Methanesulfonic Acid Market Size, Share & Report [2033]

Methanesulfonic Acid Market Overview

The Methanesulfonic Acid Market size was valued at USD 313.6 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 529.8 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6% from 2025 to 2033.

The Methanesulfonic Acid (MSA) market is experiencing robust growth driven by increasing demand across electroplating, pharmaceuticals, and electronics manufacturing sectors. Methanesulfonic acid, with the chemical formula CH₃SO₃H and a molecular weight of 96.10 g/mol, is a colorless liquid known for its strong acidity and biodegradability. In 2023, global production of methanesulfonic acid surpassed 58,000 metric tons, reflecting expanding applications in various end-use industries.

Electroplating accounted for over 35% of total methanesulfonic acid consumption, especially in the production of electronic components and automotive parts. The pharmaceutical industry followed closely with a 28% consumption share due to MSA's role in producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug intermediates. Industrial-grade MSA made up nearly 72% of global volume, driven by industrial cleaning and catalysis applications.

Asia-Pacific led global demand, consuming over 22,000 metric tons of methanesulfonic acid in 2023. China emerged as the dominant contributor in the region, followed by Japan and South Korea. Environmental regulations favoring non-volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have further pushed MSA adoption as a greener alternative to mineral acids. These trends underscore the vital role of methanesulfonic acid in industrial sustainability.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Expanding use in electroplating for electronics and automotive sectors.

COUNTRY/REGION: China leads global consumption, accounting for over 35% of global demand.

SEGMENT: Industrial grade methanesulfonic acid dominates with over 70% usage share.

Methanesulfonic Acid Market Trends

The methanesulfonic acid market is undergoing notable transformation driven by sustainable chemistry initiatives, industrial automation, and expanding end-user applications. In 2023, the electroplating industry remained the largest end-user of MSA, consuming approximately 20,300 metric tons globally. This demand is fueled by MSA's high solubility, non-oxidizing nature, and compatibility with lead-free electroplating. In the pharmaceutical domain, MSA is used for forming mesylate salts, crucial in the synthesis of antihypertensive and antiviral drugs. The sector utilized over 16,000 metric tons in 2023, supported by the growing demand for chronic disease treatments. In addition, over 8,000 metric tons of MSA were consumed in organic synthesis for agrochemical and dye production. Growing emphasis on replacing hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) with more environmentally benign alternatives has accelerated MSA adoption. As of 2023, more than 45% of European chemical manufacturers have integrated MSA in their operations to align with REACH regulations. On the supply side, producers are ramping up production capacities. In 2024, BASF announced an expansion of its Ludwigshafen site by 4,000 metric tons annually. Similarly, Oxon Italia increased its output capacity by 20% at its Milan facility. These developments reflect the ongoing supply-demand recalibration amid rising consumption in Asia and Europe. Technological innovations, such as continuous flow manufacturing and greener catalysis, are optimizing production efficiencies. About 60% of global MSA manufacturers now utilize cleaner synthesis methods involving DMSO oxidation. With tighter emissions regulations in place across regions, this shift is crucial for operational compliance.

Methanesulfonic Acid Market Dynamics

Market dynamics refer to the factors that influence the growth, direction, and structure of a market over time. In the methanesulfonic acid market, dynamics encompass internal and external variables including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges that shape demand and supply patterns, influence pricing, and determine competitiveness. These elements operate simultaneously and evolve with regulatory changes, technological innovation, consumer preferences, and industrial trends.

DRIVER

Rising demand for pharmaceuticals.

Methanesulfonic acid is a key reactant in synthesizing mesylates—compounds vital for active pharmaceutical ingredients. In 2023, global pharmaceutical formulations exceeded 1.3 million metric tons, with MSA playing a key role in nearly 12% of this output. Increasing incidences of cardiovascular and viral diseases have pushed up the demand for mesylate-based drugs. For example, mesylate forms of imatinib and bosentan are widely prescribed in oncology and pulmonary hypertension treatments. With over 2.6 billion global prescriptions containing mesylate derivatives in 2023, the pharmaceutical sector will continue driving MSA consumption.

RESTRAINT

Environmental concerns over disposal and handling.

Although biodegradable, MSA must be handled with care due to its corrosive nature. In 2023, over 10 incidents of industrial leakage were reported across Asia, resulting in regulatory scrutiny and penalties. The acid's potential for environmental damage—particularly to aquatic systems—has led to strict wastewater treatment requirements. Compliance costs for waste neutralization and worker protection rose by 18% among mid-sized producers in 2023. These cost barriers may deter small-scale adopters from switching to MSA from more affordable acids.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in green electroplating processes.

