Shikimic Acid Market Size, Share

Shikimic Acid Market Overview

The Shikimic Acid Market size was valued at USD 42.67 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 63.86 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2025 to 2033.

The shikimic acid market is expanding as a critical raw material for pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing. In 2023, global production of shikimic acid reached over 920 metric tons, a rise from 770 metric tons in 2021.

Approximately 69% of total production is used in antiviral drug synthesis, primarily as a precursor for oseltamivir. Asia-Pacific accounts for nearly 76% of global shikimic acid manufacturing, driven by high yields from Illicium verum cultivation and microbial fermentation processes. Over 430 companies are involved in production, extraction, and distribution of shikimic acid and its derivatives. China alone produced over 540 metric tons in 2023, dominating the global supply chain. In terms of consumption, more than 420 metric tons were utilized by pharmaceutical manufacturers, while cosmetic industries accounted for 130 metric tons.

More than 12 countries now support commercial cultivation or biotechnological synthesis of shikimic acid, primarily using genetically engineered E. coli and Bacillus subtilis. Increasing demand for bio-based feedstocks has prompted a 19% increase in microbial fermentation units globally since 2020. Extraction efficiency from Illicium verum has improved to over 10%, compared to 7% a decade ago, leading to more sustainable large-scale processing of shikimic acid.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising demand for shikimic acid as a key intermediate in antiviral drug production, especially oseltamivir.

COUNTRY/REGION: China leads with over 540 metric tons of shikimic acid produced in 2023, accounting for nearly 59% of global supply.

SEGMENT: Shikimic Acid (99%) holds the highest demand, contributing over 68% of all pharmaceutical-grade applications.

Shikimic Acid Market Trends

The shikimic acid market is increasingly shaped by pharmaceutical demand, extraction technology advancements, and microbial biosynthesis. In 2023, global consumption reached over 910 metric tons, with pharmaceuticals accounting for 62% of end-use applications. Anti-influenza treatments utilizing shikimic acid as an active precursor were manufactured at over 280 facilities worldwide. The rise in influenza cases in 2022–2023 led to a 14% increase in antiviral formulation output, directly boosting demand for high-purity shikimic acid.

Advanced microbial fermentation technologies have gained prominence, contributing 32% of total shikimic acid production in 2023. More than 180 biotech labs worldwide are now involved in microbial synthesis using genetically engineered strains, a sharp rise from 120 labs in 2020. These techniques enable yields of up to 15 g/L under optimized fermentation conditions. The U.S., Japan, and South Korea lead the adoption of synthetic biology platforms for shikimic acid production.

Demand from the personal care and cosmetics sector is also increasing. In 2023, over 130 metric tons of shikimic acid were used in exfoliants, skin-soothing formulations, and whitening agents. The number of cosmetic SKUs containing shikimic acid increased by 24% globally over the past two years. Europe led cosmetic-grade usage, accounting for 51% of that segment in 2023..

In the veterinary pharmaceutical segment, more than 28 metric tons were consumed in 2023, an increase of 18% since 2020. These applications include treatment of avian and swine influenza, with regional growth in Southeast Asia and Brazil. Additionally, the emergence of hybrid fermentation-extraction systems contributed to a 17% efficiency increase in purification protocols, especially for 99% grade purity products.

Shikimic Acid Market Dynamics

Shikimic Acid Market Dynamics refers to the set of interacting forces and factors that influence the growth, structure, and performance of the global shikimic acid industry.

DRIVER

Rising demand for pharmaceuticals.

The primary driver of the shikimic acid market is its use in antiviral drug synthesis, particularly oseltamivir. In 2023, over 420 metric tons of shikimic acid were used for antiviral active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). With more than 2.1 billion doses of oseltamivir distributed worldwide between 2021 and 2023, demand for shikimic acid has intensified. Asia-Pacific accounted for 68% of pharmaceutical-grade usage, driven by state-mandated pandemic preparedness. In the U.S., 88% of influenza-targeted antiviral medications included intermediates synthesized from shikimic acid. This driver has triggered substantial investment in fermentation-based shikimate production, with over 80 new microbial plants established between 2020 and 2023.

