Global Sodium Chlorate Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2025-2037
Sodium Chlorate Market size is projected to grow from USD 3.66 billion to USD 6.73 billion witnessing a CAGR of over 4.8% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037. In the year 2025, the industry size of sodium chlorate is estimated at USD 3.8 billion.
According to the OEC, in 2022, sodium chlorate worldwide trade was valued at USD 508 million, with Canada being the top exporter with USD 240 million worth of exports, followed by Finland with USD 50.9 million of exports. Furthermore, sodium chlorate ranked 2505th in the Product Complexity Index (CPI). In 2022, the top five importers of sodium chlorate were the U.S. with USD 162 million imports at the top, followed by Japan with USD 49.2 million, Portugal with USD 26.5 million, Russia and Sweden with USD 22.1 million each.
The global sodium chlorate market is driven by the pulp and paper industry, rising application in mining as an oxidizing agent, leather tanning, and dye manufacturing, in addition to its uses in water treatment. It is estimated that the pulp and paper industry use 90% of all sodium chlorate produced worldwide to manufacture chlorine dioxide, a highly essential ingredient utilized in elemental chlorine-free pulp bleaching. Between 2021 and 2022, the exports of sodium chlorate grew the fastest in China summing up to USD 28.8 million, and the fastest-growing was Brazil with imports of USD 15.3 million.
Sodium Chlorate Market: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Rising growth in the mining sector: According to the U.S. geological survey, in 2021, the U.S. mines produced approximately USD 90.4 billion in mineral commodities which is a 9.7 billion increase over the total of USD 80.7 billion in 2020. This growing revenue in the mining sector is positively impacting the sodium chlorate market as a key oxidizing agent in metal extraction processes. Increasing global investment in mining activities is hence projected to boost the sodium chlorate industry growth significantly.
- Increasing use of sodium chlorate for tanning and finishing leather, and manufacturing of dyes: It is gaining traction in the leather industry for its role in tanning and finishing processes with enhanced leather quality and durability. Additionally, it is a key ingredient in the production of dyes. According to IBEF 2024, India accounts for 13% of the world’s total leather production, employing nearly 4.42 million people in the country. The rising demand for high-quality leather products and textiles in India, and globally, in addition to the growth of the fashion and apparel industry, is driving the usage of sodium chlorate.
Challenges
- Negative impact on the environment: Sodium chlorate production relies heavily on electrolysis, which is energy-intensive and often leads to significant greenhouse emissions, depending on the energy source. Improper disposal of sodium chlorate leads to soil and water contamination, posing risks to biodiversity and human health, pushing people to invest in cleaner technologies which creates a challenge for the manufacturers in the sodium chlorate market.
- Stringent regulations associated with the usage of sodium chlorate: Countries particularly in Europe and North America have implemented strict regulations governing the production, handling, and disposal of sodium chlorate. Compliance with these often requires adopting advanced, environmentally friendly production processes, which involves costly upgrades to existing facilities.
Sodium Chlorate Market: Key Insights
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
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CAGR |
4.8% |
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Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 3.66 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 6.73 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Sodium Chlorate Segmentation
Application (Bleaching Agents, Herbicide, Oxidizing Agents
Based on application, the bleaching agents segment in the sodium chlorate market is expected to gain a notable share of about 41% in the year 2037. The segment growth is primarily driven by their extensive use in the pulp and paper industry for producing chlorine dioxide. The increasing demand for high-quality, bright, and durable paper products fuels the need for effective bleaching solutions. Additionally, sodium chlorate minimizes environmental impact compared to traditional bleaching methods, further strengthening its dominance in the market.
Form (Crystalline, Solution)
Based on form, the crystalline segment in sodium chlorate market is estimated to gain the largest share of about 35% in the year 2037, due to its high purity, and stability. The crystalline sodium chlorate segment is further expected to rise owing to increased use in weed management and the manufacturing of sodium perchlorate, potassium chlorate, and sodium chlorite. Ease of storage, transport, and handling also enhances its demand across several industries. The crystalline form’s superior efficiency to liquid alternatives boosts its position as the dominant segment in the global market.
