Fumaric Acid Market

Fumaric Acid Market Outlook 2025 to 2035

The global fumaric acid market is projected to increase from USD 591.8 million in 2025 to USD 1,142.6 million by 2035, with a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. Growth is driven by rising demand for fumaric acid in the pharmaceutical industry for drug production. Fumaric acid is ideal for pharmaceutical drug production and as a food additive to enhance stability and extend shelf life.

What are the Drivers of Fumaric Acid Market?

Fumaric acid is widely used in producing beverages, bakery goods, confectionery, and wine, incorporated into dough during dry blending as a non-toxic additive that serves as a flavoring agent and pH regulator.

There has been a substantial increase in the demand for fumaric acid due to the population growth and the rise in processed food consumption. In addition, the market growth of fumaric acid has been facilitated by the increase in the consumption of ready-to-eat products and beverages, which has been a direct consequence of the increase in disposable income among the populace.

The market expansion is driven by increased demand for fumaric acid from the automotive, construction, and chemical industries. Fumaric acid is utilized in producing unsaturated polyester resins, which are essential components in constructing water tanks, pipelines, and roofs.

Fumaric acid is utilized to manufacture a variety of polymers and coatings in the automotive industry. Fumaric acid has also seen an increase in the production of a variety of synthetic paints and enamels due to its weathering properties and affordability. As a result, these factors have led to the industry's upward market growth.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 591.8 million
Industry Size (2035F)	USD 1,142.6 million
CAGR (2025-2035)	6.8%

What are the Regional Trends of Fumaric Acid Market?

The North American market held a significant share in 2025, driven by strong growth in the pharmaceuticals, construction, and food and beverage industries.

An elevated demand for fumaric acid, which contributes flavor and preservative properties, has arisen as a consequence of the expanded production of culinary products. In this region, the demand for fumaric acid has been exacerbated by the escalating use of pigments in the construction industry.

The Asia Pacific fumaric acid market held the largest market share in 2025, primarily driven by rapid growth in the food and beverage industry and increasing demand for processed and convenience foods in the region. This growth is supported by rising disposable incomes, changing dietary habits, and expanding consumer demand for ready-to-eat and innovative food products. The expanding food and beverage sector, alongside other end-use industries, has positioned Asia Pacific as the leading fumaric acid market globally.

Market expansion has also been driven by rapid population growth, changing lifestyles, and a growing reliance on ready-to-eat food products, as rising disposable incomes have shifted consumer preferences.

The adoption of organic acids that regulate intestinal microbiota is being encouraged by the current restrictions on the routine use of antibiotics in animal husbandry in Europe and North America. In 2024, the European Food Safety Authority reaffirmed the safety of fumaric acid for all terrestrial animals.

European Food Safety Authority, "Safety and Efficacy of a Feed Additive Constituting Fumaric Acid for All Animal Species," EFSA Journal, efsa.europa.eu. When antibiotic growth promotors are substituted with fumarate, producers observe quantifiable enhancements in feed conversion ratios and average daily gain.

Formulators are commercializing buffered formulations that stabilize pH throughout the upper gastro-intestinal tract, resulting in premium SKUs with margins that exceed those of commodity acidulants. Steady baseline demand in developed markets is supported by the rapid adoption of poultry and swine feed lines.

Additionally, this region's market expansion has been bolstered by substantial investments by prominent market participants in the food and beverage sector. Over the forecast years, the fumaric acid market in Europe is anticipated to experience the most rapid rate of growth possible.

The region's market was designated as a lucrative market in this industry as a result of the growth of the food and beverage industry. Furthermore, the market has experienced growth as a result of the heightened utilization of fumaric acid in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and construction sectors, where it is employed in the formulation of a variety of pharmaceutical drug and cosmetic products.

In addition, the market is expanding as a result of the heightened demand for resins and coatings in the construction sector.

What are the challenges and restraining factors of the fumaric acid market?

The fumaric acid market faces key challenges and restraining factors including volatile raw material prices, particularly for maleic anhydride, which is highly sensitive to fluctuations in crude oil prices and petrochemical supply chains, significantly impacting production costs.