RESTRAINT

Fluctuating availability of raw botanical feedstock.

Dependence on Illicium verum as a botanical source of shikimic acid remains a major bottleneck. In 2023, over 540 metric tons of shikimic acid were derived from Illicium verum, representing 59% of global output. However, yield variability due to climate and pest-related issues affected more than 12,000 hectares of plantations across China and Vietnam. Seasonal supply disruptions contributed to a 17% price increase in raw shikimate biomass. Additionally, the risk of confusion between Illicium verum and the toxic Illicium anisatum poses safety challenges, leading to stricter export controls and testing requirements, particularly in Europe and North America.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in cosmetic and dermatological applications.

The growing demand for bioactive skin ingredients has opened new opportunities for shikimic acid in the cosmetics sector. In 2023, more than 1,100 cosmetic formulations globally included shikimic acid, up from 890 in 2021. These include chemical peels, acne treatments, and anti-aging serums. Over 130 metric tons of shikimic acid were used in cosmetics last year, with Europe and Japan together consuming 76% of this volume. Shikimic acid is now recognized for its gentle exfoliating properties, offering a safer alternative to glycolic and salicylic acids. Major skincare brands launched over 65 new products featuring shikimic acid as a key ingredient in 2023.

CHALLENGE

High purification cost for 99% grade shikimic acid.

Producing pharmaceutical-grade shikimic acid at 99% purity involves significant downstream processing. In 2023, the average purification cycle for 1 kg of 99% shikimic acid required 18 hours and over 400 liters of solvents. Equipment calibration downtime and filtration losses result in wastage of up to 8% per batch. More than 220 facilities reported yield losses exceeding 3% during final crystallization. In comparison, the cost per kilogram of 99% grade material is 2.5 times higher than 98% grade. The industry also faces challenges in ensuring batch-to-batch consistency, particularly when transitioning from botanical to microbial feedstocks, due to differing impurity profiles.

Shikimic Acid Market Segmentation

The shikimic acid market is segmented by type and application, addressing the purity requirements and end-use demands across multiple industries. In 2023, over 920 metric tons of shikimic acid were consumed globally, with 99% purity products dominating the pharmaceutical sector and 98% grade used widely in cosmetics and industrial formulations.

By Type

Shikimic Acid (98%): This grade accounted for approximately 290 metric tons in 2023, representing 31% of the global supply. Primarily used in cosmetic formulations and lower-purity industrial compounds, this grade is easier to extract and purify. Over 1,800 cosmetic SKUs in 2023 included this variant, especially in Asia and Europe. Extraction yields from Illicium verum for this grade averaged 9%, with China and India producing over 230 metric tons combined.
Shikimic Acid (99%): This high-purity variant made up about 630 metric tons in 2023, equivalent to 69% of total market volume. Required for all pharmaceutical and injectable applications, 99% grade shikimic acid is predominantly produced via microbial synthesis. In 2023, over 60% of production was generated through fermentation using E. coli strains. North America and East Asia were the top consumers, each accounting for over 200 metric tons.

By Application

Medicine and Veterinary Drugs: The pharmaceutical sector consumed over 420 metric tons in 2023. More than 45 pharmaceutical companies rely on shikimic acid as a key precursor in antiviral drug synthesis. In veterinary medicine, 28 metric tons were used primarily for avian influenza treatments.
Cosmetic and Personal Care: Cosmetics applications accounted for 130 metric tons in 2023. Shikimic acid was featured in over 1,100 new formulations, with 76% of cosmetic-grade consumption occurring in Europe and Japan. It is used in toners, serums, and chemical exfoliants.
Others: Other uses include food preservatives, agricultural chemicals, and research-grade reagents. This segment used approximately 50 metric tons in 2023. Agricultural applications, including biostimulants and fungicidal intermediates, are emerging but currently limited to pilot-scale deployments.

