Oxalic Acid Market

Market Definition

The market covers the production and application of various grades, including technical/pharma grade and electronic/food grade oxalic acid. It addresses demand across key industries such as cleaning and surface treatment, pharmaceutical and healthcare, metal processing and metallurgy, textile and dyeing, and agriculture. 

The report presents an overview of the primary growth drivers, supported by regional analysis and regulatory frameworks expected to impact market development over the forecast period.

Oxalic Acid Market Overview

The global oxalic acid market size was valued at USD 637.3 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 660.7 million in 2025 to USD 881.9 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.21% during the forecast period. 

Market growth is driven by the expanding pharmaceutical industry, where oxalic acid is used in drug formulation and purification processes. Increasing research and development activities in pharmaceuticals have increased the demand for high-purity oxalic acid.

Major companies operating in the oxalic acid industry are MERU CHEM PVT.LTD., Merck KGaA, LobaChemie Pvt. Ltd., Pon Pure Chemicals Group, Punjab Chemicals and Crop Protection Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Oxaquim, Hemadri Chemicals, Honeywell International Inc., Shandong Xinhua Pharma, Shanghai Chemex, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc., and STAROXOCHEM.

Additionally, the metal processing industry relies heavily on oxalic acid for effective rust removal, scale cleaning, and surface treatment of metals. Its ability to remove corrosion and prepare metal surfaces for further processing enhances product quality and extends equipment life. This widespread application in metal cleaning and maintenance is creating a strong demand for oxalic acid products.

Key Highlights:

1. The oxalic acid market size was recorded at USD 637.3 million in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.21% from 2025 to 2032.
3. Asia Pacific held a market share of 36.22% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 230.8 million.
4. The technical/pharma grade segment garnered USD 358.3 million in revenue in 2024.
5. The cleaning and surface treatment segment is expected to reach USD 302.7 million by 2032.
6. Europe is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.84% over the forecast period.

Market Driver

Rising Demand from the Textile Industry

The expansion of the market is fueled by the increasing demand from the textile and dyeing industry. Oxalic acid is widely used in textile processing for fabric cleaning, bleaching, and stain removal. Its ability to eliminate rust marks and mineral deposits makes it valuable in preparing fabrics for dyeing and finishing. 

As textile production continues to grow in countries such as India, manufacturers are using oxalic acid to meet quality and export standards. The expansion of textile mills, along with the rising demand for processed fabrics, is contributing to the increased consumption of oxalic acid.

Market Challenge

High Cost of Producing Electronic and Pharmaceutical Grade Oxalic Acid

The progress of the oxalic acid market is impeded by the high cost of producing electronic and pharmaceutical-grade oxalic acid. These grades require advanced purification, strict quality checks, and controlled processing environments. This increases production expenses and limits accessibility for smaller manufacturers. 

To mitigate this, companies have shifted high-grade production to cost-effective regions such as China and India. They have implemented automated refining systems and optimized continuous production lines to reduce unit costs while maintaining purity standards.

Market Trend

Shift Toward Sustainable and Biodegradable Chemical Agents

The market is witnessing a notable shift toward sustainable and biodegradable chemical agents across various industries. As environmental regulations become stricter and industries adopt greener practices, oxalic acid is gaining traction as a safer alternative to conventional, non-biodegradable cleaning and processing chemicals.

Its natural occurrence and low toxicity make it suitable for applications such as metal treatment, household cleaning, and textile processing. This trend is boosting use among manufacturers and end users seeking regulatory compliance and eco-friendly solutions.

Oxalic Acid Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Grade	Technical/Pharma Grade, Electronic/Food Grade
By Application	Cleaning and Surface Treatment, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare, Metal Processing & Metallurgy, Textile & Dyeing, Agriculture, Others
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation

• By Grade (Technical/Pharma Grade and Electronic/Food Grade): The technical/pharma grade segment earned USD 358.3 million in 2024, mainly due to its widespread use in industrial cleaning, pharmaceuticals, and chemical processing.
• By Application (Cleaning and Surface Treatment, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare, Metal Processing & Metallurgy, Textile & Dyeing, Agriculture, and Others): The cleaning and surface treatment segment held a share of 32.95% in 2024, propelled by high demand for oxalic acid in descaling, rust removal, and industrial maintenance.

Oxalic Acid Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

The Asia-Pacific oxalic acid market share stood at around 36.22% in 2024, valued at USD 230.8 million. This dominance is reinforced by the strong presence of end-use industries such as textiles, chemicals, and agriculture, particularly in countries such as China and India. 

High production capacities, cost-effective manufacturing, and rising demand for industrial cleaning agents have significantly contributed to regional market growth. The regional market further benefits from a well-established textile industry backed by strong government funding and increasing use of oxalic acid in textile and bleaching applications.

• In February 2025, the India Brand Equity Foundation reported a 19% increase in the Textile Ministry’s budget, from USD 512 million in 2024–25 to USD 611 million in 2025–26.

The Europe oxalic acid industry is poised to grow at a CAGR of 5.84% over the forecast period. This growth is fostered by the rising demand for oxalic acid in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and metal treatment industries. 

This expansion is further supported by a rising focus on sustainable production and the preference for biodegradable oxalic acid in cleaning and surface treatment. Germany, France, and Italy are at the forefront due to their advanced technologies and stable regulatory support that supports industrial investment.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., oxalic acid is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which monitors its manufacture, use, and disposal to ensure environmental and human safety.
• In Europe, oxalic acid falls under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, requiring manufacturers and importers to provide safety data and adhere to strict usage guidelines.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the oxalic acid market are focusing on expanding production capacity and entering new regional markets to increase their share. Investments in advanced manufacturing technologies aim to improve product quality and reduce operational costs. 

Companies are further prioritizing strategic partnerships and acquisitions to diversify their product portfolios and access new application areas. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on adopting sustainable and eco-friendly production methods to meet regulatory standards and customer expectations. 

Additionally, innovations in product grades and customized packaging solutions are helping address specific industry requirements and competitive positioning.

List of Key Companies in Oxalic Acid Market:

• MERU CHEM PVT.LTD.
• Merck KGaA
• LobaChemie Pvt. Ltd.
• Pon Pure Chemicals Group
• Punjab Chemicals and Crop Protection Limited
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Oxaquim
• Hemadri Chemicals
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Shandong Xinhua Pharma
• Shanghai Chemex
• Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc.
• STAROXOCHEM

Recent Developments (Product Launch)

• In June 2025, PM Separations launched BSN Controls, specifically tailored for accurate measurement of urinary oxalic acid and citric acid. As certified reference materials, these controls ensure reliable, traceable results and support compliance with regulatory and quality standards.