Chloroform Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By End-use Industry (Chemical, Agrochemical, Pharmaceutical, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Chloroform, or trichloromethane, is a colorless, sweet-smelling organic compound with a diverse range of industrial applications. Its production primarily involves the chlorination of methane or methyl chloride with chlorine at elevated temperatures. Historically, chloroform gained popularity as an anesthetic in the mid-19th century, though this use has been discontinued due to safety concerns regarding its toxicity. Currently, its applications in medicine are limited, mainly serving as a solvent in pharmaceutical preparation. Industrially, chloroform serves as a feedstock and solvent for chemical reactions and extractions, particularly in the chemical and agrochemical industries. In laboratories, chloroform is a widely used solvent for organic compounds due to its ability to dissolve a broad range of substances.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Key Emerging Trends – For Major Regions


• Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships


• Latest Technological Advancements


• Insights on Sustainability


• Porters Five Forces Analysis


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

Analysis by End-use Industry

By end-use industry, the market is segmented into chemical, agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and others. The pharmaceutical segment holds a considerable share of the global chloroform market. Chloroform is extensively used in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily due to its effectiveness as a solvent in various stages of drug development and production. Its high purity is critical to ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products. The global pharmaceutical industry’s growth, driven by rising healthcare needs and chronic disease prevalence, fuels drug manufacturing growth. As drug production rises, both in established and emerging markets, the demand for chloroform in such processes is expected to grow in tandem, driving market growth.    

The chemical segment consumes a significant share of chloroform due to its crucial role as a solvent and intermediate in producing refrigerants, fluoropolymers, and various organic compounds. Despite regulatory pressures to phase out certain uses, chloroform remains essential in many chemical processes, including synthesis, extraction, and purification. Rising demand in developing regions and advancements in chemical manufacturing are anticipated to drive market growth.

Chloroform’s use in the agrochemical segment is due to its importance as a solvent and carrier for essential agricultural chemicals. Its role in pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide formulations contributes to global food production by safeguarding crops against pests and diseases. As agricultural practices evolve and the regulatory landscape shifts, chloroform still continues to play a pivotal role in crop protection and agricultural productivity, driving market growth in tandem.

• According to a study published by the Food and Agriculture Organization, the total pesticide usage across the globe was around 3.5 million tons in 2021, accounting for an 11% increase over the decade and a doubling since 1990.

Regional Analysis

The global market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is the largest consumer of chloroform, driven by rapid industrial growth, particularly in China and India. This region’s substantial chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and extensive agricultural activities necessitate high chloroform usage, driving market growth.

• Asia Pacific has a large and growing chemical manufacturing industry. According to an article published by the European Chemical Industry Council, the region alone accounts for about 45% of global chemical manufacturing, while generating over 69% of global jobs in the industry.


• Chloroform is used as a solvent and intermediate in producing various chemicals. Countries, such as China, India, and South Korea have significant chemical production facilities that extensively use chloroform in their processes, driving market growth.

The major chloroform market consumers by region are China, Japan, and India in Asia Pacific; the U.S. & Canada in North America; Germany and France in Europe; and Saudi Arabia and UAE in the Middle East.

• According to the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, China accounted for 44% of global chemical production in 2022. Other than the production of basic chemicals, Chinese chemical companies are also shifting their focus toward higher production of fine chemicals and consumer chemicals. Thus, amid the country’s expanding chemical industry, the market is anticipated to grow in tandem.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players, such as Sankyo Chemical Co., Ltd., Olin Corporation, Arihant Chemicals, Kem One, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Khimprom, SRF Limited, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., and abcr GmbH.

Key Industry Developments

• In October 2022, Olin Corporation announced it would stop producing chloroform and methylene chloride at its Stade facility in Germany. However, the company will continue to produce both these products at its facility in Texas, U.S. The move is part of the company’s strategic plan to improve production efficiency and boost profitability.