Report Code : CVMI2501245 | Published Date : March 3, 2025
1 | Market Overview
Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) is a reactive and highly versatile chemical intermediate widely used in agrochemicals, flame retardants, plasticizers, and pharmaceuticals. This colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid is primarily manufactured through the reaction of dry chlorine with molten white phosphorus and plays a crucial role in organophosphorus chemistry. Its demand has remained stable in traditional agrochemical markets and is expanding into new areas such as lithium-ion battery electrolytes, specialty surfactants, and advanced coatings.
Due to its reactivity, phosphorus trichloride is rarely used directly; instead, it is transformed into various downstream derivatives such as phosphonic acids, phosphites, and phosphorus-based pesticides. The global market benefits from supply chain integration among leading chlor-alkali and phosphorus producers. However, geopolitical risks linked to phosphorus mining and transportation, particularly from regions like China and Kazakhstan, influence supply stability.
2 | Market Size and Forecast
Year |
Market Value (USD Million) |
Notes |
2019 |
1,120 |
Agrochemical base demand in Asia and Latin America |
2024 |
1,540 |
CAGR 6.6% (2019–2024) |
2031 |
2,845 |
Projected CAGR 9.2% (2024–2031) |
Growth is propelled by the expansion of pesticide formulations, increasing demand for flame retardants in electronics, and emerging applications in battery manufacturing.
3 | Primary Market Drivers
- Agrochemical Expansion: Growing crop protection needs in Latin America and Southeast Asia support significant demand for glyphosate and other phosphorus-based pesticides.
- Electronics Safety Standards: Regulatory pressure for halogen-free, phosphorus-based flame retardants in electrical and electronics industries boosts the consumption of PCl3.
- Battery Chemistry Innovations: PCl3-derived compounds are being tested as electrolyte precursors for solid-state and high-voltage lithium-ion batteries.
- China's Chemical Integration: China accounts for over 50% of global production and increasingly integrates upstream white phosphorus and downstream intermediates.
- Pharmaceutical Derivatives: Niche APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) utilize PCl3 for synthesis of antiviral, antihypertensive, and anticancer compounds.
4 | Market Challenges
- Toxicity and Handling Hazards: PCl3 is corrosive and toxic, requiring extensive safety systems for transportation and storage.
- Regulatory and Export Controls: Classified under dual-use chemical lists; subject to export restrictions in multiple jurisdictions.
- Volatile Raw Material Costs: Prices of white phosphorus and chlorine directly affect manufacturing economics.
- Regional Imbalances: Production is concentrated in Asia, with import reliance in regions like Europe and North America.
- Waste Management: Hydrolysis and neutralization of by-products require high-efficiency effluent treatment plants.
5 | Competitive Landscape
Company |
Est. 2024 Share |
Competitive Strengths |
Recent Move |
ICL Group |
21% |
Vertically integrated phosphorus operations |
Expanded PCl3 capacity at Negev plant in Israel |
Syngenta/ChemChina |
18% |
In-house use for agrochemical synthesis |
Consolidated downstream glyphosate production lines |
Xingfa Group |
16% |
China-based PCl3 leader with global distribution |
Acquired minority stake in Kazakhstan phosphorus facility |
Solvay |
11% |
Specialty phosphorus derivatives |
Debuted low-toxicity PCl3 grades for pharma customers |
Hubei Xingfa |
9% |
Cost leadership via integrated manufacturing |
Signed long-term export deals with South American agro firms |
Others |
25% |
Regional players, pharma intermediates |
Investments in storage terminals in Europe and India |
6 | Detailed Market Segmentation
By Grade
- Technical Grade – 72%
- Pharmaceutical Grade – XX%
- Battery/Ultra-Pure Grade – XX%
By Application
- Agrochemicals – 49%
- Flame Retardants – XX%
- Pharmaceuticals – XX%
- Batteries & Electrolytes – XX%
- Others (e.g., surfactants, catalysts) – XX%
By End Use Industry
- Agriculture – 46%
- Electronics – XX%
- Pharmaceuticals – XX%
- Chemical Intermediates – XX%
- Others – 7%
7 | Regional Analysis
- Asia-Pacific (56%) – China and India dominate due to low-cost production and high pesticide demand.
