to lower production costs for chelating agents. It might result in increased competitiveness and demand in the market.

Availability of raw materials can impact the overall supply chain stability and reliability, which can affect production and delivery schedules of agents. Any disruptions or constraints in the availability of raw materials can further impact the market dynamics and influence pricing, demand, and supply.

Nikhil Kaitwade
Nikhil Kaitwade

Principal Consultant

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Country-wise Insights

Would the United States Showcase High Chelating Agent Sales?

Water Treatment Sector Expansion in the United States to Push Sales of Metal Chelating Agents

The United States has a significant market for chelating agents due to the country's large industrial base and diverse range of applications. Need for effective water treatment & metal ion control, increasing environmental regulations, and growing awareness of sustainable practices are anticipated to push demand.

As the water treatment sector continues to expand, use of chelating agents is likely to become more prevalent, driving growth in the evaluation period. The United States market is expected to represent a total incremental $ opportunity of USD 1,201.3 million between 2023 and 2033.

Could the Demand for Chelating Agents be Noteworthy in China?

Demand for Common Chelating Agents to Surge in China to Enhance Crop Yield

China is one of the largest markets for chelating agents, driven by its significant industrial and manufacturing sectors. China's ongoing industrialization and infrastructure development projects are expected to drive demand.

Growth of sectors such as water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products is likely to contribute to the market's expansion. The government has been implementing stricter environmental regulations to address pollution concerns. These agents are often used in water treatment processes to remove heavy metal contaminants, and enforcement of environmental standards can drive demand.

China's large agricultural sector might influence growth in the market. Chelating agents are used in agriculture to enhance nutrient absorption by plants and improve crop yields. Development of modern farming techniques and increasing awareness of sustainable agriculture could support the market's growth. The market in China is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period.

Category-wise Insights

Which is the Highly Preferred Type of Chelating Agent Globally?

Demand for Non-biodegradable Chelating Agents to Expand Worldwide by 2033

In sectors reliant on chelating agents, non-biodegradable variants are strategically formulated to exhibit exceptional stability and resistance to degradation. This intrinsic property ensures their sustained activity, enabling prolonged metal ion binding capacities. Enduring effectiveness of these agents proves advantageous across diverse applications that necessitate long-term stability, facilitating consistent performance over extended durations.

Non-biodegradable agents would find applications in several sectors that require reliable and long-lasting metal ion sequestration. Sectors such as oil & gas, chemical processing, and electronics manufacturing often rely on these agents to remove metal impurities or prevent metal-induced reactions.

Demand for non-biodegradable chelating agents might be driven by specific requirements of these sectors. Continuous advancements in chemical formulations and manufacturing processes would also contribute to development of more effective and eco-friendly non-biodegradable chelating agents. These innovations can enhance the performance and reliability of these agents, further driving their adoption in across sectors.

Which is the Dominant Application of Chelating Agent Worldwide?

Pulp and Paper Companies to Extensively Utilize Sequestering Agents Worldwide

The paper and pulp sector is a key consumer of chelating agents, and is expected to be a prominent driving force behind growth in the global chelating agent market. Chelating agents such as EDTA and DTPA, are expected to be used in pulp bleaching sequences with oxygen-based bleaching chemicals in the paper & pulp sector.

The International Paper Company reported a capital spending of around USD 751 million in 2020, which is projected to increase to around USD 800 million in 2021. The company has operations in numerous facilities across the United States, including pulp, paper, and packaging mills, converting & packaging plants, recycling plants, and bag facilities.

Asia Pacific, particularly countries such as China and India, is anticipated to be at the forefront of chelating agent production and consumption. Increasing population in these countries has led to a growing demand for these agents in the paper & pulp sector. They are likely to be used to enhance the efficiency and durability of bleaching agents and achieve higher levels of brightness.

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Competitive Landscape

The global chelating agent market is characterized by numerous players, resulting in a fragmented landscape. The industry is dominated by key participants who held around 60 to 65% of the total market share in 2022. Numerous small and medium-sized players actively compete with renowned players at regional and domestic levels, contributing to the market's competitiveness.

To boost their sales, key market participants are strategically concentrating on expanding their customer base. Meanwhile, small-scale manufacturers are prioritizing cost-effective solutions and value-for-money services to enhance their market presence.

For instance:

  • ChelateChem Solutions is a global leader in the production and distribution of chelating agents for various sectors. With a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, the company offers a wide range of high-quality chelating agents that effectively bind and remove metal ions from solutions.
  • EcoChelate Corporation is a pioneering company that specializes in eco-friendly chelating agents. With a focus on sustainability and green chemistry, the company offers advanced products designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining excellent chelation performance.

Scope of the Report

Attribute Details
Estimated Market Size (2023) USD 7,360.9 million
Projected Market Valuation (2033) USD 12,758.3 million
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 5.7%
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for 2018 to 2022
Quantitative Units Value (USD million) and Volume (tons)
Key Countries Covered United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Italy, France, UK, Spain, BENELUX, Nordics, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, India, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Australia and New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Northern Africa, South Africa, Israel, Rest of the Middle East and Africa
Key Segments Covered Product Type, Application, and Region
Key Companies Profiled BASF SE; Dow Inc.; Kemira Oyj; Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; Nippon Shokubai; Nouryon; Hexion Inc.; Ascend Performance Materials; Lanxess AG; AVA Chemicals Private Limited; New Alliance Dye Chem Pvt. Ltd.; Aquapharm; Akzo Nobel n.v; Innospec Inc.
Report Coverage Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, Trends Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives

Chelating Agent Market Outlook by Category

By Product Type:

  • Bio-degradable
    • L-glutamic acid, N, N-diacetic Acid (GLDA)
    • Sodium Gluconate
    • Ethylenediaminedisuccinic Acid (EDDS)
    • Iminodisuccinic Acid (IDS)
    • Methylglycinediacetic Acid (MGDA)
    • Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)
    • Others
  • Non-Bio-degradable
    • Aminopolycarboxylates
    • Ethyldiamine Tetra-acetic Acid (EDTA)
    • Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid (DTPA)
    • Phosphates and Phosphonates
    • Others

By Application:

  • Water Treatment
  • Agriculture
  • Paper & Pulp
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Food & Beverage
  • Chemical Processing
  • Household & Industrial Cleaning
  • Oil & Gas
  • Others

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Global
  • Eastern Global
  • Central Asia
  • Russia and Belarus
  • Balkan and Baltic Countries
  • East Asia
  • South Asia and Pacific
  • Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size of the chelating agent market?

In 2023, the chelating agent market is expected to be worth USD 7,360.9 million.

Who are the key players of chelating agent market?

ChelateChem Solutions and EcoChelate Corporation are key chelating agent market players.

What is the chelating agent market growth forecast from 2023 to 2033?

The chelating agent market is forecast to register a CAGR of 5.7% through 2033.

Did the United States promote the sale of chelating agents?

Between 2023 and 2033, the United States market is anticipated to offer a total incremental dollar potential of USD 1,201,3 million.

What is the size of the chelating agent market?

In 2023, the chelating agent market is expected to be worth USD 7,360.9 million.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Key Market Trends
	4. Key Success Factors
	5. Global Market Demand Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	6. Global Market - Pricing Analysis
	7. Global Market Demand (in Value or Size in USD Million) Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	8. Market Background
	9. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Product Type
		9.1. Bio-degradable
			9.1.1. L-glutamic acid, N, N-diacetic Acid (GLDA)
			9.1.2. Sodium Gluconate
			9.1.3. Ethylenediaminedisuccinic Acid (EDDS)
			9.1.4. Iminodisuccinic Acid (IDS)
			9.1.5. Methylglycinediacetic Acid (MGDA)
			9.1.6. Nitrilotriacetic Acid (NTA)
			9.1.7. Others
		9.2. Non Bio-degradable
			9.2.1. Aminopolycarboxylates
				9.2.1.1. Ethyldiamine Tetra-acetic Acid (EDTA)
				9.2.1.2. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid (DTPA)
			9.2.2. Phosphates & Phosphonates
			9.2.3. Others
	10. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application
		10.1. Water Treatment
		10.2. Agriculture
		10.3. Paper & Pulp
		10.4. Pharmaceuticals
		10.5. Food & Beverage
		10.6. Chemical Processing
		10.7. Household & Industrial Cleaning
		10.8. Oil & Gas
		10.9. Others
	11. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, by Region
		11.1. North America
		11.2. Latin America
		11.3. Western Europe
		11.4. Eastern Europe
		11.5. Central Asia
		11.6. Russia & Belarus
		11.7. Balkan & Baltic Countries
		11.8. Middle East and Africa
		11.9. East Asia
		11.10. South Asia and Pacific
	12. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	13. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	14. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	15. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	16. Central Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	17. Russia & Belarus Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	18. Balkan & Baltic Countries Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	19. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	20. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	21. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033
	22. Country-wise Market Analysis
	23. Market Structure Analysis
	24. Competition Analysis
		24.1. BASF SE
		24.2. Dow Inc.
		24.3. Kemira
		24.4. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
		24.5. Nippon Shokubai
		24.6. Nouryon
		24.7. Hexion
		24.8. Ascend Performance Materials
		24.9. Lanxess AG
		24.10. AVA Chemicals Private Limited
		24.11. New Alliance Dye Chem Pvt. Ltd.
		24.12. Aquafarm
		24.13. Akzo Nobel
		24.14. Innospec Inc.
	25. Primary Insights
	26. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
	27. Research Methodology
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