Phosphorus Trichloride Market Outlook:
Phosphorus Trichloride Market size was valued at USD 2.12 billion in 2025 and is likely to cross USD 3.14 billion by 2035, expanding at more than 4% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2026-2035. In the year 2026, the industry size of phosphorus trichloride is assessed at USD 2.2 billion.
A major driver of the phosphorus trichloride market is the compound’s position as a key intermediate in the production of herbicides and organophosphorus pesticides. For instance, in October 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that the quality of modern pesticides, including herbicides, has improved and estimated an increase in pesticide use over time owing to a relative fall in its prices. With a surge in the global population leading to rising requirements for food production, advancements in phosphorus-based pesticides are poised to assist the growth of the sector.
In addition to its expanding role in agrochemicals, phosphorus trichloride is positioned as a critical component in the production of flame retardants. For instance, in October 2022, research published in Progress in Organic Coatings analyzed the recent developments in the preparation of phosphorus-based flame-retardant compounds and estimated that the majority of the phosphorus-based treatments were developed for cotton in protective textiles. Additionally, the increasing need for safer and more sustainable materials has solidified the compound’s position in end use sectors such as agrochemicals, construction, automotive, electronics, etc.
An indication of the profitability of the phosphorus trichloride sector is the expanding revenue shares of key market players. For instance, in October 2024, Merck announced the FY24 third-quarter results highlighting worldwide sales worth USD 16.7 billion and a 4% growth for the third quarter of FY23. The growth underscores the sustained market expansion within the phosphorus trichloride industry and strengthens the global supply chain, with Merck being one of the major suppliers of the compound.