Manufacturing fumaric acid involves complex chemical processes and specific raw materials, such as maleic anhydride, whose price volatility directly affects production costs and, ultimately, market pricing. These high costs can limit market entry for smaller producers and make fumaric acid less competitive compared to lower-cost alternatives, especially in price-sensitive applications.

High production costs and the limited availability of essential raw materials further constrain market growth and profitability, especially for smaller manufacturers struggling to achieve economies of scale.

Stringent environmental and regulatory requirements, such as those imposed by the EU’s REACH regulations, drive up compliance and operational costs, adding layer of complexity for market participants.

Increased competition from alternative acidulants like citric and malic acid, which are often cheaper and more widely produced, exerts downward pressure on fumaric acid market expansion, particularly in price-sensitive applications.

Country-Wise Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
United States	6.1%
China	6.7%
Japan	5.9%

U.S. fumaric acid market sees growth driven by increasing use of fumaric acid as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and preservative

The U.S. fumaric acid market is experiencing steady growth, primarily driven by rising demand for natural and clean-label ingredients in the food and beverage sector. Fumaric acid is widely used as a flavor enhancer, acidity regulator, and preservative in products like bakery goods, confectioneries, and beverages. This growth is further supported by the increasing preference for convenience and processed foods, the use of unsaturated polyester resins for green construction materials, and broader applications in pharmaceutical coatings for controlled drug release.

Strategic investments in bio-based production processes and the growing demand for shelf-stable, fortified products are expanding the fumaric acid market presence. However, challenges such as high production costs, strict environmental regulations, and unstable raw material availability limit further market growth, especially for smaller producers.

The food-grade segment dominates due to its extensive application in processed foods, while the food and beverage processing sector remain the largest application segment, buoyed by shifting consumer lifestyles and eating preferences toward convenience products.

Recent launches and developments in the market focus on new production facilities, industry consolidation, and capacity expansions rather than the introduction of fundamentally new fumaric acid products.

Bartek Ingredients began delivering products from the world's largest malic and fumaric acid manufacturing facility as of September 2024, significantly expanding global supply and setting a new industry benchmark for capacity. This new state-of-the-art plant, begun in April 2022, doubles Bartek's malic and fumaric acid output.

China Witnesses Rapid Market Growth Backed by Growth in the Chemical and Construction Sectors

The expanding food and beverage industry in China, where fumaric acid is extensively used as a food additive to enhance flavor, regulate acidity, and preserve products, aligns with rising consumer demand for processed, convenience, and clean-label foods.

Growth in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, which use fumaric acid in resin production, drug formulations, and various industrial applications, is supported by China’s strong chemical manufacturing capabilities and rising industrial output.

The rising preference for natural and bio-based products, as fumaric acid is increasingly adopted in sustainable polymers and bio-based materials, driven by environmental regulations and consumer health awareness. Technological advancements in production processes that improve efficiency and lower costs, facilitating broader use across various industries within China.

Urbanization and rising disposable incomes are driving greater demand for processed foods and industrial products containing fumaric acid. Companies are concentrating on improving production efficiency and creating specialized grades designed for specific applications such as food acidity regulation, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable polymers. This effort includes advancing fermentation methods and downstream purification processes to enhance sustainability and reduce costs.

Japan Market sees Rising Demand for Compact and Technologically Advanced Fumaric Acids

Fumaric acid's use in pharmaceutical formulations such as in the treatment of psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and most notably, as the active ingredient in Shionogi's COVID-19 antiviral Xocova (ensitrelvir fumaric acid) is fueling additional demand. Continued research and new approvals demonstrate its growing strategic importance to Japanese pharmaceutical innovation.

Japan's ongoing industrialization and infrastructure investments drive the use of fumaric acid in unsaturated polyester resins, construction materials, and automotive components, further supporting market growth.

As of December 2024, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency has introduced updated analysis methods for food additives, including fumaric acid. This aims to ensure better safety standards and analytical precision for food producers using fumaric acid, though the new methods become mandatory only after December 2025, allowing a period of transition for manufacturers.