- North America (XX%) – Growth in lithium-ion battery chemistry and pharma derivatives drives demand.
- Europe (XX%) – Demand fueled by electronics flame retardants and pharmaceutical-grade synthesis.
- Latin America (XX%) – Agrochemical sector remains primary consumption driver.
- Middle East & Africa (XX%) – Minimal production, but growing imports for flame retardant applications.
8 | Technology and Innovation
- Closed-loop Chlorination Units to minimize chlorine loss and reduce emissions.
- Continuous-flow Reactors for precise control and enhanced safety during large-scale production.
- Electrochemical PCl3 Derivatives tailored for energy storage chemistries.
- Low-residue Pharma-Grade Purification via proprietary distillation processes.
- Digital Inventory Monitoring in bulk storage terminals to optimize supply chain traceability.
9 | Regulatory Environment
Phosphorus trichloride is subject to stringent regulations, including REACH, TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act), and the Chemical Weapons Convention due to its potential dual-use nature. Export licenses are mandatory in several regions, and local EH&S laws require strict compliance with fire and chemical handling protocols.
10 | Recent Developments (Q4 2023 – Q2 2025)
- Q4 2023 – ICL completed 30% capacity expansion in Israel.
- Q2 2024 – Xingfa acquired stake in Kazakh phosphorus supplier.
- Q4 2024 – Solvay launched low-tox PCl3 grade for EU pharma customers.
- Q1 2025 – ChemChina upgraded wastewater treatment at Shandong site.
11 | Strategic Outlook
Producers should invest in high-purity purification and energy-efficient reactors to meet pharma and battery-grade demand. Traders must establish regional terminals to mitigate transport risks. Governments are urged to coordinate dual-use chemical controls with industrial access for legitimate end users.
12 | Methodology
Estimates are based on capacity utilization surveys, trade flow analysis, pricing trends from ICIS/Chemweek, and over 65 expert interviews across five continents. CAGR models were built on sector-weighted growth assumptions.
Reasons To Buy

Scope

Key Players
- Lanxess AG
- Solvay S.A.
- ICL Group Ltd.
- OCP Group
- The Mosaic Company
- Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group
- Yihua Group
- Merck KGaA
- Bayer AG
- PCC Rokita SA
- Parchem Fine & Specialty Chemicals
Phosphorous Trichloride Market Report
- 1. Phosphorous Trichloride Market Research Report
- 1.1 Study Objectives
- 1.2 Phosphorous Trichloride Market - Overview
- 1.3 Reason to Read This Report
- 1.4 Methodology and Forecast Analysis
- 2. Phosphorous Trichloride Market Research Report - Preface
- 2.1 Phosphorous Trichloride Market Research Report – Detailed Scope and Definitions
- 2.1.1 By Grade
- 2.1.2 By Application
- 2.1.3 By End Use Industry Agriculture
- 2.1.4 By Region
- 2.1 Phosphorous Trichloride Market Research Report – Detailed Scope and Definitions
- 3. Phosphorous Trichloride Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Drivers - Macro-Economic Based, Supply Side, and Demand Side Drivers
- 3.2. Restraints – By Grade, By Application, By End Use Industry Agriculture, By Country
- 3.3. Opportunities – By Grade, By Application, By End Use Industry Agriculture, By Country
- 3.4. Trends – By Grade, By Application, By End Use Industry Agriculture, By Country
- 3.5. PEST Analysis
- 3.6. Porters Five Rule Analysis
- 3.7. Company’s Share Analysis (CSA) by Region or By Country
- 3.8. Phosphorous Trichloride Market Research Report – DROTs Impact Analysis
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- 4. Phosphorous Trichloride Market Research Report, Historic Data 2019 - 2023 and Forecast Analysis Data 2024 - 2031
- 4.1. Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 4.2. Annual Market Trend Assessment – Year-on-Year (YoY) Growth Analysis (%)
- 4.3. Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and 2024 - 2031
- 4.4. Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 5. Phosphorous Trichloride Market, By Grade, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
- 5.1 Technical Grade
- 5.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 5.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 5.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 5.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 5.2 Pharmaceutical Grade
- 5.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 5.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 5.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 5.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 5.3 Battery/Ultra-Pure Grade
