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White phosphorous market is set to show substantial expansion from 2021 to 2027 driven by the spiraling military-related investments. The rising number of conflicts and clashes mainly across the Middle East region has led to the expanding requirement for arms and ammunition.
White phosphorous market is expected to see significant growth during 2021 to 2027 driven by higher adoption in chemical manufacturing and firecrackers. The rising requirement to offer smokescreens for troop movement and to trace the path of bullets in military services has led to the higher need for mortar and artillery shells.
White phosphorous is a typically toxic substance derived from phosphate-containing rocks and is widely employed in fertilizers, food additives, as well as cleaning compounds. The incessant adoption of high-quality incendiary and smoke agents in ammunition to cater to the increasing warfare requirements will further contribute to shaping the white phosphorous industry growth curve.
With regards to applications, the arms and ammunition sector is expected to emerge as a lucrative revenue pocket for the white phosphorous market. This is mainly ascribing to the rising penetration of the product in hand grenades, and smoke bombs. Given its instant ignition attributes, white phosphorous is utilized for destroying enemy equipment, including vehicles and storage tanks in war situations. Furthermore, as white phosphorus burns fiercely and is capable of igniting various combustibles, it is excessively deployed in ammunitions.
Demand for white phosphorous across pesticides and fertilizer applications is poised to capture a significant market revenue share through 2027 on account of the rising demand for organic phosphorus pesticides. Besides, white phosphorous is increasingly utilized in insecticides in pastes which are made by grinding the yellow phosphorus owing to its toxicity. Growing concerns of chlorinated hydrocarbons and the higher obligation of insecticide in pest control will drive the market progression.
In terms of regional segmentation, Asia Pacific white phosphorous market is anticipated to gain notable proceeds. This can be attributed to the rising developments in the pharmaceutical sector and the higher production of pesticides & fertilizers in the region. According to estimates, pesticide usage in China accounts for 1,763,000 tons. The booming medical and medical verticals along with the higher defense and military spending in various developing economies will contribute to the regional market growth.
Middle East and Africa is likely to record a prolific consumption of white phosphorous on account of the rising warfare and conflicts in the region. The increasing white phosphorous import activities in Saudi Arabia is another impact rendering factor for the industry expansion across this geography.
Some of the major white phosphorous market participants include Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, Prasol Chemicals Limited, Viet Hong Chemical, and Trading Company Limited, Sichuan Chuantou Chemical Industry Group Company Ltd., Changzhou Qishuyan Fine Chemical Company Ltd., Taraz, Yunnan Phosphorus Group Company Limited, Yunphos (Taixing) Chemical Company Limited, 5-Continent Phosphorus Company Limited, UPL Europe Limited, and Shymkent.
Most of these firms are turning to prominent business strategies, that are inclusive of acquisitions, partnerships, capacity expansions, investments and are largely bringing innovations to their offerings in order to expand their geographical presence while sustaining competition.
For instance, in December 2020, Excel Industries Limited received a green nod for its expansion program from the EAC (The Expert Appraisal Committee) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for environmental clearance chemical for the proposed expansion of its manufacturing unit capacity. Following the program, the plant will help in the production of various phosphorus and other chemical products.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant impacts on all facets of life, be it changes in terms of business, personal, and economy. The varying degrees of the nationwide lockdowns and the containment directives put to action by several governments gave way for the abrupt closing of numerous public entities, like the IT sector, malls, restaurants, and educational facilities.
The white phosphorous industry also faced the brunt of the outbreak given the stalled manufacturing as well as distribution of hunting supplies that hampered the demand for ammunition.