Naphthalene Sulfonate Market size was USD 7.9 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 15.4 billion by the end of 2037, expanding at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of naphthalene sulfonates is assessed at USD 8.3 billion.
The increasing demand for high-performance chemicals is driving naphthalene sulfonate as a highly sought-after ingredient in industrial applications. High urban and industrial activities are fueling the use of naphthalene sulfonates in industrial and household detergents owing to its dispersing and wetting properties. The growth in the demand for high-quality and performance detergents and cleaning agents is set to directly augment the sales of naphthalene sulfonates in the coming years. For instance, the report by the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) states that in 2022, cleaning products hold the 107th position as the most-traded product globally. Expanding at a CAGR of 4.01% between 2021 and 2022, the total trade was calculated to be USD 44.2 billion, in 2022. The market dynamics were highly concentrated in China (USD 570.0 million) and Kuwait (USD 556.0 million), in terms of export value growth and import value growth, respectively.
|
Cleaning Products |
|||
|
Country |
Export Value in USD Billion |
Country |
Import Value in USD Billion |
|
Germany |
5.11 |
Germany |
2.79 |
|
U.S. |
4.57 |
U.S. |
2.45 |
|
China |
3.52 |
France |
2.23 |
|
France |
2.68 |
China |
2.19 |
|
Italy |
2.32 |
Canada |
2.03 |
Source: OEC
Naphthalene sales are gaining boom due to their widespread application areas, as per the OEC analysis naphthalene trade registered a CAGR of 23.5% between 2021 and 2022. The total trade was valued at USD 397.0 million, holding the 3191st rank as the most-traded product. In terms of export value growth and import value growth, the market dynamics were saturated across Angola (USD 118.0 million) and the Netherlands (USD 221.0 million), respectively. Market concentration amounted to 2.5 using Shannon Entropy, in 2022, highlighting the export dominance by 5 countries.
|
Naphthalene |
|||
|
Country |
Export Value in USD Million |
Country |
Import Value in USD Million |
|
Angola |
236.0 |
Netherlands |
223.0 |
|
Japan |
19.3 |
Egypt |
15.6 |
|
Denmark |
18.5 |
Brazil |
15.3 |
|
China |
15.0 |
Belgium |
14.4 |
|
Germany |
14.0 |
India |
12.6 |
Source: OEC
Growth Drivers
Challenges
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
5.3% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 7.9 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 15.4 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Type (Liquid, Powder)
Liquid form segment is expected to capture over 61.5% naphthalene sulfonate market share by 2037. Easy integration and cost-effectiveness are major factors fueling the sales of liquid form naphthalene sulfonates. The better dispersion of particles, low viscosity, and enhanced stability in cement mixtures are some characteristics contributing to the naphthalene sulfonate sales growth. Liquid naphthalene sulfonates are widely used in construction projects as a superplasticizer in concrete production and in detergent and cleaning products owing to its ability to disperse dirt and stains. The growth in these sectors is directly augmenting the sales of naphthalene sulfonates, leading to high trade activities.
Application (Dispersant & Wetting Agent, Plasticizer, Surfactant, Others)
The dispersant & wetting agent segment is foreseen to hold a dominant naphthalene sulfonate market share throughout the study period. Wetting agents and dispersants important in paint formulations are boosting the sales of naphthalene sulfonates. The high demand for paints and coatings in automotive, construction, and consumer goods is creating lucrative opportunities for naphthalene sulfonate producers. The increasing use of dispersant & wetting agents in the agriculture sector to enhance the efficacy of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers is further augmenting the sales of naphthalene sulfonates. For instance, as per a study by OEC, the pesticides global trade stood at USD 49.2 billion in 2022. China (USD 12.0 billion) and Brazil (USD 7.06 billion) dominated the trade activities as top exporters and importers of pesticides.
Our in-depth analysis of the global naphthalene sulfonate market includes the following segments:
|
Type |
|
|
Application |
|
Asia Pacific Market Forecast
Asia Pacific naphthalene sulfonate market is projected to hold revenue share of over 46.5% by the end of 2037. The expanding agrochemical industry, booming construction activities, and high market for consumer goods and home care products are augmenting the sales of naphthalene sulfonates. India and China are offering high-profit opportunities for naphthalene sulfonate producers owing to rapid urbanization and industrialization. South Korea and Japan are witnessing innovations in naphthalene sulfonates due to the presence of advanced chemical manufacturers.
China’s rapid industrial activities leading to infra developments are fueling the sales of naphthalene sulfonates. Construction and large-scale public projects are boon to naphthalene sulfonate producers. The boasting automotive industry is also fueling the demand for naphthalene sulfonates. High use of naphthalene sulfonates in paints and coatings is augmenting their sales in various sectors including construction, consumer goods, and automotive.
India’s agriculture sector is majorly driving the sales of naphthalene sulfonates owing to their increasing use in agrochemicals. The supportive government policies and schemes are further supporting the naphthalene sulfonate market growth. For instance, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) study the Union Budget 2024-25 allotted USD 18.26 billion for agriculture and allied sectors. The advancements in the chemical industry are also set to offer lucrative opportunities for naphthalene sulfonate producers. The same source also reveals that between April FY24 and September FY24, the organic and inorganic chemical exports totaled USD 14.09 billion. The strong presence of end use industries such as construction, paints and coatings, automotive, and agriculture are set to propel the sales of naphthalene sulfonates in the coming years.
North America Market Statistics
The North America naphthalene sulfonate market is estimated to expand at the fastest pace during the assessed period. The growing construction activities, high use of detergent and cleaning products, and high automobile ownership are propelling the sales of naphthalene sulfonates. Both in the U.S. and Canada, high investments in infrastructure development projects are augmenting the demand for naphthalene sulfonates.
In the U.S. the boom in construction activities in both residential and commercial segments is creating lucrative opportunities for naphthalene sulfonate manufacturers. Naphthalene sulfonate’s high use as water water-reducing agent in concrete is contributing to their sales growth. For instance, according to a report by Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), over 919,000 structures were developed in Q1’FY23 in the U.S. The construction industry creates around 8.0 million job opportunities and develops USD 2.1 trillion of structures, annually.
Canada’s expanding paints and coatings industry is augmenting the sales of naphthalene sulfonates. The strong presence of manufacturing units related to automotive, consumer goods, and construction fuels the sales of paints and coatings and ultimately naphthalene sulfonates. For instance, as per the Research Nester’s study, the Canada paint manufacturing industry was calculated at USD 1.87 billion in 2023. The increasing trade of paints reflects the sales growth in the naphthalene sulfonate market.
Leading companies in the naphthalene sulfonate market are employing several organic and inorganic strategies to earn high profits and increase their market reach. Some of the tactics are new product launches, technological innovations, mergers & acquisitions, strategic collaborations & partnerships, and global expansions. The key players are entering into strategic partnerships with others to develop innovative solutions and maximize their reach. To grab high-earning opportunities from untapped naphthalene sulfonate markets, industry giants are also employing expansion strategies. New companies are more focused on innovations and for that, they are investing heavily in R&D activities.
Some of the key players include:
Author Credits: Rajrani Baghel
Copyright © 2025 Research Nester. All Rights Reserved
FREE Sample Copy includes market overview, growth trends, statistical charts & tables, forecast estimates, and much more.
Have questions before ordering this report?