- 5.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 5.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 5.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 5.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 6.1 Agrochemicals
- 6.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 6.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 6.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 6.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 6.2 Flame Retardants
- 6.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 6.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 6.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 6.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 6.3 Pharmaceuticals
- 6.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 6.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 6.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 6.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 6.4 Batteries & Electrolytes
- 6.4.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 6.4.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 6.4.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 6.4.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 6.5 Others (e.g., surfactants, catalysts)
- 6.5.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 6.5.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 6.5.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 6.5.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 7.1 Electronics
- 7.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 7.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 7.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 7.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 7.2 Pharmaceuticals
- 7.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 7.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 7.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 7.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 7.3 Chemical Intermediates
- 7.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 7.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 7.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 7.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 7.4 Others
- 7.4.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 7.4.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 7.4.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 7.4.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 8. Phosphorous Trichloride Market Forecast, By Region, 2019 - 2023 and 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
- 8.1 North America
- 8.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 8.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 8.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 8.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 8.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 8.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 8.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 8.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 8.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 8.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 8.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 8.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 8.4.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 8.4.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 8.4.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 8.4.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 8.5.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 8.5.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 8.5.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 8.5.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 8.1 North America
- 9. North America Phosphorous Trichloride Market Analysis, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
- 9.1 By Grade Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
- 9.1.1 Technical Grade
- 9.1.2 Pharmaceutical Grade
- 9.1.3 Battery/Ultra-Pure Grade
- 9.2.1 Agrochemicals
- 9.2.2 Flame Retardants
- 9.2.3 Pharmaceuticals
- 9.2.4 Batteries & Electrolytes
- 9.2.5 Others (e.g., surfactants, catalysts)
- 9.3.1 Electronics
- 9.3.2 Pharmaceuticals
- 9.3.3 Chemical Intermediates
- 9.3.4 Others
- 9.4.1 United States
- 9.4.2 Canada
- 9.5 North America Phosphorous Trichloride Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Grade, By Application, By End Use Industry Agriculture, and Country, 2024 - 2031
- 9.6 Regional Trends Analysis