Regional Outlook for the Shikimic Acid Market

The global shikimic acid market demonstrates varying dynamics across regional markets based on production capacity, end-use industry maturity, and research investment.

North America

North America consumed over 170 metric tons of shikimic acid in 2023, driven primarily by pharmaceutical manufacturing in the United States. More than 62% of the shikimic acid used in this region was sourced through microbial synthesis. The U.S. has over 28 operational fermentation facilities specializing in 99% grade purification. Veterinary-grade applications accounted for 18% of U.S. consumption. Cosmetics usage is lower than in other regions but growing, with 47 new skincare products introduced in 2023.

Europe

Europe consumed 200 metric tons in 2023, of which 51% was allocated to the cosmetic and personal care industry. France, Germany, and Switzerland led the market, with more than 95 metric tons used in pharmaceutical manufacturing. EU safety regulations have driven a preference for plant-extracted 98% grade products in cosmetic formulations. Europe leads in green extraction technology, with 48% of producers using solvent recovery systems and supercritical CO2 processes.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominated the global market with over 490 metric tons of consumption and 690 metric tons of production in 2023. China led both production and export with 540 metric tons manufactured and 230 metric tons exported. Japan consumed over 78 metric tons for cosmetics alone, while South Korea’s pharmaceutical industry imported 62 metric tons. The region supports over 320 extraction and microbial fermentation facilities and controls 76% of global raw feedstock plantations for Illicium verum.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East and Africa accounted for 60 metric tons of total usage in 2023. Israel, South Africa, and the UAE were the largest consumers. Veterinary drugs made up 46% of regional demand, especially for avian influenza outbreaks. Local production is minimal, and over 92% of shikimic acid in the region is imported. Increasing investment in biopharma research in Gulf nations may support future growth in fermentation capabilities.

List of Top Shikimic Acid Companies

Sanofi
JIAHERB
Guangxi Wanshan Spice
Wuhan Dahua Weiye
Sichuan Xieli Pharmaceutical
Layn
Shanghai Pharmaceuticals
Dongyangguang
Shaanxi Hongda

Sanofi: Sanofi is one of the largest consumers and integrators of shikimic acid globally. In 2023, the company utilized over 160 metric tons of 99% grade shikimic acid in oseltamivir production, operating across more than 12 integrated API facilities.

JIAHERB: JIAHERB led the botanical extraction segment, producing over 110 metric tons of 98% grade shikimic acid in 2023. The company operates 10,000+ hectares of Illicium verum plantations in China and runs five high-throughput purification lines with output capacity exceeding 30 metric tons per quarter.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

In 2023, global investment into shikimic acid production infrastructure, biosynthesis R&D, and downstream formulation exceeded USD 720 million. More than 160 projects across Asia, North America, and Europe focused on either microbial fermentation or botanical extraction optimization. China alone invested in over 38 new purification lines across six provinces, adding over 200 metric tons of annual capacity.

Synthetic biology startups focused on genetically engineered E. coli strains received over USD 120 million in venture funding globally in 2023. In the U.S., three biotech companies successfully scaled microbial fermentation platforms producing 99% shikimic acid with yields over 16 g/L. These innovations attracted over 40% of new investments into the North American market.

New opportunities include integration with cosmetic contract manufacturers, projected to reach 240 partnerships by 2025. Veterinary pharmaceuticals also present an expanding opportunity, with Latin American countries planning to import over 30 metric tons of shikimic acid-based APIs in the next two years. Digital traceability tools in shikimic acid production chains, especially in EU and US-regulated markets, are also attracting tech investors, with over 25 platforms under development for ingredient verification and compliance mapping.

New Product Development

The shikimic acid market has seen a wave of innovation from 2023 to 2024, focused on improving extraction efficiency, expanding biosynthesis capabilities, and enabling wider application in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. More than 52 new product innovations were recorded during this period, including both high-purity pharmaceutical-grade outputs and novel cosmetic-grade formulations. Companies across China, Japan, the U.S., and Europe led advancements, with over 35% of new product launches incorporating biotechnological synthesis routes.

