Table of Contents
Introduction
New York, NY – January 20, 2025 – The global Ammonium Carbonate Market is experiencing significant growth and is expected to reach a market size of USD 1116.8 million by 2033, up from USD 679.1 million in 2023, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2024 to 2033.
The increasing demand for ammonium carbonate in various industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture is driving market expansion. Ammonium carbonate, widely used as a leavening agent in baking and as a nitrogen source in fertilizers, has become a critical component in these sectors, contributing to its rising popularity.
Furthermore, the growing focus on sustainable agricultural practices and organic food production presents significant market opportunities. The versatility of ammonium carbonate, alongside its role in meeting the needs of multiple industries, ensures its continued relevance, further boosting its market potential.

Key Takeaways
- Ammonium Carbonate Market size is expected to be worth around USD 1116.8 Mn by 2033, from USD 679.1 Mn in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 5.1%.
- Food Grade held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 42.2% share.
- Powder held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 72.2% share of the global ammonium carbonate market.
- Food and Beverage Ingredients held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 43.3% share.
- Food and Beverage held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 44.6% share.
- North America held a dominant market share in the ammonium carbonate market, capturing more than 42.4% of the total market.
Emerging Trends
- Increased Use in the Food Industry: Ammonium carbonate is gaining traction as a leavening agent in the food industry, particularly in the baking sector. Its demand is rising due to the growing popularity of traditional and artisanal baked goods. Consumers are increasingly seeking natural and chemical-free alternatives, boosting ammonium carbonate’s market position.
- Expansion in Fertilizer Production: Ammonium carbonate is increasingly used in the agriculture sector, particularly as a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. The rise in global agricultural activities and the demand for higher crop yields are pushing the use of ammonium carbonate in fertilizers, especially in developing countries focused on improving food security.
- Growing Demand in Pharmaceuticals: Ammonium carbonate’s application in pharmaceutical products is expanding, especially in the production of certain medications. Its role as a stabilizing agent in drug formulations, combined with an increasing global focus on health and wellness, is driving demand in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Environmental Sustainability Focus: The demand for ammonium carbonate in sustainable and organic farming practices is rising. Its use as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers is becoming more popular as consumers and businesses seek environmentally responsible solutions, that align with global sustainability goals.
- Technological Advancements in Production: With advancements in manufacturing processes, the production efficiency of ammonium carbonate is improving. More cost-effective and environmentally friendly production methods are emerging, contributing to the market’s growth and making ammonium carbonate more accessible for various applications.
Use Cases
- Baking Ingredient: Ammonium carbonate is widely used in the baking industry as a leavening agent. It helps dough rise without imparting any flavor, making it ideal for cookies, crackers, and other baked goods. This compound decomposes with heat, leaving no residue, which ensures the texture and quality of the finished product.
- Fertilizer Component: In agriculture, ammonium carbonate serves as an excellent source of nitrogen for plants. It promotes plant growth by quickly releasing nitrogen into the soil, which is essential for the synthesis of proteins and other compounds in crops, enhancing overall yield and crop quality.
- Pharmaceutical Applications: It is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a constituent in some cough syrups and other medications. Ammonium carbonate acts as an expectorant to help relieve symptoms of bronchitis and laryngitis by loosening mucus and making coughs more productive.
- Fire Extinguishing Media: Ammonium carbonate is sometimes included in fire extinguishing compositions. It releases carbon dioxide when heated, which helps to smother flames effectively, making it valuable for use in fire safety applications, particularly in enclosed environments.
- Cleaning Agent: This compound is also employed as a cleaning agent, especially in industrial and household cleaning products. Its ability to react with grease and dirt makes it effective for cleaning a variety of surfaces, contributing to its utility in maintenance and hygiene products.
Major Challenges
- Regulatory Challenges: Ammonium carbonate faces stringent regulations in various countries due to environmental concerns, particularly regarding nitrogen emissions that can lead to air and water pollution. These regulations can limit its use, especially in agriculture and industrial applications, affecting market growth and operational flexibility.
