The global water treatment chemicals market, valued at USD 32.2 billion in 2022, is set for steady growth, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% from 2023 to 2030. This upward trend reflects the rising demand for water treatment solutions across various industries, particularly in emerging economies where industrial expansion and urbanization are driving the need for improved water management practices. Key factors contributing to this growth include increasing requirements from sectors such as sugar and ethanol production, fertilizers, geothermal power generation, petrochemical manufacturing, and refining.

Key Growth Drivers

1. Industrial Growth in Emerging Economies
   Rapid industrialization in emerging economies, particularly in regions like Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and parts of Latin America, has intensified the need for water treatment chemicals. Industries in these regions, such as petrochemical, refining, and geothermal power generation, require large volumes of treated water to maintain efficient production and adhere to environmental regulations. The rise in fertilizer production, due to growing agricultural demands, and ethanol production, driven by the push for renewable fuel sources, also contribute to the heightened need for specialized water treatment chemicals to ensure water quality and process efficiency.
   
   
2. Centralized Fluid Treatment Facilities
   A prominent trend in the market is the increased demand for centralized fluid treatment units, particularly for small and medium-sized manufacturers. These centralized systems allow for complete in-situ water treatment processes and are designed to achieve zero liquid discharge (ZLD). ZLD is becoming increasingly critical as it addresses environmental concerns by ensuring that no water is discharged as wastewater, reducing environmental pollution, conserving water resources, and enhancing sustainable production practices. This trend is expected to drive innovation and demand in water treatment chemicals, as centralized facilities often require specific chemical formulations to manage various contaminants and meet regulatory standards.
   
   
3. Desalination and Saline Water Treatment
   The adoption of desalination as a water treatment process is accelerating, particularly in arid regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Desalination processes, including reverse osmosis and distillation, convert seawater into potable water, providing a crucial solution to the region’s water scarcity issues. In these areas, freshwater resources are limited, and desalination has become essential to meet the growing water demands of urban populations and industrial sectors. Saudi Arabia, for example, heavily relies on desalination technology to fulfill its water requirements. This dependence on desalination has created a robust demand for water treatment chemicals in the region, as chemicals are essential in the desalination process to prevent fouling, scaling, and corrosion in desalination equipment, thereby improving the efficiency and lifespan of desalination plants.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Water Treatment Chemicals Market

Regional Insights

North America

North America led the global water treatment chemicals market in 2022, holding a revenue share of 28.8%. The region’s growth is attributed to advancements in hydraulic fracturing, which have spurred increased production of unconventional energy sources like shale gas and tight oil, especially in areas like North Dakota and West Texas. This surge in energy production has driven demand for water treatment chemicals in the upstream oil and gas sector, where water treatment is critical for managing wastewater generated during extraction processes.

United States:
The U.S. market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 3.0% over the coming years. This growth is driven by strict regulations governing wastewater disposal and production, aimed at minimizing environmental impact. As a leader in energy production and thermoelectric power, the U.S. power sector’s demand for treatment chemicals to manage wastewater is expected to boost the market further. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), the U.S. plays a pivotal role in energy production, consumption, and supply, making wastewater treatment chemicals a critical industry segment.

Asia Pacific:

Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period. The rapid development of the industrial, power, and manufacturing sectors in emerging economies is expected to increase the demand for boiler chemicals and treatment systems. China, in particular, faces challenges due to suspended particles and heavy metals in its water, leading to a strong demand for pre-treatment solutions. China Water Risk (CWR) collaborates with various government bodies to address the environmental impact of wastewater generated by industries such as mining, food and beverages, power, textiles, and agriculture, helping advance water treatment efforts across the country.

In December 2020, Buckman launched the Buckman Center of Excellence at the International Center for Clean Water (ICCW) in Chennai, India. This advanced facility aims to foster collaboration between Buckman scientists and renowned local academic institutions. Among its notable partnerships is one with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), where researchers are focusing on developing chemistry-based water treatment innovations tailored for the Indian and global water markets.

Middle East and Africa (MEA):

The MEA region is poised for growth due to the increasing demand for water treatment technologies, particularly in desalination. This technology is crucial in arid areas where freshwater resources are limited. Saudi Arabia, for instance, relies significantly on desalination to meet its water needs, with investments in desalination technologies helping to address the country’s high water demand. The emphasis on desalination reflects the region's strategic approach to addressing water scarcity, making water treatment chemicals an essential component of regional infrastructure.

These trends across North America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa underscore the essential role of water treatment chemicals in addressing both industrial needs and regional water scarcity challenges. The market is expected to continue expanding as technological advancements and regulatory frameworks drive further demand across sectors.

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Key Water Treatment Chemicals Companies:

• SUEZ
• BASF SE
• Ecolab
• Solenis
• Nouryon
• Kemira
• Baker Hughes Company
• Dow
• SNF
• Cortec Corporation

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