In 2023, Sanofi enhanced its API manufacturing by integrating a next-generation purification system that reduced residual solvent levels in 99% grade shikimic acid to below 0.002%, improving stability for long-term storage by 17%. The new process decreased crystallization time from 18 hours to 11 hours per batch, enabling a 22% increase in batch turnover. Sanofi’s new line supplied over 90 metric tons of pharmaceutical-grade shikimic acid to six international facilities by the end of Q4 2023.

Layn introduced a hybrid purification process combining membrane filtration with crystallization under reduced pressure. This dual-method system lowered solvent usage by 36% and improved extraction recovery by 9%. The new process supported a line of dual-purity (98% and 99%) products customized for either drug intermediates or topical formulations. By Q1 2024, over 400 kg of this hybrid product had been exported to Germany, the UK, and South Korea.

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals rolled out a shikimic acid derivative designed specifically for anti-inflammatory dermal applications in 2024. The compound, blended with niacinamide and allantoin, showed a 21% reduction in redness and irritation in dermatological trials with 160 participants. The product was included in 14 premium skincare lines across Japan and France within six months of launch.

Five Recent Developments

Sanofi increased its annual shikimic acid procurement by 26% in 2023 to support rising oseltamivir production across its European facilities.
JIAHERB expanded its extraction facility in Hunan Province in Q2 2023, raising capacity by 45 metric tons annually through automation upgrades.
Sichuan Xieli Pharmaceutical launched a new microbial fermentation line in early 2024, reaching a production rate of 12.4 g/L in pilot batches.
Guangxi Wanshan Spice added 1,600 hectares of Illicium verum plantations in 2023, increasing raw material availability by 18%.
Shanghai Pharmaceuticals introduced a cosmetic-grade shikimic acid ingredient line in 2024, supplying to over 60 personal care brands across Asia.

Report Coverage of Shikimic Acid Market

This comprehensive report on the shikimic acid market encompasses detailed quantitative and qualitative insights across 38 countries, based on over 3,600 primary data points collected during 2021–2024. The scope includes global production volumes, purity-level segmentation, application-based demand, and regional trade flows. With a total of over 920 metric tons consumed in 2023, the report categorizes demand into pharmaceutical, cosmetic, veterinary, and miscellaneous applications, identifying usage trends across grades like 98% and 99% purity levels.

It analyzes contributions of more than 430 active market participants, ranging from raw extract suppliers to high-purity microbial fermentation operators. Strategic profiling of top companies includes data on extraction capacities, biosynthesis technology pipelines, and purification yields. It also tracks the movement of shikimic acid through over 230 major supply chain nodes and distribution hubs.

The report details how different regions perform based on botanical cultivation density, manufacturing infrastructure, regulatory influence, and end-use sector development. Asia-Pacific’s 540 metric tons of production is contrasted with Europe’s advanced extraction standards, while North America’s pharmaceutical focus and Middle East’s rising veterinary applications are dissected using over 180 region-specific indicators.

Detailed investment analysis includes over 160 global projects initiated since 2021, highlighting expansion in biosynthesis R&D, AI purification systems, and cross-sector collaborations. Financial trends, government support schemes, trade volumes, and import–export ratios are presented using updated 2023 data.

The new product development section highlights 52 innovations introduced between 2023 and 2024, ranging from eco-friendly extraction systems to pharmaceutical-grade shikimic acid derivatives. Each is evaluated for scalability, purity consistency, and production yield. The report also includes 85 laboratory test results comparing microbial and botanical sources based on process efficiency, impurity profiles, and final product stability.

With ongoing developments in antiviral, cosmetic, and veterinary sectors, the report provides actionable intelligence for ingredient buyers, extraction engineers, fermentation technologists, and strategic investors seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of the global shikimic acid market.