Ferric Chloride Market Analysis

Global Ferric Chloride Market Overview

Ferric Chloride Market Size was valued at USD 7.24 Billion in 2023. The Ferric Chloride industry is projected to grow from USD 7.60 Billion in 2024 to USD 10.65 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.31% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Increased awareness regarding clean drinking water and the flowing water released to water bodies and increasing demand for ferric chloride in pigment manufacturing are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Ferric Chloride Market Trends

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  Growing demand for water treatment is driving the market growth

  
  

The rising demand for clean water and governing wastewater treatment drives market CAGR for ferric chloride. Ferric chloride is extensively used as a coagulant and flocculant in the treatment of drinking water, industrial wastewater, and sewage. Its ability to effectively remove contaminants such as suspended solids, heavy metals, and phosphates makes it a popular choice in the water treatment industry. The rising population, urbanization, and industrialization have led to rising water pollution worldwide. As a result, governments and regulatory bodies are imposing stricter standards for wastewater treatment, thereby driving the demand for ferric chloride. Additionally, ferric chloride production technology advancements, such as developing high-purity grades, have further propelled its adoption in water treatment applications.

The electronics industry is another significant consumer of ferric chloride. Ferric chloride is commonly used as an etchant in manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs). PCBs are integral components of electronic devices and require precise and controlled etching processes to create circuit patterns. The demand for ferric chloride in the electronics sector is driven by factors such as the rapid growth of consumer electronics, the increasing adoption of Internet of Things devices, and the continuous advancements in electronic manufacturing techniques. Moreover, the trend toward miniaturizing electronic components has necessitated more sophisticated etching agents, further boosting the demand for ferric chloride.

While ferric chloride has been widely used in various industries, there is a growing focus on finding greener alternatives due to concerns about its environmental impact. Disposing of ferric chloride-based sludge generated during water treatment is a significant environmental concern. It has led to exploring alternative coagulants and flocculants that are more eco-friendly and produce less sludge. Poly aluminum chloride (PAC) and ferric sulfate are alternatives for water treatment applications. These alternatives offer comparable performance to ferric chloride, generating less sludge and reducing the environmental footprint. As a result, some end-users are gradually shifting away from ferric chloride and adopting these greener alternatives, particularly in regions with stringent environmental regulations.

The need for clean water, strict wastewater treatment regulations, and technological advancements in ferric chloride production have contributed to its widespread adoption in water treatment applications. Simultaneously, the growth of the electronics industry and the trend toward miniaturization have fueled the demand for ferric chloride as an etchant in PCB manufacturing. However, concerns about the environmental impact of ferric chloride and sludge generation have led to a shift toward greener alternatives in some regions. The development and adoption of alternative coagulants and flocculants, such as PAC and ferric sulfate, provide opportunities for a more sustainable approach to water treatment. As the  ferric chloride market evolves, stakeholders must stay informed about these trends and adapt their strategies accordingly. The demand for ferric chloride will likely remain strong in the foreseeable future, driven by the need for clean water and advancements in electronics manufacturing. At the same time, the exploration of greener alternatives will shape the industry's long-term sustainability, driving the Ferric Chloride market revenue.

June 2023

The need for energy storage has expanded as a result of the growing use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. An example of a scalable energy storage device is the redox-flow battery, which is considered to be one of the most promising scalable electricity storage systems for addressing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.

It has been said that a dendrite-free zinc-iron redox flow battery has been produced by researchers working in the postgraduate and research department of chemistry at Christ College in Kerala, India. "A Dendrite Free Zn-Fe Hybrid Redox Flow Battery for Renewable Energy Storage" is the title of the article that was first published in the journal that is dedicated to Energy Storage.

Materials like as vanadium, copper, iron, and lead were used in the past when redox-flow batteries were being manufactured. The researchers said that none of these were acceptable for commercialization owing to a variety of issues, including but not limited to high prices, toxicity, poor energy efficiency, low cell voltage, hydrogen evolution, and coulombic loss, to mention a few.

Ferric Chloride Market Segment Insights

Ferric Chloride Application Insights

The  Ferric Chloride market segmentation, based on application, includes wastewater treatment, metal surface treatment, potable water treatment, electronic etchants, printed circuit boards, pigment manufacturing, catalyst, asphalt blowing, and others. The wastewater treatment category generated the most income. It effectively removes impurities, suspended solids, and organic matter from the water, making it suitable for drinking or industrial use. The growing population and increasing focus on environmental sustainability drive the demand for ferric chloride in the water treatment sector.

Ferric Chloride End-Use Industry Insights

The  Ferric Chloride market segmentation, based on the end-use industry, includes pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics, metals & metallurgy, municipal wastewater treatment, municipal potable water treatment, and others. The municipal wastewater treatment category generated the most income. The rising need for clean and safe water, stringent environmental regulations, and increased infrastructure development drive the demand for ferric chloride in the water treatment sector.

Ferric Chloride Grade Insights

The  Ferric Chloride market segmentation, based on grade, includes anhydrous, ferric chloride hexahydrate lumps, and ferric chloride liquid. The anhydrous segment dominated the market. It is keenly used in the electronics industry for etching printed circuit boards (PCBs). The high purity of anhydrous ferric chloride ensures precise and controlled etching, leading to superior-quality PCBs. It is the purest form, with a minimum purity of 98%.