- 9.7 North America Phosphorous Trichloride Market Research Report - Company Profiles
- 9.7.1 Company 1 (United States)
- 9.7.2 Company 2 (Canada)
- 9.7.3 Company 3 (Canada)
- 10.1 By Grade Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
- 10.1.1 Technical Grade
- 10.1.2 Pharmaceutical Grade
- 10.1.3 Battery/Ultra-Pure Grade
- 10.2.1 Agrochemicals
- 10.2.2 Flame Retardants
- 10.2.3 Pharmaceuticals
- 10.2.4 Batteries & Electrolytes
- 10.2.5 Others (e.g., surfactants, catalysts)
- 10.3.1 Electronics
- 10.3.2 Pharmaceuticals
- 10.3.3 Chemical Intermediates
- 10.3.4 Others
- 10.4.1 Germany
- 10.4.2 United Kingdom
- 10.4.3 France
- 10.4.4 Spain
- 10.4.5 Italy
- 10.4.6 Russia
- 10.4.7 Netherlands and Rest of Europe
- 10.5 Europe Phosphorous Trichloride Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Grade, By Application, By End Use Industry Agriculture, and Country, 2024 - 2031
- 10.6 Regional Trends Analysis
- 10.7 Europe Phosphorous Trichloride Market Research Report - Company Profiles
- 10.7.1 Company 1 (Germany)
- 10.7.2 Company 2 (United Kingdom)
- 10.7.3 Company 3 (United Kingdom)
- 11.1 By Grade Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
- 11.1.1 Technical Grade
- 11.1.2 Pharmaceutical Grade
- 11.1.3 Battery/Ultra-Pure Grade
- 11.2.1 Agrochemicals
- 11.2.2 Flame Retardants
- 11.2.3 Pharmaceuticals
- 11.2.4 Batteries & Electrolytes
- 11.2.5 Others (e.g., surfactants, catalysts)
- 11.3.1 Electronics
- 11.3.2 Pharmaceuticals
- 11.3.3 Chemical Intermediates
- 11.3.4 Others
- 11.4.1 China
- 11.4.2 Japan
- 11.4.3 India
- 11.4.4 South Korea
- 11.4.5 Australia & New Zealand
- 11.4.6 ASEAN
- 11.4.7 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 11.5 Asia-Pacific Phosphorous Trichloride Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Grade, By Application, By End Use Industry Agriculture, and Country, 2024 - 2031
- 11.6 Regional Trends Analysis
- 11.7 Asia-Pacific Phosphorous Trichloride Market Research Report - Company Profiles
- 11.7.1 Company 1 (China)
- 11.7.2 Company 2 (Japan)
- 11.7.3 Company 3 (Japan)
- 12.1 By Grade Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
- 12.1.1 Technical Grade
- 12.1.2 Pharmaceutical Grade
- 12.1.3 Battery/Ultra-Pure Grade
- 12.2.1 Agrochemicals
- 12.2.2 Flame Retardants
- 12.2.3 Pharmaceuticals
- 12.2.4 Batteries & Electrolytes
- 12.2.5 Others (e.g., surfactants, catalysts)
- 12.3.1 Electronics
- 12.3.2 Pharmaceuticals
- 12.3.3 Chemical Intermediates
- 12.3.4 Others
- 12.4.1 Brazil
- 12.4.2 Mexico
- 12.4.3 Argentina
- 12.4.4 Peru
- 12.4.5 Colombia
- 12.4.6 Rest of Latin America
- 12.5 Latin America Phosphorous Trichloride Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Grade, By Application, By End Use Industry Agriculture, and Country, 2024 - 2031
- 12.6 Regional Trends Analysis
- 12.7 Latin America Phosphorous Trichloride Market Research Report - Company Profiles
- 12.7.1 Company 1 (Brazil)
- 12.7.2 Company 2 (Mexico)
- 12.7.3 Company 3 (Mexico)
- 13.1 By Grade Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
- 13.1.1 Technical Grade
- 13.1.2 Pharmaceutical Grade
- 13.1.3 Battery/Ultra-Pure Grade
- 13.2.1 Agrochemicals
- 13.2.2 Flame Retardants
- 13.2.3 Pharmaceuticals
- 13.2.4 Batteries & Electrolytes
- 13.2.5 Others (e.g., surfactants, catalysts)
- 13.3.1 Electronics
- 13.3.2 Pharmaceuticals
- 13.3.3 Chemical Intermediates
- 13.3.4 Others
- 13.4.1 Saudi Arabia
- 13.4.2 UAE
- 13.4.3 South Africa
- 13.4.4 Egypt
- 13.4.5 Israel
- 13.4.6 Rest of Middle East and Africa
- 13.5 Middle East and Africa Phosphorous Trichloride Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Grade, By Application, By End Use Industry Agriculture, and Country, 2024 - 2031
- 13.6 Regional Trends Analysis
- 13.7 Middle East and Africa Phosphorous Trichloride Market Research Report - Company Profiles
- 13.7.1 Company 1 (Saudi Arabia)
- 13.7.2 Company 2 (UAE)
- 13.7.3 Company 3 (UAE)
- 14.1 Strategic Dashboard of Top Market Players
- 14.2 Company Profiles (Introduction, Financial Assessments, Portfolio of Offerings, Milestones and Achievements, Strategic Initiative, and SWOT Analysis)
- 14.2.1 Lanxess AG
- 14.2.2 Solvay S.A.
- 14.2.3 ICL Group Ltd.
- 14.2.4 OCP Group
- 14.2.5 The Mosaic Company
- 14.2.6 Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group
- 14.2.7 Yihua Group
- 14.2.8 Merck KGaA
- 14.2.9 Bayer AG
- 14.2.10 PCC Rokita SA
- 14.2.11 Parchem Fine & Specialty Chemicals
- 9.1 By Grade Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
- 15. Data Collection Method and Research Approach
- 16. Principal Presumptions and Acronyms