- Health Risks: Exposure to ammonium carbonate can pose health risks, including respiratory issues and skin irritation. Ensuring safety in its handling and use requires stringent safety measures and training, increasing operational costs for manufacturers and industries that use this chemical extensively.
- Volatility and Storage Issues: Ammonium carbonate is volatile and tends to lose its efficacy when exposed to air, as it slowly decomposes to ammonia and carbon dioxide. This characteristic complicates its storage and transport, requiring special packaging and handling procedures to maintain its quality and effectiveness.
- Competition from Alternatives: There is increasing competition from alternative products that are perceived as safer and more environmentally friendly. For instance, baking powder is often used as a substitute in food applications, while various synthetic fertilizers compete in the agricultural sector, challenging ammonium carbonate’s market position.
- Market Fluctuations: The price and availability of ammonium carbonate can be highly volatile, influenced by changes in raw material costs, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating demand across key industries. These factors can create uncertainty for producers and buyers, impacting profitability and planning.
Market Growth Opportunities
- Agricultural Applications: Ammonium carbonate is increasingly used as a fertilizer, which supports its demand in regions with extensive agricultural activities. The compound helps in soil nutrient replenishment, enhancing crop yields and supporting the growing global demand for food.
- Food Industry Innovations: The food industry continues to utilize ammonium carbonate extensively as a leavening agent, particularly in baked goods like cookies and crackers. With rising consumer preference for processed foods, the demand for ammonium carbonate in this sector is expected to remain robust.
- Green Technology Integration: There is a growing trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly products, which includes the development of bio-based ammonium carbonate. This adaptation aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and offers substantial market potential, especially in industries focused on reducing environmental impact.
- Pharmaceutical Developments: In the pharmaceutical industry, ammonium carbonate is used in formulations such as cough syrups and expectorants. With an increase in respiratory ailments globally, the demand within this segment is expected to grow, driven by both aging populations and environmental factors affecting respiratory health.
- Industrial and Cleaning Applications: The compound’s role in various industrial processes, including cleaning and manufacturing, presents further growth avenues. Its effectiveness as a cleaning agent makes it valuable in sectors such as manufacturing, where cleanliness and maintenance are crucial.
Recent Developments
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.: Completed acquisition of The Binding Site Group in January 2023 for $2.8 billion, expanding its specialty diagnostics segment. Acquired CorEvitas in July 2023 for $912.5 million to enhance its clinical research capabilities. These acquisitions strengthen Thermo Fisher’s position in diagnostics and clinical research, which may indirectly support ammonium carbonate applications in pharmaceutical/medical fields.
- Merck Group: Announced in December 2024 an investment of over €70 million to construct a new Advanced Materials Development Center in Shizuoka, Japan. This facility will focus on developing advanced semiconductor materials, potentially including ammonium carbonate precursors used in semiconductor manufacturing.
- BASF SE: In May 2024, entered an agreement with International Process Plants (IPP) to market its ammonia (380,000 metric tons/year), methanol (165,000 metric tons/year), and melamine (51,000 metric tons/year) plants in Ludwigshafen, Germany. This move may impact BASF’s ammonium carbonate production capabilities, as ammonia is a key precursor.
- Honeywell International Inc.: Completed acquisition of Carrier’s Global Access Solutions business for $4.95 billion in June 2024. While not directly related to ammonium carbonate, this acquisition enhances Honeywell’s building automation capabilities, which may involve environmental control systems where ammonium carbonate could be used.
- ProChem Inc.: Announced expansion with a new facility addition in April 2024. This expansion increases ProChem’s manufacturing capabilities, potentially including ammonium carbonate production.
Conclusion
The Ammonium Carbonate Market is poised for steady growth driven by its diverse applications across industries such as food and beverages, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. As demand increases for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, innovations in bio-based products and improved production processes are likely to offer further growth opportunities.
The compound’s versatile use as a leavening agent in food, a fertilizer in agriculture, and a cleaning agent in industrial processes ensures its continued relevance. Additionally, the rise of emerging economies, particularly in Asia and Africa, presents untapped markets, fueling future expansion. However, regulatory challenges and the need for environmentally responsible practices will remain key factors influencing the market’s trajectory.
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