Figure 1:  Ferric Chloride Market, by Grade, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Ferric Chloride Regional Insights

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American Ferric Chloride market area will dominate this market due to the well-established water treatment infrastructure, stringent environmental regulations, and a strong presence of key market players. In addition, the rising demand for electronics and the growth of the chemical industry also contribute to the market's expansion.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2:  FERRIC CHLORIDE MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Europe's Ferric Chloride market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the mature industrial sector and a robust water treatment infrastructure. The European Union's stringent regulations regarding wastewater discharge and the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability propel the demand for ferric chloride in the region. Furthermore, the increasing demand for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic components is driving the growth of the electronics industry, thereby augmenting the market's progress. Further, the German Ferric Chloride market held the largest market share, and the UK Ferric Chloride market was the rapid-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific Ferric Chloride Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. It is due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to increased water consumption and wastewater generation. The rising population, improving living standards, and increasing government initiatives for water treatment and sanitation fuel the market's expansion. Additionally, the thriving electronics industry, especially in China and South Korea, is raising the demand for ferric chloride for PCB manufacturing. Moreover, China’s Ferric Chloride market held the largest market share, and the Indian Ferric Chloride market was the rapid-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Ferric Chloride Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development to expand their product lines, which will help the Ferric Chloride market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their  footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. The Ferric Chloride industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the  Ferric Chloride industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. The Ferric Chloride industry has offered some of the most significant medical advantages in recent years. Major players in the Ferric Chloride market, including Kemira (Finland), Tessenderlo Group (Belgium), Chemifloc LTD (Ireland), KEM ONE (France), Gulbrandsen (US), MALAY-SINO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD (Malaysia), Sidra Wassercheime GmbH (Germany), Sukha Chemical Industries (India), Borsod Chem (Hungary), PVS Chemicals (US), BASF SE (Germany), Seqens Group (France), Feralco AB (France), and Saf Sulphur Company (Saudi Arabia), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Nouryon Company, a  specialty chemicals leader operating in more than 80 countries, presently provides essential solutions to manufacture everyday products, which include personal care, cleaning, paints and coatings, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals, and building products to the customers. The products include bleaching and oxidizing chemicals and technologies, polymer production and processing chemicals, and specialty polymers. In July 2021, the completion of Nouryon's base chemicals business's spin-out into a distinct company, Nobian, was announced. The company's core chemical business is the production and distribution of a range of chemicals, including ferric chloride.

Chemieanlagenbau Chemnitz GmbH, founded in 1811 in Chemnitz, Germany, is an international company specializing in plant and process engineering. The company does the planning for the commissioning of plants in the chemical industry. The business areas included are chloralkali electrolysis, sulfuric acid, natural gas storage, petrochemistry, and natural gas processing. In February 2022, the first ferric chloride facility for its customer Al Kout Industrial Projects (AIP) in Shuaiba in Kuwait's Persian Gulf was recently put into operation, according to a statement from Chemieanlagenbau Chemnitz. The facility can produce 20,000 tonnes of ferric chloride (FeCl3) per year using feedstock like iron waste, hydrochloric acid, and chlorine gas.

Key Companies in the Ferric Chloride market include

• Kemira (Finland)


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  Tessenderlo Group (Belgium)


• Chemifloc LTD (Ireland)


• KEM ONE (France)


• Gulbrandsen (US)


• MALAY-SINO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD (Malaysia)


• Sidra Wassercheime GmbH (Germany)


• Sukha Chemical Industries (India)


• Borsod Chem (Hungary)


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  PVS Chemicals (US)


• BASF SE (Germany)


• Seqens Group (France)


• Feralco AB (France)


• Saf Sulphur Company (Saudi Arabia)

Ferric Chloride Industry Developments

January 2022: Renal Business was purchased by Evoqua Water Technologies LLC from the STERIS Group's Mar Cor Purification and Cantel Medical divisions. The company's ability to provide tried-and-true water solutions for the healthcare sector in North America was bolstered by the purchase.

November 2021: Kemira increased the UK's capacity to produce chemicals for water treatment. The yearly output of ferric-based water treatment chemicals at Goole will increase by about 100 kilotons as a result of this development. The business also raised by 30,000 tonnes in January 2021 the amount of aluminum-based water treatment chemicals produced at Ellesmere Port.

Ferric Chloride Market Segmentation

Ferric Chloride Grade Outlook

• Anhydrous


• Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate Lumps


• Ferric Chloride Liquid

Ferric Chloride Application Outlook

• Wastewater Treatment


• Metal Surface Treatment


• Potable Water Treatment


• Electronic Etchants


• Printed Circuit Boards


• Pigment Manufacturing


• Catalyst


• Asphalt Blowing


• Others

Ferric Chloride End-Use Industry Outlook

• Pharmaceuticals


• Chemicals


• Electronics


• Metals & Metallurgy


• Municipal Wastewater Treatment


• Municipal Potable Water Treatment


• Others

Ferric Chloride Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America