Environmental pressure to eliminate cyanide and chromate-based electroplating has catalyzed the rise of MSA in green surface treatment. In 2023, over 60% of European metal finishing companies transitioned to MSA-based baths for tin and lead-free solder plating. The market for green electroplating chemicals grew by 9.3% in volume terms, amounting to 19,400 metric tons globally. MSA's high solubility in water and minimal gas emissions make it ideal for this segment. Investment in green plating solutions is expected to rise, particularly in semiconductor and automotive component manufacturing.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and expenditures.

The production of methanesulfonic acid relies on feedstocks like methyl mercaptan and hydrogen peroxide, both of which experienced price spikes in 2023. For instance, hydrogen peroxide prices rose by 14% year-on-year due to supply constraints in North America. As a result, average MSA manufacturing costs increased by 11% in 2023. Additionally, global freight charges for transporting corrosive liquids saw a 9% increase, driven by tightened maritime safety norms. These cumulative cost pressures pose profitability challenges for manufacturers, especially those without integrated supply chains.

Methanesulfonic Acid Market Segmentation

The methanesulfonic acid market is segmented by type into Pharmaceutical Grade and Industrial Grade, and by application into Electroplating, Medicine, Organic Synthesis, and Others.

By Type

Pharmaceutical Grade: Pharmaceutical grade MSA is characterized by high purity levels (>99.5%) and low heavy metal content. In 2023, this segment accounted for over 16,000 metric tons of global production. It is widely used to synthesize mesylate salts of key drugs. Regulatory approvals from the FDA and EMA have spurred adoption across drug manufacturing in Europe and North America. The rise of contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) globally has also contributed to an 8% increase in pharmaceutical-grade MSA production.
Industrial Grade: Industrial grade MSA represents the largest share, with over 42,000 metric tons produced in 2023. It is predominantly used in electroplating, metal surface treatment, and as a catalyst in esterification reactions. Its high thermal stability and compatibility with polar solvents make it suitable for large-scale chemical manufacturing. Over 900 electroplating facilities globally now employ MSA in their operations, with China accounting for more than 350 such facilities.

By Application

Electroplating: Electroplating represents the largest application segment for methanesulfonic acid, accounting for approximately 20,300 metric tons of global demand in 2023. MSA is widely used as an electrolyte component in metal finishing processes due to its non-volatile, non-oxidizing, and biodegradable characteristics.
Medicine (Pharmaceuticals): Methanesulfonic acid is a critical ingredient in pharmaceutical synthesis, especially in forming mesylate salts of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The pharmaceutical industry consumed approximately 16,200 metric tons of MSA in 2023.
Organic Synthesis: In 2023, around 8,300 metric tons of methanesulfonic acid were utilized in organic synthesis applications. MSA functions as a catalyst or acid reagent in esterification, alkylation, and polymerization reactions. It is employed in the production of agrochemicals, dyes, polymers, and specialty chemicals, especially in sectors that require environmentally safe alternatives to chlorinated and mineral acids.
Others: The "Others" category collectively consumed about 6,000–7,000 metric tons of methanesulfonic acid in 2023. Applications under this segment include industrial cleaning agents, metal descalers, textile processing, battery recycling, and plastic additive formulation.

Regional Outlook for the Methanesulfonic Acid Market

Regional outlook in the methanesulfonic acid market refers to the comparative analysis of market behavior, consumption trends, production capacities, regulatory environment, and industrial demand across different geographic regions. Each region contributes uniquely to the market, influenced by its level of industrialization, environmental policies, and sector-specific growth—such as pharmaceuticals in North America or electronics in Asia-Pacific.

North America

North America consumed around 10,600 metric tons of methanesulfonic acid in 2023. The U.S. led regional demand, driven by its pharmaceutical sector, which accounted for 58% of usage. The number of FDA-approved mesylate-based drugs increased by 11% in 2023. Demand from the electronics sector, especially for PCB manufacturing, added to the regional growth. U.S. manufacturers are also expanding capacity for green electroplating, with over 150 facilities transitioning to MSA-based processes.

Europe

Europe reported consumption of 13,800 metric tons in 2023, led by Germany, France, and Italy. The region’s emphasis on sustainable chemistry under REACH legislation has pushed widespread MSA adoption in place of sulfuric and nitric acids. Over 65% of electroplating companies in Germany have converted to MSA-based solutions. Pharmaceutical production in Switzerland and Belgium also contributed to regional demand, with mesylate drug APIs produced at over 50 facilities.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the largest regional market, consuming 22,000+ metric tons in 2023. China alone accounted for 14,200 metric tons, supported by its dominant electronics and chemical manufacturing sectors. Japan and South Korea followed, each using more than 3,000 metric tons. Rising investments in semiconductor manufacturing and lithium battery production in the region are expected to further drive MSA usage.

