The humic acid market was valued at approximately US$ 1,144.11 million in 2022 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 2,640.11 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.0% from 2022 to 2030.
There is an increasing consumer inclination towards natural and organic food products, which encompasses meat, dairy, and eggs. This trend is largely influenced by worries regarding synthetic additives, antibiotics, and hormones present in animal feed and their possible effects on human health. Humic acid, a natural substance derived from organic matter, aligns with the preferences of consumers who are looking for natural and organic food options. It contributes to improved digestion and nutrient absorption in animals, resulting in enhanced feed conversion and growth rates. Additionally, it boosts immune function and lowers the likelihood of infections in livestock, thereby supporting overall animal health and welfare. As farmers strive to maximize productivity while ensuring animal welfare, the demand for feed additives like humic acid is on the rise. According to the article "Humic Substances as a Feed Supplement and the Benefits of Produced Chicken Meat" published by MDPI AG, humic acid improves animal digestibility, nutrient absorption, and the health of the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, gut microbiota is crucial for animal health and nutrient utilization. Research indicates that humic acid positively affects gut microbiota by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppressing harmful pathogens, which helps maintain a healthy gut environment and can enhance feed efficiency and animal performance. Consequently, the increasing demand for natural animal feed products globally is expected to significantly boost the humic acid market in the years ahead.
The humic acid market is categorized by application into agriculture, horticulture, ecological bioremediation, dietary supplements, and other sectors. Additional applications of humic acid include its use in animal feed, pulp and paper, wastewater treatment, cement concrete, and battery industries, among others. In the animal feed sector, humic acid is primarily utilized as a feed additive, serving as a substitute for antibiotics that are traditionally used to enhance poultry health and performance. In the paper industry, humic acid modifies waterproofing agents and barrier coatings. It also acts as a liquefier in concrete, improving its properties. In the battery sector, humic acid is employed as an expander in lead accumulators, where it affects the size and morphology of lead and lead sulfate during charging and discharging cycles. This application enhances the charge potential and discharge capacity of lead accumulators while reducing self-discharge, thereby extending battery life. Thus, the diverse applications of humic acid across various industries are propelling the growth of the humic acid market.
Geographically, the humic acid market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South & Central America. In 2022, Europe dominated the humic acid market, while Asia Pacific is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The European government has implemented agricultural policies that support organic farming and the use of biofertilizers. The European Union continues to advocate for biofertilizers as a cost-effective alternative to chemical fertilizers, encouraging farmers to optimize or completely replace chemical fertilizers with environmentally friendly options for better economic returns. As a result of these evolving market dynamics, farmers are increasingly turning to organic fertilizers to boost crop yields. Humic acid is predominantly utilized in organic fertilizers, thus the growing adoption of organic fertilizers is driving the expansion of the humic acid market in Europe.
Key players in the humic acid market include AGBEST TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Agriculture Solutions Inc, Black Earth Products Inc, AGRICULTURAL AND MINING DEVELOPMENT SA, Faust Bio-Agricultural Services Inc, Humic Growth Solutions Inc, Humintech GmbH, The Andersons Inc, MYCSA Ag Inc, and Grow More Inc. These companies are employing strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, collaborations, and joint ventures to broaden their market reach and enhance product expertise. For example, Paine Schwartz Partners recently announced a strategic investment through Paine Schwartz Food Chain Fund VI in Humic Growth Solutions Inc. This investment builds on the firm?s established history of investing in the upstream segments of Crop Productivity & Sustainability, including previous investments in AgBiTech and SNFL. Such strategic initiatives are expected to further stimulate the growth of the humic acid market in the near future.
The overall size of the humic acid market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process commenced with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. Additionally, numerous primary interviews were conducted with industry participants to validate the findings and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants in this research included industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, national sales managers, and external consultants, including valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the humic acid market.