Global Ammonia Market to Reach US$127.5 Billion by 2030

The global market for Ammonia estimated at US$80.8 Billion in the year 2023, is expected to reach US$127.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% over the analysis period 2023-2030. Liquid, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 8.0% CAGR and reach US$67.6 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Gas segment is estimated at 5.8% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$9.9 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 8.4% CAGR

The Ammonia market in the U.S. is estimated at US$9.9 Billion in the year 2023. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$33.4 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 8.4% over the analysis period 2023-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% and 6.1% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.9% CAGR.

Global Ammonia Market - Key Trends and Drivers Summarized

Ammonia is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3, commonly used as a fertilizer and as a commercial refrigerant. This colorless gas is a pivotal component in the production of ammonium nitrate, urea, and other chemicals essential for agricultural and industrial processes. In its refrigerant form, ammonia is prized for its effectiveness and environmental benefits, particularly its zero contribution to ozone depletion and global warming potential compared to conventional refrigerants. It is a foundational building block for the synthesis of various nitrogen-containing compounds, particularly fertilizers such as urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate, which are crucial for agricultural productivity. Ammonia is produced industrially by the Haber-Bosch process, which combines nitrogen from the air with hydrogen derived mainly from natural gas (methane) under high pressure and temperature in the presence of a catalyst. This method has historically been energy-intensive and is one of the largest industrial contributors to CO2 emissions globally. Besides its significant role in agriculture, ammonia is also utilized in commercial refrigeration systems due to its high energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact in terms of ozone depletion and global warming potential.

The demand for ammonia is primarily driven by the global agricultural sector. As the population continues to grow, there is an escalating need for enhanced agricultural yields to produce sufficient food, which directly increases the demand for nitrogen-based fertilizers. Moreover, ammonia is a critical ingredient in the production of explosives and plastics, further broadening its industrial utility. Recent developments have also positioned ammonia as a potential clean energy source, particularly in the form of ammonia fuel cells and for the storage and transportation of hydrogen. Hydrogen, when bound in ammonia, is more stable and easier to transport than in its pure form, making ammonia a key component in the emerging hydrogen economy.

The growth in the ammonia market is driven by several factors, including the intensifying global demand for agricultural fertilizers, advancements in technologies for ammonia synthesis, and the evolving role of ammonia in green energy solutions. Enhanced efficiency and reduced carbon footprint in ammonia production are becoming increasingly crucial due to stricter environmental regulations and the shift towards sustainable industrial practices. Innovations such as the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen using renewable energy sources instead of natural gas, and the subsequent synthesis of green ammonia, are paving the way for cleaner production methods. Additionally, the potential of ammonia as a zero-emission fuel in power generation and marine transport is gaining traction, reflecting broader efforts to decarbonize various sectors.