Our in-depth analysis of the global sodium chlorate market includes the following segments:
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Form |
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Application |
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End User |
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Customize this ReportSodium Chlorate Industry - Regional Synopsis
North American Market Statistics
North America in sodium chlorate market is poised to dominate the majority revenue share of 31% by 2037, due to the region’s paper industry, particularly in the United States and Canada, where it is extensively used or chlorine dioxide. Furthermore, Canada is one of the top exporters of sodium chlorate driven by its large-scale production capacity and abundant natural resources. In 2023, sodium chlorate exports in Canada totaled up to 381 thousand metric tonnes, valued at USD 244.8 million, majorly driving the region’s overall growth.
The U.S. market is driven by its significant role as both importer and exporter, fueled by the well-established paper industry. For instance, EPA published a report in 2021 stating that the U.S. was the third among the top 5 exporters of sodium chlorate in the world with 48 thousand tonnes exported, and the topmost importer with 399 thousand tonnes of sodium chlorate imports.
APAC Market Analysis
The sodium chlorate market in the Asia Pacific is estimated to witness noteworthy growth over the forecast period as a result of industrialization in the region. Additionally, the growth of textile and leather industries and increased use of sodium chlorate in water treatment applications further drive the region’s market. Rising demand for high-quality paper products in countries including China, Japan, and India also bolsters the region’s growth.
In 2024, IBEF stated that India is the second-largest exporter of leather garments and the fourth-largest exporter of leather goods, worldwide. Moreover, the garments sector accounted for 6.8% of the country’s total leather exports from 2024 to 2025. As the chemical is majorly used in these industries, the India sodium chlorate industry is majorly driven by leather exports. In addition, increasing demand for packaging materials, driven by e-commerce and urbanization is also driving the demand.
Companies Dominating the Sodium Chlorate Market
- Kemira Oyj
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
- China First Chemical Holdings Limited
- ERCO Worldwide
- Arkema S.A.
- Nouryon Chemicals Holding B.V.
- Mil-Spec Industries Corporation
- Chemtrade Electrochem Inc.
- Chemfab Alkalis Limited
- Chemtrade Logistics Inc.
- Tronox Inc.
Beyond its traditional use in pulp bleaching, sodium chlorate is finding increased application in water treatment, agriculture (as a herbicide), and the production of specialty chemicals. Companies are exploring these diverse applications to open new revenue streams and reduce dependency on a single industry. Moreover, to cover increasing costs of raw materials, energy, and logistics, companies are also increasing the prices of their offered products. For instance, in October 2021, Arkema raised its price in its ranges of Hydrogen Peroxide and Sodium Chlorate in Europe and for the export markets by 15%. Furthermore, to meet the rising demand from the pulp and paper industry, manufacturers are also increasing their production capacities, mainly in countries including Brazil, India, and China.
In the News
- In September 2024, Nouryon commenced operations at its newly launched Integrated Manufacturing Model site in Brazil, which comprises the production of hydrogen peroxide, sodium chlorate, and chlorine dioxide.
- In July 2024, Kemira Oyj announced investment for a 10% capacity expansion of its sodium chlorate manufacturing facility in Ortigueira, Brazil, which became operational in the last quarter of 2024.
- In February 2023, Ercros completed the commissioning of the new sodium chlorite production plant at its Sabinanigo factory, which is one of the projects in the diversification dimension of the 3D Plan.
- In May 2020, Kemira Oyj signed a long-term agreement with UPM-Kymmene Corp. to extend the capacity for sodium chlorate and hydrogen peroxide production in Uruguay.
Author Credits: Rajrani Baghel
- Report ID: 3735
- Published Date: Feb 18, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