Category-wise Analysis

Fumaria Officinalis to Exhibit Leading by Extraction Type

Fumaria Officinalis dominates the fumaric acid market by revenue share, due to its long-standing use as a natural and efficient source. It is widely accepted in pharmaceutical and food industries for its purity and safety, especially in Europe and North America. The method ensures a clean, plant-derived product, aligning with consumer demand for natural ingredients and clean-label products, thereby bolstering its dominance in the global market.

Fermentation is the fastest-growing extraction method, due to its eco-friendly process, scalability, and lower environmental footprint. It offers better control over yield and quality, making it a favorable choice in regions with strict environmental regulations. As industries move toward sustainable and bio-based chemicals, fermentation is gaining rapid traction, especially in Asia-Pacific and Europe, driving significant market expansion in this segment.

Food Additives to Exhibit leading by Application

Food additives account for the largest revenue share in the fumaric acid market, due to their extensive use as a pH stabilizer, flavor enhancer, and preservative in processed foods and beverages. Their affordability, long shelf life, and GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by regulatory bodies ensure widespread application in bakery, confectionery, and beverage sectors across North America, Europe, and emerging economies.

Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UPR) are the fastest-growing application segment, driven by the booming construction and automotive industries. Fumaric acid is a key ingredient in UPRs, which are widely used in composite materials, marine, and building applications. Increased infrastructure investments, especially in Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern regions, are fueling the demand for UPR, consequently accelerating the growth of fumaric acid in this segment.

Food & Beverage to Exhibit leading by End-Use Industry

The food & beverage industry holds the largest revenue share in the fumaric acid market, due to its consistent demand for fumaric acid as an acidulant, preservative, and flavoring agent. Its high acidity, non-hygroscopic nature, and effectiveness at low concentrations make it ideal for processed foods and beverages. Growing packaged food consumption in urban areas across North America and Asia bolsters this segment's revenue dominance.

The pharmaceutical industry is the fastest-growing end-use sector for fumaric acid, propelled by its therapeutic use in conditions such as psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Increasing R&D investments, the rising incidence of chronic skin and neurological disorders, and the trend towards using bio-based excipients have contributed to the segment’s accelerated growth, especially in developed markets like the U.S., Germany, and Japan.

Competitive Analysis

The fumaric acid market is becoming increasingly competitive, with key participants utilizing advanced technologies and vertical integration. Bartek Ingredients has a new facility that boasts the world's largest combined malic and fumaric capacity and energy-efficient catalytic dehydration, making it a leader in food-grade production.

Alphagary's acquisition of a Mexican fumaric acid business is a strategic move that will facilitate the integration of stabilizer production for flexible PVC cables. Private-label agreements with Japanese refreshment brands are being secured by regional contract fermenters in Southeast Asia, which is increasing competition for long-haul exporters.

Key players in the market include Bartek Ingredients, Thirumalai Chemicals, Polynt S.P.A, Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd, Tianjin Bohai Chemicals, The Chemical Company, Wego Chemical Group, Changzhou Yabang Chemical Co. Ltd., and other players.

Recent Development

• In September 2024, Bartek Ingredients inaugurated production at its expanded facility, which resulted in a doubling of capacity and an 80% reduction in emissions as a result of process intensification. The expansion allows Bartek to produce twice as much compared to its previous output, significantly increasing the company’s supply capability for its products.
• In January 2024, Thirumalai Chemicals Limited (TCL) successfully commenced operations at its new 10,000 metric tonne (MT) fumaric acid facility in Dahej, Gujarat. This facility is a part of TCL's second phase of expansion at Dahej, which also includes a significant increase in phthalic anhydride (PAN) capacity.

Segmentation of Fumaric Acid Market

• By Extraction Type :

  • Fumaria Officinalis
  • Maleic Anhydride
  • Fermentation

• By Application :

  • Food Additives
  • Rosin Paper
  • Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UPR)
  • Alkyd Resins
  • Animal Feed
  • Others

• By End-Use Industry :

  • Food & Beverage
  • Cosmetics
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Chemical

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa