Current Status and Production Capacity of the Citric Acid CAS# 77-92-9 Industry
4.1 Production and Output
China’s industry evolved from scattered small-scale production to concentrated large-scale operations. By 2024, total production capacity exceeds 1.5 million tons, with output steadily rising from 1.07 million tons in 2012 to 1.72 million tons in 2022 (CAGR 4.86%). Key production regions include Shandong, Anhui, and Jiangsu, with six major companies controlling 88.5% of national capacity.
4.2 Supply and Demand
China has long had overcapacity, with an overall operating rate around 60%. Domestic demand is steadily increasing, with the food and beverage sector consuming 61.3% of output in 2023, daily chemicals 28.35%, and pharmaceuticals 10.35%.
4.3 Imports and Exports
China is highly export-oriented. In 2022, exports reached 1.228 million tons, up 15.09% year-on-year, while imports were only 2,000 tons. Main export destinations include India, Mexico, Russia, and Japan. Challenges include anti-dumping measures and green trade barriers.
4.4 Policy and Environmental Impact
Environmental regulations under China’s “dual carbon” strategy have led to stricter oversight, encouraging clean production and phasing out non-compliant small enterprises. By 2024, the top five companies (CR5) held 72% market share, up from 58% in 2020. Leading firms invest in wastewater treatment and resource recycling, achieving near-zero emissions and high-value by-product utilization.
5. Key Development Factors
5.1 Raw Material Supply
Corn, the primary raw material, reached 288 million tons in 2023, ensuring stable supply. Raw material prices account for 60–70% of production costs, affecting profit margins.
5.2 Technological Advances
Fermentation technology improvements have raised conversion rates to over 95% while reducing energy and raw material consumption. Innovations like continuous fermentation and membrane separation enhance efficiency and sustainability. Projects using non-grain raw materials (straw, cassava) are also emerging.
6. Future Trends
China’s citric acid industry is moving from scale expansion to quality and efficiency. High-purity and specialty products are prioritized. Rising demand in functional beverages, low-sugar foods, and natural daily chemicals will drive growth, while applications in industrial cleaning, water treatment, and environmental protection will expand. Despite global competition from India and Southeast Asia, China maintains dominance due to technical and cost advantages. The industry is set to evolve toward high-end, intelligent, and low-carbon production, forming a modern, sustainable system.
