Yellow Phosphorus Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type(Industrial Grade and Food & Pharma Grade), By Application (Thermal phosphoric acid, Phosphorus trichloride, and Others), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2033

Last Updated: 14 July 2025
SKU ID: 21776124

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YELLOW PHOSPHORUS MARKET OVERVIEW

The global yellow phosphorus market size was USD 4.29 billion in 2024 and the market is projected to touch USD 5.72 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 3.27% during the forecast period.

Yellow phosphorus, also known as white phosphorus, is a highly reactive non-metallic element with a waxy, white-to-yellow appearance. It is most famous for its historical use in manufacturing matches and explosives, but its extreme reactivity and toxicity have led to strict regulations and a decline in its use in consumer products. Yellow phosphorus can spontaneously ignite upon exposure to air, making it extremely dangerous and requiring special storage precautions.

Its toxicity can cause severe health effects if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. In response to these hazards, safer forms of phosphorus, such as red phosphorus, are commonly used in various applications, including safety matches and the semiconductor industry. Nevertheless, yellow phosphorus continues to find use in specific industrial processes, where its reactivity and reducing properties are required, such as in the production of phosphoric acid and other phosphorus compounds.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Price Volatility to Hamper Demand Significantly

The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with yellow phosphorus experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

COVID-19 had a life changing impact globally. The yellow phosphorus market growth was significantly affected. The virus had various impacts on different markets. Lockdowns were imposed in several nations. This erratic pandemic caused disruptions on all sorts of businesses. Restrictions tightened during the pandemic due to increasing number of cases. Numerous Industries were affected. However, the market for yellow phosphorus share experienced a reduced demand.

The pandemic disrupted global supply chains, affecting the production and transportation of raw materials and chemicals. If the supply chain for phosphorus-related materials or chemicals was disrupted, it could have indirectly impacted the production of yellow phosphorus. Economic slowdowns and lockdowns in various countries may have led to changes in industrial demand for phosphorus compounds and products, which could have affected the overall demand for yellow phosphorus.

Fluctuations in supply and demand, combined with economic uncertainty, can lead to price volatility in commodity markets. This volatility may have affected the cost of yellow phosphorus and related products. Movement restrictions and health safety measures during the pandemic may have presented logistical challenges for companies involved in the phosphorus industry, potentially impacting production and distribution. The market is anticipated to boost the yellow phosphorus market growth following the pandemic.

LATEST TRENDS

Phosphorus Recovery to Broaden Market Growth

Research may focus on developing technologies for the recovery and recycling of phosphorus from various waste streams, including wastewater and agricultural runoff, to address phosphorus resource sustainability. While yellow phosphorus itself has limited technological applications, research into phosphorus compounds, such as phosphorus-based catalysts and materials, continues in areas like the chemical industry and semiconductor manufacturing.

Phosphorus is an essential element for agriculture, and there is growing interest in developing more sustainable phosphorus sources or recycling methods to reduce reliance on finite reserves of phosphate rock. As environmental regulations become stricter, there could be ongoing research into minimizing the environmental impact of phosphorus-related industrial processes and waste disposal. Research and development efforts may focus on developing safer handling and storage methods for yellow phosphorus to mitigate its extreme reactivity and toxicity. These latest developments are anticipated to boost the yellow phosphorus market share.

Global-Yellow-Phosphorus-Market-Share-By-Types,-2033

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YELLOW PHOSPHORUS MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type, the market is divided into Industrial Grade and Food & Pharma Grade.

Industrial Grade holds a major share of the global market.

By Application

Based on application, the market is bifurcated into Thermal phosphoric acid, Phosphorus trichloride, and Others.

Thermal phosphoric acid as application holds a major share of the global market.

DRIVING FACTORS

Semiconductor Industry to Boost Market Share

Phosphorus compounds are used in the semiconductor industry for doping silicon and producing phosphorus-based materials for electronic components. As the demand for electronics and technology continues to grow, so does the demand for phosphorus in semiconductor manufacturing. Yellow phosphorus is used as a raw material in various industrial chemicals, including phosphoric acid, which has applications in the production of detergents, food additives, and beverages. The demand for these products in the manufacturing and food processing industries drives the production of yellow phosphorus. These factors are anticipated to drive the yellow phosphorus market growth.

Water Treatment to Boost Market Growth

Phosphorus compounds are employed in water treatment processes to remove impurities and control the growth of algae in bodies of water. The need for clean and safe drinking water contributes to the demand for yellow phosphorus in this sector. Research is ongoing to develop advanced energy storage systems like lithium-ion batteries, and phosphorus compounds are being explored for use in electrode materials, potentially increasing the demand for phosphorus in energy storage applications. These factors are anticipated to drive the yellow phosphorus market share.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Toxicity and Safety Concerns to Hamper Market Share

Yellow phosphorus is highly toxic and poses significant health and safety risks. Its reactivity with air and its ability to spontaneously ignite make it challenging to handle, store, and transport safely. These safety concerns can limit its use and lead to strict regulations governing its production and handling. The production and use of yellow phosphorus can have adverse environmental impacts, particularly when phosphorus-containing compounds enter water bodies, contributing to nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms. Stricter environmental regulations aimed at mitigating these effects can impact the phosphorus industry. The factors are anticipated to hinder the growth of the yellow phosphorus market growth.

YELLOW PHOSPHORUS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia Pacific Dominates the Yellow Phosphorus Market

Asia Pacific is the major shareholder for the yellow phosphorus market size. The region has been a major shareholder in the yellow phosphorus market. The region has a substantial agricultural sector with a high demand for phosphorus fertilizers to support crop production. APAC’s industrial and chemical sectors also drive significant demand for yellow phosphorus as a raw material in various chemical processes. The countries large population and agricultural activities contribute to its role as a key consumer and producer of yellow phosphorus.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead in the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolio.

List of Top Yellow Phosphorus Companies

  • Bayer (Monsanto) [Germany]
  • Mianyang Jinchuan Phosphorus Chemical Co., Ltd [China]
  • Mianyang Aostar Phosphorus Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. [China]
  • Jiangsu Chengxing Phosph-Chemicals Co., Ltd [China]
  • Kazphosphate LLC [Kazakhstan]

REPORT COVERAGE

This research profiles a report with extensive studies that take into description of the firms that exist in the market affecting the forecasting period. With detailed studies done, it also offers a comprehensive analysis by inspecting the factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, restraints, etc. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics changes.

Yellow Phosphorus Market Report Scope & Segmentation

Attributes Details

Market Size Value In

US$ 4.29 Billion in 2024

Market Size Value By

US$ 5.72 Billion by 2033

Growth Rate

CAGR of 3.27% from 2025 to 2033

Forecast Period

2025-2033

Base Year

2024

Historical Data Available

Yes

Regional Scope

Global

Segments Covered

By Type

  • Industrial Grade
  • Food and Pharma Grade

By Application

  • Thermal phosphoric acid
  • Phosphorus trichloride
  • Others

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