Middle East & Africa

MEA consumed approximately 3,200 metric tons of methanesulfonic acid in 2023. Growth is led by electroplating industries in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Pharmaceutical contract manufacturing in Egypt and South Africa also contributed. Increasing awareness about non-corrosive acids in water treatment and battery recycling is gradually opening up the MSA market in this region.

List of Top Methanesulfonic Acid Companies

BASF
Arkema
Oxon Italia
Jinshenghui Chemical
Zhongke Fine Chemical
Xingchi Science and Technology
Suning Chemical
Jinji Chemical
Yanuo Chemical
SHINYA CHEM

BASF: In 2023, BASF produced over 20,000 metric tons of methanesulfonic acid, serving customers across 60+ countries from its Ludwigshafen site.

Arkema: Arkema manufactured 12,500 metric tons in 2023 and operates advanced synthesis units in Europe and Asia, making it a global leader in both pharmaceutical and industrial MSA grades.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in methanesulfonic acid production has intensified globally, driven by sustainability goals and substitution potential. In 2023, global capital expenditure (CapEx) in MSA-related projects crossed $400 million in physical infrastructure development. China and Germany alone accounted for 47% of total investment volume. Key projects included the expansion of Oxon Italia’s production site, valued at $38 million, and a new facility in Shanghai with an annual capacity of 6,000 metric tons. Private equity firms have shown interest in MSA, funding innovations in electroplating and pharmaceuticals. Over 15 startup companies in Europe focused on green solvents received funding exceeding $60 million in 2023. The strong link between methanesulfonic acid and cleantech has positioned it as a strategic investment target. Technology-wise, investments in continuous-flow reactors and catalyst recycling methods are helping reduce manufacturing costs by 10–15%. R&D in catalyst recovery from spent acid has gained traction, with four pilot plants operational in Japan and Belgium.

New Product Development

Innovation in methanesulfonic acid synthesis and application is growing rapidly. In 2023, over 12 new patents were filed globally for eco-friendly production techniques. BASF unveiled a low-emission continuous-flow production line, reducing carbon output by 35%. Similarly, Arkema introduced a new pharma-grade variant with 99.99% purity for high-precision APIs. Oxon Italia collaborated with a Swiss biotech firm to launch mesylate intermediates that improve drug bioavailability by 15%. These compounds are used in new formulations of anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular medications. In the electroplating domain, SHINYA CHEM introduced a tin-MSA solution that extended anode life by 20% and reduced power consumption by 12%, gaining quick adoption in Japanese PCB facilities. Xingchi Science and Technology launched an industrial-grade MSA with dual pH buffering capacity for polymer applications. Digitization has also entered the space—Arkema launched a smart monitoring dashboard for real-time acid concentration analysis in electroplating baths, reducing wastage by 18%. The integration of AI and IoT in application control is expected to continue revolutionizing MSA consumption efficiency.

Five Recent Developments

BASF expanded its methanesulfonic acid capacity by 4,000 metric tons at Ludwigshafen in Q3 2023.
Arkema launched ultra-pure MSA (99.99%) for pharma in February 2024 targeting API producers.
Oxon Italia partnered with a Swiss firm to co-develop mesylate-based drug intermediates in June 2023.
SHINYA CHEM deployed new electroplating-grade MSA with extended bath life in late 2023.
Suning Chemical opened a 3,500 metric ton/year MSA facility in Zhejiang, China in January 2024.

Report Coverage of Methanesulfonic Acid Market

This report on the methanesulfonic acid market provides comprehensive analysis across production volumes, applications, and regional consumption patterns. It evaluates over 15 key companies and assesses market dynamics through drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges—each backed with quantitative data. Covering over 25 countries, it presents deep insights into the 2023–2024 timeframe. The report includes segmentation by type and application, with detailed analysis on industrial and pharmaceutical-grade products. Application-wise breakdown covers electroplating, medicine, and organic synthesis, representing over 90% of total usage. A regional outlook spanning North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and MEA illustrates comparative consumption and growth factors. Moreover, it explores investment trends, new product launches, and technology innovations transforming the market. With 400+ data points and five notable recent developments, the report serves as a strategic reference for manufacturers, investors, and policymakers involved in green chemistry and industrial solvents.